[News] Drama, Movies, Actors & Actresses

[deka_if]

2009.12.03

Kim Jun back on feet after recovering from influenza

Boy band T-MAX [Planet 905]

Actor and boy band T-MAX member Kim Jun has recovered from the influenza flu and resume his domestic activities starting with attending an autograph session along with his group members in Incheon this week, according to their agency on Thursday.

The three, ambassadors for promoting tourism in Incheon, will show up at the event to be held at the Incheon International Airport on Sunday, Planet 905 said in a press release.

The session will commemorate the successful ending of the ‘2009 Visit Incheon Year' which attracted over seven million foreign tourists visited the city this year, the largest figure to date.

Participants of the event will receive special diaries for the upcoming '2010-2012 Visit Korea Year', a t-shirt and T-MAX's album.

Kim had been diagnosed with the influenza flu last week but given a clean bill of health on Monday. "He will be able to carry out all his schedules as planned now, both in Korea and overseas, and even attend a festival in Thailand today," Planet 905 said.

T-MAX is best-known for their song “Paradise", the soundtrack for hit TV series “Boys Over Flowers.” Kim also starred in the hit drama early this year alongside SS501 leader Kim Hyun-joong and actor Lee Min-ho.

Reporter : Linda Kim lindakim@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2009/12/03

(Movie Review)

'Potato' the latest 'commercial indie' hit

SEOUL, Dec. 3 (Yonhap) -- Known as the "toughest guy" back in high school, Baek-i (Lee Gyu-hoe) returns to his hometown in the northeastern Gangwon region, reuniting with friends who are still hung up on a fight they lost to a rival gang 20 years earlier.

Jin-han (Yoo Oh-sung), who once led the rival gang, has now become one of the richest men in the small countryside town, making headlines after donating a scholarship fund to the high school that he was expelled from.

Nearing 40, Baek-i finds himself entangled in a plot to avenge his friends -- all of whom are still brimming with "teenage spirit" -- after they get beaten up by members of Jin-han's gang.

Some men just never grow up.

A feature debut by commercial advertising producer Jeon Yong-taek, "Potato Symphony" comes across as an autobiographical tale involving the director's own friends, his hometown and all its intertwined agonies.

"I wanted to talk about men who are still lost about what to do with their lives as they are reaching middle-age," the director said after the movie's preview Wednesday. "To them, winning a fight they lost back in high school could be like a search for a new goal and hope in life."

Male-centered and at times bordering on childish, "Potato" is likely to have a hard time attracting female audiences.

Still, the film's humor and warmth manage to hold audiences' attention and keep them laughing from the opening scene, proving itself to be another potentially successful indie film.

Several low-budget independent movies, including "Old Partner," "Breathless" and "Daytime Drinking," have achieved commercial success this year, proving that new genres and a strong story can attract larger audiences than big name directors and money.

"Potato's" characters treat their teenage dream of vengeance with utmost solemnity, but their serious demeanors coupled with thick regional accents provoke uproarious laughter from audiences.

Jeon and the entire cast and crew of "Potato" all hail from the mountainous Gangwon Province, where the film is set, lending a unique and authentic regional ambiance that is the movie's strongest merit.

The title of the film symbolizes Gangwon, the director explained, a province famous for its potatoes and sweet potatoes cultivated throughout the region.

"Potato's" received the highest honor at the 4th French-Korean Film Festival, held in Paris last month, lauded for its "humorous inspection into the lingering childish aspirations of men."

Director Jeon, who studied cinema at the University of Paris VIII, wrote the scenario for "Potato" in 2001, which was selected by the Korea Film Council in 2006. The council supported filming of the movie with 500 million won ($430,000).

The movie, with a running time of 107 minutes, will hit the local theaters Dec. 10.

Credits : Shin Hae-in (hayney@yna.co.kr)

Source : Yonhap News

[deka_if]

2009.12.03

"Mother" wins Blue Dragon gold

Poster for film "Mother" [CJ Entertainment]

Critically acclaimed director Bong Joon-ho's film "Mother" triumphed at the 30th Blue Dragon Film Awards on Wednesday as it raked up the most trophies at the annual ceremony including the prize for best picture.

A total of five nominees including "Thirst", "Good Morning President", "Take Off" and "Haeundae" had been up for competition at the Blue Dragons, one of Korea's two largest film awards alongside the Daejong Film Awards.

Top actress Kim Hye-ja and Hallyu star Won Bin starrer "Mother", which had premiered at Cannes in May, also took the award for best supporting actor, handed to Jin Goo, and the prize for best lighting.

The Blue Dragons deemed that "Closer to Heaven" had the top cast, handing the awards for best actor and best actress to Kim Myung-min and Ha Ji-won, respectively, who were co-stars in the film. Kim, who had lost 20 kilograms to play the role of a man suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease, had won the same title at the Daejong awards.

Other movies up for nods took two prizes each, including "Take Off" whose director Kim Yong-hwa was named the best director and also took the award for best cinematography.

Park Chan-wook's Cannes award-winning vampire film "Thirst" took the awards for best supporting actress and music while "Speed Scandal" helmer Kang Hyun-chul was named the best new director and actress Park Bo-young was named best new actress.

Summer blockbuster pic "Haeundae", which attracted nearly 11.4 million viewers to become the fourth most-watched film of all time, won the award for largest audience and best technique.

