[News] Drama, Movies, Actors & Actresses

[deka_if]

Januar 06, 2010

[Focus 2010]

Korea gears up to be one of world's top 5 content powerhouses

The government in 2010 plans to focus on nurturing the domestic cultural content industry -- namely animations, TV dramas, movies and computer games, in a bid to make Korea one of the world's top five content-strong nations by 2013. It will also encourage competition among public schools and teachers in ways to foster public education and lower money spent on private extra-curricular education.

Korean-made cartoons Pukka and Pororo, TV dramas Daejanggeum (Jewel in the Palace) and Winter Sonata, and Korean-made computer games Maplestory, AION and Lineage: these are businesses that have so far earned over US$100 million from exports.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will support 30 more such “$100 mil. makers” from now until 2013 and plans to facilitate $3.8 billion worth of exports from the cultural content industry within this year. Such exports in 2009 amounted to $3 billion.

The year 2010 marks the beginning of the "2010-2012 Visit Korea Year" campaign, and the Culture Ministry plans to increase the number of inbound tourists from 7.8 million in 2009 to 8.5 million this year.

Several of the events scheduled during the national campaign period are World Design Capital Seoul, the 2012 Yeosu World Expo, a Hallyu (Korean Wave) festival, World Cultural Festival, World Food Festival, and a Jeju Olle road trekking event. Furthermore, the "Korea Grand Sale" with the participation of about 15,000 companies is continuing on from 2009.

Symbolic cultural edifices will be built nationwide as part of the Culture Ministry's efforts to reduce the gap of cultural access between different socio-economic classes. For one, a Hangeul (Korean Alphabet) museum will be built inside the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan-gu (district), Seoul. It will be used to promote the creativity and practicality of Korea's writing system. Construction will be completed in 2012.

The ministry will also maximize use of the G20 summit for cultural exchanges. A Han-style (Korean style) fair, special Korean culture exhibitions, special palace tour programs and many promotions are scheduled around the summit, to take place in November.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology will focus its efforts on enhancing the quality of public education in the new year.

In this vein, all elementary and middle school teachers will be subjected to a teacher evaluation system as of March.

The new university admission officer system, in which each school has more power than before to choose its own students, will be further promoted.

The system aims to select more creative applicants with potential and to lower the burden of students and parents attached to the scores of university entrance exams. The system is expected to cool down the heavy dependence on private after-school education in Korea.

The ministry also plans to boost education related to environmental protection in the school curriculum to keep abreast of the incumbent administration's "low carbon green growth" policies.

Further, in 2010, efforts will ramp up for the successful launch of Korea's first space rocket called Naro. The first such attempt failed due to technical glitches in August last year.

Among other plans to be pursued by the ministry are exports of domestically developed nuclear power plants and the launch of a Global Korea Scholarship, which will unite all government-funded scholarship programs under a single umbrella.

Credits : James Ro, Korea.net Staff Writer

Source : Korea.net

[deka_if]

2010.01.07

Kim Ha-neul launches online magazine on official website

Korean actress Kim Haneul's online magazine [J. One Plus]

Hallyu star Kim Ha-neul has launched an online magazine on her official website (www.joneplus.co.kr/kimhaneul), according to a press release by agency J. One Plus Entertainment.

"We plan to provide new and refreshing information about Kim Ha-neul on a monthly basis thru the Kim Ha-neul Magazine," an official at J. One Plus was quoted as saying. He further explained that the magazine site, launched on Tuesday, will be a place for communication with the fans and electronic commerce with businesses affiliated with the actress.

The premiere issue of the "Kim Haneul Magazine", available in both Korean and English, contains various contents related to the actress -- including songs on her mobile phone, Kim's acting work and anecdotes, and fashion styling tips.

Kim bid her fans a happy new year through her magazine. "There is no way to express [gratitude] for the fans who have continued to love and support me, but I am always grateful. Let's start the year on a good vibe."