Awards

▲ Best Picture: "Mother"

▲ Best Director: Kim Yong-hwa ("Take Off")

▲ Best New Director: Kang Hyung-chul ("Speed Scandal")

▲ Best Leading Actor: Kim Myung-min ("Closer to Heaven")

▲ Best Leading Actress: Ha Ji-won ("Closer to Heaven")

▲ Best Supporting Actor: Jin Goo ("Mother")

▲ Best Supporting Actress: Kim Hae-sook ("Thirst")

▲ Best New Actor: Yang Ik-joon ("Breathless")

▲ Best New Actress: Kim Kobbi ("Breathless"), Park Bo-young ("Speed Scandal")

▲ Best Cinematography: Park Hyun-chul ("Take Off")

▲ Best Music: Cho Young-wook ("Thirst")

▲ Best Art Direction: Cho Hwa-sung, Choi Hyun-suk ("Private Eye")

▲ Technical Award: Hans Uglig, Jang Sung-ho, Kim Hee-dong ("Haeundae")

▲ Best Original Screenplay: Lee Yong-joo ("Possessed")

▲ Best Lighting: Choi Chul-soo, Park Dong-soon ("Mother")

Credits : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

Dec. 03, 2009

Korean-American Film Executive Sees Opportunities in Hollywood

Jeanie Han

"Korean movies should focus on storytelling rather than visual images," said Jeanie Han, a senior vice president at Paramount Pictures. The Korean-American film executive was visiting Korea to give a keynote speech at the Convergence Content Insight 2009 conference on Tuesday hosted by the Korea Creative Content Agency.

Han immigrated to the U.S. with her family when she was in elementary school. After obtaining a Ph.D in business marketing from the University of Southern California, she worked as a consultant until she was hired by DreamWorks Pictures in 2002, where she served as vice president of marketing and distribution before joining Paramount in 2006.

"Korean films are competitive enough to succeed in the U.S. market," Han said. "Korean filmmakers have an exceptional ability to create new stories. Park Chan-wook's 'Oldboy' is even studied at film schools in the U.S."

She noted the recent success of Korean actors in Hollywood, like Lee Byung-hun in "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" and Rain in "Ninja Assassin." However, she said, "Korean actors will only be able to expand their opportunities in Hollywood beyond martial arts roles by improving their English."

Credits : englishnews@chosun.com

*****

2009.12.03

'Media convergence is the future'

Jeanie Han is not your typical Hollywood studio exec.

She's not a man, she doesn't come from a family with a long history in the movie business and, most atypical of all, she's Korean-American.

Now in her third year as senior vice president of Paramount Pictures, few would assume that the petite and bubbly Han is one of the most powerful figures in Hollywood.

She was in Seoul earlier this week as a keynote speaker for the Convergence Content Insight 2009 conference at the COEX Convention Center in southern Seoul.

The marketing guru was invited by the Korea Creative Contents Agency to speak at the forum which aims to spark discussions on cross-media marketing strategies in multiple entertainment sectors. The conference wrapped up yesterday.

Her speech was about the future of the movie business, how rising costs have paved the way for new and more innovative approaches in cost-effective marketing as well as the use of online communities for advertisements.

These were, of course, right up her alley as she was the brains behind the wildly successful marketing campaign for the recent low-budget horror film "Paranormal Activity," produced for less than $20,000 and grossing more than $100 million at the North American box office.

The film had virtually no budget for marketing so Han - previously a specialist in promotion and marketing as a consultant for KPMG and vice president of Dreamworks Pictures - looked to the internet to spread the word.

"It became free advertising for us," Han said of the word of mouth that the online community created for the picture.

"The success of that marketing campaign will be reflected on my bonus at the end of this year," she joked.

If Artisan Entertainment's "Blair Witch Project" pioneered and uncovered the internet as a powerful potential marketing tool, Han innovated through the use of popular social networking sites such as Facebook to create early buzz.

"Revenue is going down but costs are going up in the moviemaking business and we have to come up with ways to generate cost effective measures to advertise movies," she said.

"This is where convergence comes in - using different platforms so that they all speak to one another."

Noting the cross-media use of IPTV, mobile phones, the internet, videogames and social networking sites as alternative marketing tools which can effectively lighten the heavy reliance on traditional print and television advertisements, Han stressed the importance of this convergence of media platforms.

"It's impossible to make money from box office returns these days," she said.

"We need to be able to consume different media at the same time and that's where we want to be. We want to be at a place where you can watch a DVD or a show like 'Sex and the City' and say, 'Hey, I want that dress' and be able to look it up on the spot online and make a purchase. That's how you bring in revenue in this day and age where production costs keep increasing."

With the advent of technologies and home theater becoming more and more affordable, does this mean there will come a day when cinemas and multiplexes are going to become obsolete? Han doesn't think so.

"Multiplexes and movie theaters will always thrive and will always be there because it's a completely different experience," she said.

"When you go on a date you want to go to a movie theater. You don't say let's go watch a DVD at home. It's a different experience and I think it's a supplemental thing. This is why 3D is being pushed as well, because it offers a whole new experience that moviegoers won't be able to have access to yet in their homes."

She placed further emphasis on technology sharing a symbiotic relationship with creative grassroots ideas.

"Technology people must converge with content people and together they should disseminate information in different ways to make use of various platforms such as IPTV, mobile phones, television, internet, and films," she said.

"That will take our industry to the next level. We have to become more interactive and we have to do more than receive."

Credits : Song Woong-ki (kws@heraldm.com)

Source : The Korea Herald

[deka_if]

12-03-2009

'Actresses' Is Sassy Mix of Fact, Fiction

From left, actresses Choi Ji-woo, Kim Min-hee, Lee Mi-suk, Koh Hyun-jung,

Youn Yuh-jung and Kim Ok-vin star in E J-yong's new movie ``The Actresses.''

/ Courtesy of Showbox/Mediaplex

"There are three types of people: men, women and actresses,'' and "The Actresses'' brings together not one but six heroines.

The third of E J-yong's creations to be invited to the Berlin International Film Festival, "The Actresses'' tactfully endorses the movie's opening remark as it peeks into the glamorous ― and not-so-glamorous ― lives of screen beauties.

The unscripted, semi-improvisational film combines reality and fantasy, and the result is something sassy, perky and tastefully droll, though some of the in-jokes may get lost in translation for non-Korean viewers.

"But you've got to understand! They're actresses, they cannot wait!'' a staff member panics, as the jewelry that the actresses are supposed to wear in a Vogue magazine spread gets stuck in a snow storm en route from Japan.

It's Christmas Eve, and magazine crew members nervously drum fingers. They must deal with actresses who find themselves in an unprecedented situation: sharing the limelight with other household names.

Veteran actress Youn Yuh-jung, known for her endearing roles and less-than-perfect complexion, is irritated that she isn't fashionably late like the others, and cannot help feeling like a last-minute replacement for the glamour shoot.

Lee Mi-suk, though still considered a sex symbol at middle-age, speaks of her wish to retain her identity as a woman ― ``Everyone ages but it's painful how actresses age under the public eye and are scrutinized for it,'' she says.

Hypersensitive hallyu ``princess'' Choi Ji-woon meanwhile, in a spur of obsessive compulsion, scrubs her makeup desk before settling down. And of course her arrival is never complete without a retinue of Japanese fans and a personal masseuse.

Koh Hyun-jung, a 1990s icon who recently returned to screens after a high profile divorce, cannot hide her jealousy toward Choi. Being the hot-tempered and brutally honest tomboy she is rumored to be, Koh starts picking a fight with Choi. The two are seen bickering and squealing like schoolgirls and Choi leaves the set in a huff ― ``This is totally like `The Nightmare Before Christmas'!'' says the Vogue editor, who also stars as herself in the movie.

The youngest actresses ― twiggy former model Kim Min-hee and the more curvaceous Kim Ok-vin ― find it hard not to compare each other, especially when a male staff member says that men prefer curvy women.

E said he simply provided the basis for conflict and the leading ladies took it from there, improvising parts scene-by-scene.

The six ladies, varying in age from 20s to 60s, clearly assume exaggerated personas that reflect some degree of popular belief. And issues that are raised, such as the touchy politics of dress size, are rather expected.

But apart from capitalizing on the reputation of the cast, it also relies on ``classic'' forms of ``entertainment,'' such as cat fights and juicy gossip, to draw in viewers ― and it works surprisingly well as one is kept wondering whether the situation is real or not.

And it could not have been complete without the fine attention to minute detail and crafty editing E is known for.

The film will be featured in the Berlinale's non-competitive Panorama section, which screens 18 works that are considered to have both artistic and commercial merits. It hits local theaters Dec. 10. Distributed by Showbox/Mediaplex.

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

Source : The Korea Times

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12-03-2009

'Closer to Heaven' Couple Win Best Acting Nods

Ha Ji-won

winner of the Best Actress Award

Kim Myung-min and Ha Ji-won, who starred as a married couple in Park Jin-pyo's tearjerker ``Closer to Heaven,'' were named Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively, at the Blue Dragon Awards, Wednesday evening, in Yeouido, Seoul.

``I'm not sure if I deserve this award. I am thankful, though, as I have to try twice as hard because of my less-than-perfect acting abilities,'' said Kim, who had previously made headlines for shedding 20 kilograms to play a terminally ill patient. Ever since his breakthrough role in the TV drama ``Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-shin,'' he has been sweeping various Best Actor awards for characters he played on both the big and small screen.

Kim Myung-min

winner of the Best Actor Award

The 37-year-old, eyes welling with tears, went on to thank his co-star Ha: ``I was able to finish the movie because of you and I'm so thankful for how you always took care of me.''

Ha, who was nominated for the first time in her 10-year acting career, shed tears as she accepted the honor. ``Thank you so much,'' said the 31-year-old, adding how surprised she was that such a thing could happen to her.

``I am a really greedy actress on the set but I am never greedy when it comes to awards. But when I accepted the Popularity award earlier I did yearn a little for this prize,'' she said, having received the Honored Popularity Award alongside Lee Byung-hun, Ha Jung-woo and Choi Kang-hee.

She also thanked her co-star: ``I think I stand here today thanks to Kim Myung-min who helped me concentrate on my role though he became sicker day by day on the set.''

The tsunami blockbuster ``Haeundae,'' starring Ha, won the Popular Movie Award, having become one of the highest grossing movies in Korean box office history. The film also won the Technical Award for its special effects.

Meanwhile, Bong Joon-ho's thriller ``Mother'' swept prizes, including Best Film. Jin Gu took home the Best Supporting Actor Award. He said he wanted to share the honor with the director, who was unable to attend the event.

Choi Cheol-su and Park Dong-sun won Best Lighting for their work on ``Mother.'' The film premiered to critical acclaim in the Cannes Film Festival's non-competitive section.

Kim Hae-sook was recognized as Best Supporting Actress for Park Chan-wook's ``Thirst,'' which won the Jury Prize at Cannes. Jo Yeong-ok, who provided the score for the vampire movie, won the award for Best Music.

The Best New Actor and New Actress Awards went to ``Breathless'' stars Yang Ik-june and Kim Kkobbi, respectively. Kim shared her award with ``Scandal Makers'' starlet Park Bo-young. Kang Hyeong-cheol, who helmed the mid-budget comedy, won the Best New Director Award.

Kim Yong-hwa was named Best Director for the hit sports movie ``Take-Off,'' whose Park Hyeon-cheol won the Best Cinematography Award for his work in the film.

Kim Han-gyeol won the Best Short Film Award for ``Gookgyeong,'' and the Best Art Direction Award went to Jo Hwa-seong and Choi Hyeon-seok for the period piece ``Private Drama.''

``Possession's'' Lee Yong-ju was recognized for Best Original Screenplay while late actress Jang Jin-young, who died of cancer earlier this year, received the Special Award.

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

Source : The Korea Times

****

December 04,2009

‘Closer to Heaven’ actors win Blue Dragon awards

Kim Myung-min, left, and Ha Ji-won pose for a photo after winning Best Actor and Actress awards at the 30th Blue Dragon Film Awards at KBS Hall on Yeouido in Seoul on Wednesday. [NEWSIS]

Director Bong Joon-ho’s critically acclaimed movie “Mother” and the two leading actors from the tearjerker “Closer to Heaven” took top honors at the Blue Dragon Film Awards in Seoul on Wednesday.

The Blue Dragon Film Awards, which is celebrating its 30th event this year, is a major film awards ceremony in Korea along with the Daejong Film Awards held early last month.

Actor Kim Myung-min, who is well known for his rigorous self-discipline and his ability to adapt to different roles, actually shed 20 kilograms (44 pounds) to play a patient with Lou Gehrig’s disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in Closer to Heaven, for which he was awarded the Best Actor award. Kim’s dedication to his work was also recognized at this year’s Daejong Film Awards, and he earned top acting honors there as well.