She also asked fans to look forward to her new television drama, MBC's "Road No. 1", saying "I will be going into shoot with a great director, fantastic actors and crew." Kim has been set to play the role of army surgeon Kim Soo-yeon who makes big sacrifices for her family in order to survive the war times in "Road", a war drama which celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Korean War.

The 31-year-old actress has enjoyed steady popularity in Korea since her debut in 1996. She has starred in numerous hit TV dramas and movies, including SBS TV series "On Air" last year and hit film "My Tutor Friend" in 2003 with fellow Hallyu star Kwon Sang-woo.

Her most recent comedy action pic "My Girlfriend is an Agent", co-starring actor Kang Ji-hwan, placed her onto stardom throughout several countries in Asia including Vietnam, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2010-01-06

Oh Ji-ho of 'The Slave Hunters' Says Lee Min-jung Ideal Type

Oh Ji-ho, busy shooting the KBS drama "The Slave Hunters," said Lee Min-jung is his ideal type on "Ideal World Cup," which was broadcast on KBS 2TV at January 3. Oh displayed his positive feelings toward Lee, who defeated other top stars such as Lee Hyo-ri and Lee Da-hae on the show.

Lee Min-jung, who was born in 1982, is active in dramas, commercials, and movies, and is currently starring in the SBS drama, "Smile, You." Oh actively expressed his interest in Lee since the 32nd match.

On the program, Oh chose Lee instead of Son Ye-jin, saying, "I like Lee's hair style." Oh added Lee has something attractive about her as well as a unique charm.

Later, Lee easily advanced to the finals, beating Shin Min-ah and Lee Da-hae and finally Lee defeating Lee Hyo-ri in the final stage with the support of Oh Ji-ho.

Oh said, "I will keep on eye on you, and I hope to have an opportunity to get to know each other," in a video letter for Lee Min-jung.

Meanwhile, many beautiful women, such as Ju A-min, Jung Ga-eun, and Jin Bo-ra, appeared on the program and showed off their charms to capture Oh's heart. Oh drew applause from the cast after passionately singing "Love" and "The Guy" by Bobby Kim.

Writing & Photo by TV Report Jang Gi-young

Copyright ⓒ KBS & KBSi

Source : KBS GLOBAL

[deka_if]

2010.01.07

Yoon Sang-hyun verbally agreed to join "Family" season 2

Korean actor Yoon Sang-hyun [Asia Economic Daily]

Korean actor Yoon Sang-hyun verbally agreed to appear in the new season of variety show "Family Outing,", according to his agency MGB Entertainment.

An official at MGB told Asia Economic Daily over the phone Wednesday the actor has "given a verbal agreement to do the show with the producers of the show."

However, the official went on to say, "But it literally is only a verbal agreement, not a commitment. We didn't sign the contract yet. We'll have to see what happens in the future."

The agency had explained yesterday that "nothing has been set" after news broke out that Yoon was considering to appear on the second season of "Family", one of the most popular variety programs in Korea which will soon end its first season run.

The entire cast from the first season of "Family", including the show's host Yoo Jae-seok and singer Lee Hyori, are set to leave the show after shooting the final episode on January 11 and 12.

The "reality-based" variety show, which premiered in June 2008, has been suffering from controversy and declining ratings after one of the show's scripts was leaked on the Internet early last year. Fans were outraged when they found that the show was not "real" as many of the remarks and responses by the cast members had been pre-scripted.

Yoon debuted in 2005 in the SBS TV series "Marrying a Millionaire". He rose to fame last year after starring in the smash hit drama "Queen of Housewives" alongside actress Kim Nam-joo and followed it up with "My Fair Lady", which co-starred Yoon Eun-hye.

The 36-year-old actor won the First Prize acting title at the year-end MBC Acting Awards last week.