“I thank God for giving me the talent for acting, but I’m more thankful for not having received more of it so that I can always strive to be better,” Kim said in a memorable speech after receiving the award.

The highlight of the event came when actress Ha Ji-won was named Best Actress. Although Ha has proven herself as a powerful actress on both the big and small screens over the past 14 years, she had not won any major awards for her work until her Blue Dragon award win. She did, however, win acting honors at an awards ceremony for the fifth University Film Festival of Korea, an emerging festival that was held on Tuesday, the night before the Blue Dragon Film Awards.

And even though her performances in this year’s box-office hits “Haeundae” and “Closer to Heaven” were well received by both critics and audiences, Ha also had the misfortune of being excluded from the Best Actress nominations at the Daejong Film Awards due to a voting controversy that riled Ha’s supporters.

“I wondered if this day would ever come,” Ha said in a tearful acceptance speech.

The Best Director prize went to Kim Yong-hwa for “Take Off,” a fictionalized account of Korea’s national ski jumping team.

Meanwhile, budding actor Jin Goo of Mother and seasoned actress Kim Hae-sook of Park Chan-wook’s “Thirst” took home awards for Best Supporting Actor and Actress, respectively.

Credits : Park Sun-young [spark0320@joongang.co.kr]

Source : JoongAng Daily

[deka_if]

2009/12/03

'Mother' Wins Best Picture Award at Blue Dragon Film Awards

he movie "Mother" directed by Bong Jun-ho has won three awards at the 30th Blue Dragon Film Awards on December 2. "Mother" received the Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor and Best Lighting awards.

"Take Off," "Haeundae," "Thirst," "Speed Scandal" and "Breathless" each took two awards. Director Kim Yong-hwa received his second Best Director award.

Actor Kim Myung-min and actress Ha Ji-won, who played the leads in "Closer To Heaven," received the Best Actor and Best Actress awards, respectively.

Jin Ku ("Mother") was honored with the Best Supporting Actor award, while Kim Hae-sook ("Thirst") received the Best Supporting Actress award.

Yang Ik-jun of "Breathless" took the Best New Actor award. Kim Kkot-bi ("Breathless") and Park Bo-young ("Speed Scandal") won the Best New Actress awards.

Late actress Chang Jin-young, who died in September of cancer, was honored with the Special Award. Her father, Chang Kil-nam, received the award on her behalf.

The Popular Actor awards went to Lee Byung-hun, Ha Jung-woo, Ha Ji-won and Choi Kang-hee.

The jury was headed this year by Pusan International Film Festival Executive Director Kim Dong-ho. The award ceremony was hosted by Lee Bum-soo and Kim Hye-soo.

Following is the list of award-winners (film titles are indicated in parentheses)

Best Picture: "Mother"

Best Director: Kim Yong-hwa ("Take Off")

Best Actor: Kim Myung-min ("Closer To Heaven")

Best Actress: Ha Ji-won ("Closer To Heaven")

Best Supporting Actor: Jin Ku ("Mother")

Best Supporting Actress: Kim Hae-sook ("Thirst")

Best New Actor: Yang Ik-jun ("Breathless")

Best New Actress: Kim KKot-bi ("Breathless"), Park Bo-young ("Speed Scandal")

Best New Director: Kang Hyung-chul ("Speed Scandal")

Best Cinematography: Park Hyun-chul ("Take Off")

Best Lighting: Choi Chul-soo, Park Dong-soon ("Mother")

Best Music: Cho Young-wook ("Thirst")

Best Art: Cho Hwa-sung, Choi Hyun-seok ("Private Eye")

Best Engineer: Hans Ulrik, Chang Sung-ho, Kim Hee-dong ("Haeundae")

Best Screenplay: Lee Yong-joo ("Possessed")

Special Award: Chang Jin-young

Popular Actor: Lee Byung-hun, Ha Jung-woo, Ha Ji-won, Choi Kang-hee

Best Short Film: Kim Han-kyul ("Seeing")

Most Viewed Movie: "Haeundae"

Source : KBS Global

[deka_if]

Dec. 03, 2009

Balladeer stretches his musical boundaries

Shin Seung-hun searching for signature sound

I wanted to make the music I like, no matter what that is.

When he’s working on a new album, Shin says he barely

leaves his house and stays in “songwriting mode,” which

for him means that he scarcely pays attention to what he

wears or what he looks like. Once an album is released,

however, Shin says he goes back into “celebrity mode,”

in which he takes greater care of his appearance.

Provided by Dorothy Music

If you love Korean movies or TV dramas and listen to Korean music, you are sure to recognize the name Shin Seung-hun, the man behind hits such as “I Believe,” which was the theme song for the 2001 romantic comedy “My Sassy Girl.” Shin also sings “Love of Iris” off the soundtrack of the blockbuster Korean TV drama “Iris,” which has recently been renewed for a second season next year.

A heavyweight in the Korean pop music scene, Shin’s singing career spans nearly two decades and his albums have sold over 15 million copies to date. Yet despite his measurable success, the 41-year-old musician still seems to be experimenting with his musical style, and his efforts to stretch himself as an artist are apparent on his latest album “Love O’Clock.”

On the new release, which is the second in a planned three-album series he is calling “Three Waves of Unexpected Twists,” Shin offers songs with a distinctively R&B feel. The title track, “Fool for Love” is a departure from the teary ballads that have become part of his signature style, but that didn’t seem to bother his fans.

On Nov. 12, the day “Love O’Clock” was released, about 1,000 fans lined up to buy the new album at the record shop inside of Kyobo Bookstore in Gwanghwamun. The first edition of the album sold 20,000 copies immediately after its release.

Shin said in a recent interview that he is pleased with the immediate and positive response to his new sound, adding that the more he learns about music, the more he feels he needs to learn.

Following are excerpts from the interview.

Q. Your fans have lined up to buy your album. Did that surprise you?

A. I think that as my longtime fans continue to grow with me, they prefer to stick to the old school ways. I think they felt bad about downloading my music off of the Internet and took the trouble to go out and buy it. I’m not as popular on the Internet as I am offline (laughs) and I did not expect that this album would be such a commercial success.

What do you mean?

When I came up with the idea for the three-album series, I didn’t want it to be commercial, and I wanted to focus on making the music I like, no matter what that may be. Releasing my 10th album three years ago got me thinking about a lot of things. When I create ballads, people say that the music sounds the same and that there’s no variety, but when I try to be more experimental, people start getting suspicious and wonder what I’m really up to. (Laughs.)

I felt like I should study more before coming out with my next regular album [his 11th].

When I made “Radio Wave,” the first album in the [three-album] series, I studied up on the history of rock music. For the latest album in the series, I listened to a lot of R&B records.

It sounds like you really pay attention to what people say about you and your music.

Well, I just wish people would accept my style of music. When people look at a van Gogh painting, they don’t usually say, “Isn’t this painting too van Gogh-esque?” or “Abstractionism is the latest trend in the art world, so he should have tried to draw in that style.” (Laughs.) I’m not saying that I am a man of genius like van Gogh, but I just hope people can appreciate each artists’ own style.

How would you define your musical style?

I don’t think my music belongs to a specific genre... I just try to convey this feeling of sorrow without making it too obvious. Kim So-wol’s poetry, which deals with love, has moved me since I was young. I think that influences a lot of my songs now.

This album also has five songs based around the theme of love.

For me, making an album is similar to making a film. Films usually reveal a spectrum of human emotions from the opening to the climax. The same elements should come into play for an album. That is, the whole story and the flow of human emotions should be part of any album.

However, with everything going digital nowadays, musicians seem to be less creative. When asked what they are trying to say through their songs, some of them can’t really give a definite answer, saying things like, “Well... it’s something about sadness.” The quality of music is destined to decline if artists don’t think more deeply about their songs.

You didn’t write your own lyrics this time. Why not?

I didn’t have to be imaginative in order to write music in the past. The lyrics that I wrote were spontaneous, even if sometimes they were illogical or not well organized. Now that I have more experience, I know what people want to hear, but if I write that way, it won’t be coming from me anymore.

I’ve heard you haven’t dated anyone in a while. Could that be the reason you’re having trouble writing?

I agree that being in a relationship and going through the process of falling in love, breaking up and feeling sad about it certainly helps you to write music about love, but that’s not something you can plan. (Laughs.)

Next year marks the 20th anniversary since your musical debut. How do you feel about that?

Every time I release an album, I always think about what I want and I realize that I just want to give the best concert every time as well as make songs that are worthy of that title. I’m planning a solo concert this month and more concerts and events will come along in Japan and Korea next year to celebrate my 20th anniversary. I entered the music world because I liked the great artists of our time such as Yoo Jae-ha and Kim Hyun-sik, and I still believe that music has the power to change people’s lives. Twenty years later, I feel a sense of responsibility that I should become an artist who can be an inspiration to younger musicians.

Shin Seung-hun will perform at Olympic Hall, Olympic Park, Dec. 18 and 19 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 20 at 5 p.m. Tickets are 66,000 won ($57) to 132,000 won. For more, go to http://ticket.interpark.com.

Credits : Lee Young-hee [estyle@joongang.co.kr]

Source : JoongAng Daily

[deka_if]

2009.12.04

Im Kwon-taek starts over again

Veteran director Im Kwon-taek has unveiled his 101st film, "Dalbit gireo-oligi" (Scooping Up the Moonlight), another landmark expected to chart a new course in the local film industry.

Im has already secured an elusive status among Korean directors when he completed "Cheonneonhak" (Thousand-Year Crane), his 100th offering, in 2007. But it appears that he will not stop working on the art of cinema anytime soon, and his focus seems firmly set on Korean traditions.

"I hope this new film will be my second debut work," Im told reporters at a news conference held in Seoul on Tuesday. "What I want to do with this movie is to pull out of what is called 'Im Kwon-taek' films."

The film -- about the art of making Korean traditional paper -- is being produced as one of the major projects sponsored by the city of Jeonju in partnership with the Jeonju International Film Festival. With a production cost of 2 billion won ($1.7 million), the movie also marks Im's first-ever attempt at digital filmmaking.

"I want to capture the life, history and culture of Koreans so that we can share what we have with the world," Im said. "I was not so sure about what should be done but when I received the suggestion at a film festival, I readily agreed to work on it."

Im said the film's subject matter -- "hanji," Korea's traditional paper -- was far deeper than he imagined. "Once I stepped into the world of hanji, I was embarrassed on the far deeper and bigger scale. For the past two years, I despaired at what I had chosen to do, but in retrospect, it was a great lesson and I think I'm lucky to have come this far," he said.

Park Joong-hoon and Kang Soo-yeon have joined the cast, drawing keen attention from the local media. In the movie, Park plays as a middling civil servant who applies for a hanji-related project in hopes of a promotion but becomes obsessed with the beauty of the traditional paper. Kang's character is a documentary filmmaker who meets him while working on a story on the traditional art.

"Years ago I got an offer to join director Im's film, but I couldn't participate in that project, which I regretted deeply. I'm glad I can finally work with him and one of my old friends, Kang Soo-yeon," Park said.

Kang has twice previously teamed up with Im.

"Since director Im's films changed my film career entirely, I felt a lot of pressure when I decided to play a role for his film again."

Im is widely regarded as a pioneer in the local film industry. In the early 1990s, he set new box-office records with his "Son of a General" series. "Seopyeonje," released in 1993, was an enormous hit that broke the earlier box-office record Im himself set and opened the chapter of the so-called "audience of a million" era.

A decade later, Im won the prestigious Best Director Award at Cannes Film Festival for "Chihwaseon," the first time the honor had been bestowed on a Korean filmmaker. The achievement dramatically elevated Im's status in Korea and elsewhere. Im's towering achievement at Cannes also coincided with a growing interest in Asia and elsewhere about Korean cinema and helped to touch off the Korean Wave.

The shooting for Im's 101st film is set to start next month and a formal premiere will take place at the forthcoming Jeonju film festival in April 2010.