Reporter : Park Kun-ouc kun1112@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2010.01.07

Kim Hyun-joong declined offer to appear on "Family" season 2

Korean singer and actor Kim Hyun-joong [Asia Economic Daily]

Leader of boy band SS501 Kim Hyun-joong has turned down the offer to appear in the new season of SBS variety show "Family Outing", according to his agency DSP Media on Thursday.

An official at DSP told Asia Economic Daily over the phone that although Kim did receive the offer, he had "decided not to take on the show due to his conflicting work schedules and other issues."

Producers of "Family" have reportedly asked other idol group members -- including Yoona (of Girls' Generation), Daesung (Big Bang) and Taecyeon (2PM) -- to be regulars on the new season. However, their agencies have all replied that "nothing has been decided".

"Family Outing" was one of the most popular variety shows in Korea since its premiere in June 2008. With many Korean celebrities regularly appearing on the show, "Family" had recorded viewership ratings of over 30 percent.

However, the "reality-based" variety show sparked controversy last year when one of the scripts was leaked on the Internet. Fans became outraged when they found that the show was pre-scripted and ratings for the show had been declining ever since.

The entire cast from the first season of "Family", including the show's host Yoo Jae-seok and singer Lee Hyori, are set to leave the show after shooting the final episode next week.

With the second season scheduled to air around late February or early March, members of the new cast is expected to be confirmed later this month.

Reporter : Park Kun-ouc kun1112@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2010.01.07

[REVIEW]

Premiere episode of KBS2 TV series "Chuno"

A scene from KBS TV series "Chuno" [KBS]

"Chuno" - First episode, KBS2 TV (Wed/Thu, 9:55 P.M.)

The chaser and the chased. TV series "Chuno" started with the story of the chaser, Dae-gil, played by actor Jang Hyuk. The drama opened with the scene of Dae-gil's chuno gang chasing after slaves on the run and several supporting characters appearing thereafter, but it wrapped up its first episode impressively -- maintaining its focus by concentrating its story on Dae-gil.

The show proves through just a single episode that Dae-gil is a character who is multidimensional enough to lead on the story, as is shown when the image of him as someone considered less than a human being for his job as a cruel and evil man hunting chuno, overlaps with the image of him letting loose the slaves he had caught, and overlaps once again with his past. Unlike most historical dramas, "Chuno" does not use history as its plot. And then again, it is not a fusion historical drama which takes on the appearance of a historical drama but transcends time. "Chuno" remains so faithful to history that it is necessary to add a footnote to almost every word the noblemen use but also aims to restore that time period as best it can with its imagination by portraying characters who were not recorded in history. That is probably why the supporting actors, though short-lived, each had substantial presence and a story to tell in detail.

But it is too early to make any judgements about "Chuno". Its first episode seemed more like part of a large, already-complete picture rather than serving as the basis to a new drama. But it is also true that this first fragment of the drama makes one look forward to the size of the picture in its entirety. If the drama can continue to present each character's story in the same manner and show viewers the moment when everyone's stories fit together to tell a complete story -- to top it off, explain why it is currently telling the story of the slave who ran away -- "Chuno" will undoubtedly become a drama to be remembered for a long time.

-Written by Yoonina

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2010.01.07

Jun Ji-hyun Cast in 'Snow Flower'

Actress Jun Ji-hyun will act opposite top Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi in the English language film "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan," an official from her agency Sidus HQ said, Thursday.

The movie, based on Lisa See's bestselling novel of the same name, will be directed by Wayne Wang, the director of "The Joy Luck Club."

The film, set in remote 19th-century China, features the story of two best friends, Lily and Snow Flower, and their imprisonment imposed by the strict cultural codes of conduct for women at that time.

The book does not openly portray the women's lifelong friendship as a lesbian relationship, but it is said their relationship has sensual overtones and includes a nude scene that shows them writing on each other's chest in a secret language.

Top Taiwanese actress Shu Qi reportedly turned down the role because of the nude scene.

Last year, Jun, also known as Gianna Jun, played a half-vampire, half-human demon hunter in her first English speaking role in the film "Blood: The Last Vampire."