Credits : Yang Sung-jin (insight@heraldm.com)

Source : The Korea Herald

[deka_if]

December 04, 2009

New Im Kwon-taek film focuses on hanji

Song Ha-jin, president of the JIFF committee; actress Kang Soo-yeon; director Im Kwon-

taek; actor Park Joong-hoon; and JIFF director Min Byung-lock, from left, attend a press

conference in Seoul Tuesday to introduce Im's new movie in collaboration with the Jeonju

Film Festival. Provided by the organizer

The Korean government is currently intensifying its efforts to promote Korea and its cultural assets overseas, most notably hansik, or Korean food. But less attention has been paid to hanji, the Korean paper made from mulberry trees that is known in Asia for its beauty, flexibility and high quality.

However, a new film by internationally acclaimed Korean director Im Kwon-taek and produced by the Jeonju International Film Festival could change that. With a budget of 2 billion won ($1.73 million), the film will begin shooting in January. If completed in April as scheduled, it could go on to open the Jeonju film festival, which, true to its name, attracts a global audience.

The city of Jeonju is known for the beauty of its hanji, so it was a natural place for the project to begin. Festival organizers came up with the concept and then approached Im about directing the film.

"While we have carried out various projects to promote hanji, [making a movie about hanji] will be the highlight, particularly because it is with director Im," Song Ha-jin, president of the JIFF committee, said.

Im' s career dates to the early 1960s and his filmography consists of 100 movies, many of which have won critical and popular acclaim.

"When I was first presented with the idea of making a movie on hanji, it interested me a lot and didn't hesitate to participate because I'm always interested in portraying and displaying traditional Korean things on screen," said Im.

"However, it was far more difficult than I expected because the world of hanji is so profound and the process of constructing a story about it was so painful that I almost regretted my decision [to make the film]," Im said about the painstaking process of writing the script for the movie, which took two years. "Still, it was a greatly rewarding experience and I will also remember this project as an opportunity for learning," he added.

The movie, with the tentative English title "Dipping into the Moonlight," tells the story of a mediocre civil servant who gets involved in a city-driven hanji-related project just to get a promotion, but later falls for the beauty of the paper and becomes devoted to the work.

The poetic title describes the delicate hanji-making process and was also meant to give tribute to the hanji artisans who have dedicated their lives to their craft, the director noted.

"Even though this will be my 101st film, I'm sincerely determined to work on it as if it were my debut film," Im said.

Another reason that the film is meaningful for Im is that it is expected to be the director's first foray into digital film, which is a growing trend in Korean cinema.

Meanwhile, the film has also attracted the attention of the local movie industry for its cast, which features veteran actors Kang Soo-yeon and Park Joong-hoon.

Im says he has always wanted to work with Park, whose latest work was in the Korean blockbuster "Haeundae" (2009). Im actually offered Park a role in his movie "The Taebaek Mountains" in 1994, but the timing was not right. Since then, the two artists had been waiting for another opportunity to work together.

For that reason, Park said, "It was a great honor and pleasure for me to participate in Im's forthcoming 101st film, which deals with a very attractive subject and yet is still a very human story, as many of Im's other films are."

Kang, the leading female character in the film, also has strong ties to Im. She starred in his 1987 film "The Surrogate Woman," and earned a Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival.

The actress says she feels a lot of pressure in working with Im again "because his previous films have seen such great success." But Kang, who has collaborated with Im twice before, also credits Im with helping her to establish herself as an actress, and says she will do her best "to make the film as great as the others."

International film festivals, including Cannes, have already expressed interest in the film, according to JIFF director Min Byung-lock. If so, it would be a return to the French festival for Im, who won the festival's Best Director award in 2002 for "Chihwaseon," the story of a 19th-century Korean painter.

Credits : Park Sun-young [spark0320@joongang.co.kr]

Source : JoongAng Daily

[deka_if]

2009/12/04

Bae Yong-joon photo collection goes on sale in Japan

SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- A collection of photographs featuring Korean Wave star Bae Yong-joon will go on sale beginning February in Japan, the actor's Japan agent said Friday.

Bae, better known by the nickname "Yonsama" in Japan, gained explosive popularity in the country after playing the hero in the Korean TV series "Winter Sonata" in 2002. Since then, he has opened restaurants and launched a set of special lunchboxes featuring Korean food in Japan, eager to promote Korean culture in the neighboring country.

Bae's photo collection, which will go on sale beginning Feb. 22, is comprised of pictures taken during a year-long trip he took around Korea for his recently published book of essays, Digital Adventure said.

The Japanese publisher began accepting orders for the photo collection Friday.

Credits : hayney@yna.co.kr

Source : Yonhap News, The Korea Herald

[deka_if]

2009.12.04

[PREVIEW]

Movie "Secret"

Actor Cha Seung-won in the film "Secret" [CJ Entertainment]

After the death of their only child, his relationship with wife Ji-yeon (played by Song Yoon-ah) grows uncomfortable. His colleagues despise him because he is a cold-blooded bastard who imposes harsh and strict rules. Life as a father is not easy for veteran detective Kim Sung-yeol (played by Cha Seung-won) in the film "Secret". But one day, Ji-yeon comes home with a blood stain on her clothes. Shortly thereafter, he is called to the site of a murder where he recognizes traces of his wife that only he is able to notice. Discovering her earring, the button on her jacket and her lipstick smear on the glass, Kim Sung-yeol falls into a state of panic.

He then destroys all the evidence that might lead Ji-yeon into becoming a murder suspect, but the case is not that simple. Jackal (played by Ryu Sung-ryong), a mob boss who wants revenge for the death of his younger brother, comes after him and detective Choi (played by Park Won-sang), his colleague and arch-rival, starts getting suspicious about Kim. In addition, his wife keeps avoiding him and doesn't tell him the truth. With no one helping him, Kim Sung-yeol must solve the murder case before anyone else does. So then, who is the killer? Is it really his wife or another person?

Movie Points 7 (from 1-10)

Scenes from the movie "Secret" [CJ Entertainment]

"Secret" is Yoon Jae-goo's directorial debut. He had written the script for the film "Seven Days" and this is his second story, out of a four-part series, about redemption. If "Seven Days" was about a mother trying to save her child, "Secret" is about a husband trying to save his wife. But what Kim Sung-yeol wants to save is the past, which is represented by his wife. The husband, whose mistakenly caused the death of his child causing the happy family to shatter into pieces, desperately tries to solve the case. As a thriller movie, the process of the character solving the murder is pretty well expressed in the film. Other suspects appear one after another, messing with the audience's predictions, and the suspense is heightened by the many obstacles that Kim faces throughout the film. Actor Cha Seung-won, who carries the weight of the story, is convincing both as the pitiable father who loses a child and tries to protect his wife and also as a detective wearing a well-cut suit.

But as in "Seven Days", director Yoon Jae-goo goes too far in trying to emphasize his own sense of humanism in "Secret" which often collides with the film's story. For example, in one scene, Kim Sung-yeol sheds tears and fights 30 men by himself to protect Ji-yeon. Another example is when his arch-rival Choi suddenly offers camaraderie. Such moments are incoherent to the overall flow of the plot and distorts viewers' concentration. Plus, the film's ending which is shown while the ending credit is rolling seems hardly necessary. Director Yoon said at the press conference, held in Seoul on November 18, that "there are two ways to watch a thriller movie. You can try to play along and solve the puzzle with the people who made the movie or you can follow the subplots provided by the actors and the director and just enjoy it." "Secret" will probably be an enjoyable film if you use the latter method.

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

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

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2009.12.04

"Oldboy" chosen as top 50 movies of the decade

Poster of movie "Old Boy" [show East]

Korean film "Oldboy" has been selected as one the top 50 movies of the decade by U.S. magazine Time Out New York (TONY).

"Oldboy", directed by Park Chan-wook, was ranked at No. 27 on the top 50 list by TONY. The top three movies on the list were "Mulholland Drive" (2001, directed by David Lynch), "There Will Be Blood" (2007, Paul Thomas Anderson) and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" (2004, Michel Gondry)

The Korean film has received high praises from critics since its release in 2003 and won the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.

Hollywood filmmaker Steven Speilberg and actor Will Smith were planning a remake of the film, but the project has been cancelled because production company DreamWorks were unable to obtain the rights to the film.

"Oldboy", which stars Korean actor Choi Min-sik, is about a man who is locked in a hotel room for 15 years without knowing why. He plots revenge upon his release and finds himself trapped in conspiracy, violence and falling in love with an attractive young chef.

Reporter : Park So-yoen muse@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2009.12.04

3 Korean movies invited to Dubai film fest

Movie poster for film "Mother" [CJ Entertainment]

Three Korean films, including Bong Joon-ho's "Mother", has been invited to the 6th Dubai International Film Festival, according to a press release by the Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) committee.

The officials at PIFF announced today that "Mother" will be competing in the Muhr AsiaAfrica Feature category at the event which opens December 9.

"Earth's Woman", directed by Kwon Woo-jung, has also been invited to show in the documentary section. "Woman", about three women from the city who move to the farm to live a new life, premiered at PIFF earlier this year where it won the PIFF Mecenat Award for best documentary.

Director Jo Sung-hee's short film "Don't Step Out of the House", which won rave reviews at Cannes in May, will be competing in the Muhr AsiaAfrica Short category.

The Dubai film festival will be held until December 16.

Reporter : Ko Kyoung-seok kave@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2009.12.04

Sitcom “High Kick 2” sets another new hig

h

Poster for MBC sitcom "High Kick 2" [MBC]

MBC’s daily sitcom “High Kick 2” once again set a new record by reaching a viewership rating of 22.8 percent last night, according to TNS Media Korea on Friday.

The popularity of the sitcom had been picking up every week since its premiere in early September and more recently so, with the development of romantic relationships between characters.

Figures by AGB Nielsen Media Research also showed that more viewers are tuning into "High Kick", just a fifth of a percentage away from breaching ratings of 20 percent.

“High Kick 2,” a sequel of “High Kick 1” had continuously set high viewership rating records. The sitcom is not only liked by Korean viewers but it has been sold to SoNet, a Sony-affiliated Internet and television service provider in Japan for the highest price ever.

Reporter : Linda Kim lindakim@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2009.12.04

"Iris" scores its highest viewership rating

Official poster for KBS TV series "IRIS" [KBS2 TV]

KBS TV's blockbuster drama "Iris" continued to steam forward this week, as its ratings broke its previous high from a week ago.

According to statistics released by TNS Media Korea, the Wednesday/Thursday evening drama scored a 35.7 percent viewership rating, which is the highest figure the show has recorded since its premiere in mid-October.

Another research firm AGB Nielsen Media reported a 31.3 percent rating during yesterday's episode, a 0.7 point gain from the previous day.

"Iris" has drawn much attention since the pre-production stages with its huge scale, international location shoots and a stellar cast, which includes actors Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-hee, Kim So-yeon and K-pop idol T.O.P. of idol group Big Bang.

Reporter : Ko Jae-wan star@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

December 03, 2009

Four for one, one for all

From left: Jang Dong-gun; Song Seung-heon; Lee Byung-hun; and Won Bin

Japanese fans of the Korean Wave are about to get a special gift.

Four stars who were at the vanguard of the wave - Lee Byung-hun, 39; Jang Dong-gun, 37; Song Seung-heon, 33, and Won Bin, 32 - have teamed up for a live show dubbed "Four of a Kind," set to run at the Tokyo Dome on Dec. 17.

This Hallyu, or Korean wave event, unprecedented in its scale, was reportedly conceived independently by the four superstars, who are close friends and often meet privately.

The highlight of the event will come when all four actors perform together. The well-known Japanese producer and lyricist Yasushi Akimoto will produce the show, and Hur Jinho, the Korean film director known for the 1998 movie Christmas in August who recently directed Season of Good Rain starring Jung Woo-sung and Chinese actress Gao Yuanyuan, will make a short feature to be used at the performance.

The Tokyo Dome event will also provide a venue for the fans to hear from each of the stars about their lives at the moment and their future plans.