Bill Kong, the producer of "Blood," is known to have helped get Jun casted in the film.

Zhang, the star of Rob Marshall's 2005 hit film "Memoirs of a Geisha," is also co-producing the film with Wendi Murdoch, the China-born wife of media mogul Rupert Murdoch.

Credits : chojh@koreatimes.co.kr

[deka_if]

January 07, 2010

Korean networks serve up a smorgasbord of dramas

Three shows compete for coveted "Queen Seondeok" slot

Three new TV dramas on three

networks "Masters of the Art of

Study" on KBS, "Pasta" on MBC

and "Jejungwon" on SBS, from

top to bottom left - compete for

the time slot dominated by Queen

Seondeok last year. Provided by

DramaHouse, MBC and SBS

On Monday and Tuesday nights from May 25 to Dec. 22 last year, the Korean TV drama world was dominated by a queen.

During its seven-month run, the MBC hit drama “Queen Seondeok” topped ratings lists, recording an audience share of 44 percent at its peak.

Now, three new TV series on three different networks are poised to compete for the position that was so well guarded by Queen Seondeok last year. The three series, all of which kicked off on Monday and are broadcast in the same Monday-Tuesday time slot at 10 p.m. both nights, are “Jejungwon” on SBS, “Masters of the Art of Study” on KBS, and “Pasta” on MBC.

The battle between the three could all come down to style and subject matter.

Among the offerings are a period drama and two contemporary tales, and the three dramas are set within the fields of medicine, education and culinary arts, respectively.

Jejungwon is a drama about the first modern hospital in Korea. The hospital was established by King Gojong in 1885 at the suggestion of American medical missionary Horace N. Allen and originally named Gwanghyewon, or Widespread Relief House, before it was renamed Jejungwon.

Based on a true story, the drama, set in the last years of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), tells the story of a man named Hwang Jeong who was born into the lower class and worked his way up from butcher to become the first surgeon of the Joseon era and later, an independence fighter.

Actor Park Yong-woo, who starred in movies like “Handphone” (2009) and “Once Upon A Time” (2008), has taken the role of Hwang Jeong. He is joined by actress Han Hye-jin, who plays Yu Seok-ran, and actor Yeon Jung-hoon as Baek Do-yang, Hwang Jeong’s rival in life and love.

Masters of the Art of Study is based on the Japanese comic book “Dragon Zakura” by Norifusa Mita. The comic, which made a splash in Japan and was also made into a TV drama there in 2005, is about a group of underprivileged students at a low-ranking high school who are struggling to get into a top university with the help of a strong-willed lawyer-turned-educator.

The Korean version of the drama stars several up-and-coming teenage actors, including Yoo Seung-ho, an 18-year-old who made his debut in 2000 and has since developed a promising career. Yoo’s most recent role was Kim Chun-chu in Queen Seondeok.

Meanwhile, MBC’s new show Pasta is a culinary drama that revolves around a female character who aspires to become a recognized chef at the fictional Italian restaurant La Sfera. The show gives viewers a glimpse of life behind the scenes in a busy Italian kitchen.

The drama stars actress Kong Hyo-jin, who is making a return to the small screen more than two years after her appearance in the tearjerker “Thank You” in 2007.

The male lead is played by actor Lee Sun-kyun, who has starred in a number of TV dramas and movies including “Paju” (2009). Lee plays a famous but picky chef who seems to have been modeled after Gordon Ramsay, the hot-tempered chef whose harsh training methods became well known through the TV series “Hell’s Kitchen.”

Though it still remains to be seen which of these dramas will rule the Monday-Tuesday time slot, it seems that Masters of the Art of Study has gotten a head start in the already tight competition.

According to a report released Wednesday by audience rating agency AGB Nielsen Media Research, the drama posted a 15.9 percent audience rating for its Tuesday episode, closely followed by Pasta with 15.1 percent and Jejungwon with 14.6 percent.