"It's been a long time since I'd met fans at a live show like this. I'm looking forward to seeing what it will be like," Jang was quoted as saying by Yonhap News Agency.

Lee concurred, adding, "It will be a very special event. See you all soon."

Lee won widespread popularity in Asia with his roles in the 2001 TV drama Beautiful Days and the 2003 hit TV series All In, and he recently made his Hollywood debut in the action film G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, released this year.

Jang earned recognition for his performances in the films Friend (2001) and Taegukgi: Brotherhood of War (2004) and recently made headlines by announcing a relationship of two years with Ko So-young, one of the most popular Korean actresses of the late 1990s.

It was Song's role in the 2000 hit drama Autumn in My Heart, in which he played opposite the prominent Korean actress Song Hye-kyo, that first won him notice.

And last but not least, the youngest in the group, Won Bin, who appeared in Autumn in My Heart as a new face then rose to fame with his role in Taegukgi, was recently featured at this

year's Cannes Film Festival in the acclaimed film Mother, directed by Bong Joon-ho (The Host).

Though the details of the event are still under discussion by the four actors' management agencies due to their busy schedules, it promises to be an unforgettable evening for the stars' rabid fans.

Credits : Park Sun-young, KOREA Magazine (Dec. 2009)

Source : Korea.net

[deka_if]

2009.12.04

Review on first episode aired on Dec 2, 9:55 p.m.

A scene from new SBS TV series "Will It Snow on Christmas?" [sBS]

In a small community by the countryside, people get more easily and mercilessly hurt due to their intimate relationships with each other. Among these people stands a man who gets hurt but seldom tries to receive solace. To him, his mother is the strongest thorn yet his everything. The man chooses to seek revenge against the rules of this community because it is unkind towards him. This is when the main female character appears at this time. A woman with a pure spirit breaks through the man’s external protective shield and reaches into his heart.

This is how “Will It Snow On Christmas?” premiered but at the same time is also how writer Lee Kyung-hee starts most of her dramas. Like so, the perspective and characters seem somewhat familiar. One's rank in society is based on the amount of capital he or she holds and this again acts as the mechanism that distinguishes virtue and evil.

“Christmas,” therefore, failed to root a new expectation with its premiere. Yet, what this drama can guarantee is its density. The optimistic female lead character makes viewers nervous since she is often thoughtless. The male lead is a homme fatale, who during his teen years will utter, ‘Although I’m not interested in you, somehow you keep catching my eye.’ A tragic vibe already surrounds the drama which has another ten years to go through until its real story unfolds, so viewers are left to wonder how many more misunderstandings and incidents the characters will run into. Although we want to keep watching the strong acting of child actors Kim Soo-hyun and Nam Ji-hyun, we cannot wait for the next episode. Yet, the curiosity is not regarding how the story develops but how many people it will make weep.

Reporter : Yoon Hee-Seong nine@10asia.co.kr

Editor: Linda Kim lindakim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2009.12.04

[REVIEW]

MBC sitcom “High Kick 2”

The cast of MBC sitcom "High Kick" [10Asia]

Although ‘fart’ is a word that many people are reluctant to use in public, the word is widely used in the daily sitcom “High Kick 2.” Words like ‘fart,’ ‘foot smell,’ and ‘excrement’ are familiar but avoided in public. Yet, these words are revealed in the world of producer Kim Byung-wook. Soon-jae (played by Lee Soon-jae) went through a disaster while trying not to fart in front of Ja-ok (Kim Ja-ok), Hae-ri (Jin Ji-hee) suffers from constipation and Julien’s (Julien Kang) foot smell is so strong that it scares all his fans away. Today’s target is Bo-suk (Jung Bo-suk). As an actor trying to portray a completely different image through “High Kick 2,” Jung tries his best to be silly and funny. But in fact, he is afraid of doing so and even has a nick name ‘Jewelry Jung’ (Bo-suk means jewelry in Korean). This episode dealing with Jung’s trauma regarding fart tells us a meaningful story of Jung’s willingness to keep his social status despite the fact that he is always ignored. Keeping such a point in mind, the moment when he was farting to the beat of the music was somewhat moving. While this was happening, the romance in the sitcom, between Ji-hoon and Se-kyung, Se-kyung and Joon-hyuk and Jung-eum and Ji-hoon developed to the point where Jung-eum misunderstood Joon-hyuk’s emotions. Although the misunderstanding regarding the cell-phone picture was soon resolved, fully understanding their minds is truly not easy. In order to fully enjoy watching “High Kick 2,” watching their love stories develop at a distance would be better than supporting a specific couple.

Editor: Linda Kim lindakim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2009-12-04

Choi Ji-woo to Publicize Her Hometown, Busan

Actress Choi Ji-woo, whose character in the popular TV drama "Winter Sonata" moved the hearts of many, is poised to move the hearts of tourists visiting Busan. Choi was named PR ambassador for the city of Busan on December 3 by Busan Mayor Huh Nam-shik.

"I'm honored to become a PR ambassador for my hometown. I'm thankful to Busan residents for welcoming me," said the actress. She added, "I felt rewarded to see many Japanese tourists enjoying tteokbogki in Busan whenever I visited the city. I'll do my best to help Busan grow into a world-renowned tourist destnation."

The Pusan International Film Festival Plaza became a popular tourist attraction after Choi was seen eating street snacks there with actor Yoo Ji-tae, who appeared opposite her in the SBS TV drama "Celebrity Sweetheart." The number of tourists visiting the area has surged 70 percent since then.

After the appointing ceremony, Choi attended an opening ceremony of the "Busan Tourism Information Center with Choi Ji-woo," which was held in Nampo-dong, Busan.

Choi graduated from Busan Deokmun Girls' School and Busan Women's University. She debuted in 1994 on MBC TV.

Her popularity skyrocketed in Japan for her role in the TV drama "Winter Sonata." In September this year, she participated in an event marking the airing of "Winter Sonata" in Japan. It was held at the Tokyo Dome and drew more than 50,000 fans.

The Busan City government will develop diverse tourism products such as cards and photos featuring Choi's autographs.

Source : KBS Global