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

Source : JoongAng Daily

[deka_if]

 

January 08, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

‘No Mercy’ marked by dramatic plot twists

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“No Mercy” director Kim Hyung-jun and actors Han Hye-jin, Ryoo Seung-bum and Sul

Kyung-gu,from left to right,attend a press conference after a preview screening on

Dec. 22. [YONHAP]

 

 

 

The new Korean thriller “No Mercy,” which opened in local theaters yesterday, happens to have the same title as the 1987 action movie starring Richard Gere. There are other similarities between the two - both contain a lot of action scenes and center around a crime - but the Korean film is more closely tied to other Korean thrillers such as “Seven Days” (2007) and “Secret” (2009).

 

 

 

No Mercy began drawing attention before its release for its high-profile cast and suspenseful plot. The film’s stars, Sul Kyung-gu and Ryoo Seung-bum, have both gained widespread respect for their acting skills and this is the first time they have appeared on screen together. The plot is reported to have a dramatic reversal that has been called the most shocking ending in Korean film since “Oldboy” (2003), the internationally acclaimed Korean film directed by Park Chan-wook.

 

 

 

The plot follows forensic pathologist Kang Min-ho (Sul) as he tries to track down Lee Seong-ho (Ryoo), an environmental activist who claims to have killed at least one woman in protest against a government river development project. As Kang investigates the case, his daughter is kidnapped and Lee is the primary suspect.

 

 

 

For Sul, the scene that has generated the most buzz is the one in which he points a gun at his head - a scenario he played to chilling effect in the 2000 film “Peppermint Candy” by Lee Chang-dong.

 

 

 

When asked how he felt about doing two such similar scenes, the actor seemed nonchalant.

 

 

 

“Peppermint Candy was the first film of the year 2000, as it was released on Jan. 1 of that year, and now here I am 10 years later with a new film that is the first film of 2010,” Sul said at a press event in Seoul late last month. “It’s filled me with emotion. But I don’t want to give special meaning to that particular scene.”

 

 

 

“I think of this movie more as a drama [than a thriller] that just takes the shape of a thriller,” Sul said. “It may be too heavy for some, but I believe that audiences will be able to empathize with the story because the movie makes you think about human beings in the end. It will be interesting to grasp the movie’s story line, no matter which of the characters you focus on.”

 

 

 

As the title suggests, the movie deals with mercy, forgiveness or the lack thereof.

 

 

 

“I thought about the meaning of ‘mercy’ and ‘forgiveness’ while participating in this movie,” said actress Han Hye-jin, who plays Min Suh-young, an intelligent female detective who helps Kang with his daunting task.

 

 

 

“As the movie implies, to forgive someone, you need to put yourself in their shoes. It is something you have to face in your daily life and it is always difficult, no matter what the issue is.”

 

 

 

Kim Hyung-jun, the first-time director who also wrote the script, agreed with Han, saying that the concept of empathy was something he was trying to express as he was developing the story line.

 

 

 

“It is impossible to forgive someone if you don’t put yourself in that person’s place,” Kim said. “And when I wrote the script, I wanted to put audiences in the position of the two main characters.”

 

 

 

No Mercy is currently playing in local theaters.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Source : JoongAng Daily

 

[deka_if]

 

2010.01.08

 

 

 

 

 

TV series "Chuno" debuts with flying colors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Television drama "Chuno" [KBS2]

 

 

 

KBS2 TV's new drama "Chuno" has made an impressive debut on the small screen, breaching the 20 percent mark in ratings during its first week of showing.

 

 

 

According to statistics released by TNS Media Korea on Friday, the Wednesday/Thursday evening drama scored a viewership rating of 24.8 percent viewership on Thursday, the highest figure for its time slot (9:55 p.m.)

 

 

 

The show's premiere episode on Wednesday also fared well, recording ratings of 22.9 percent.

 

 

 

Two other prime-time dramas -- SBS's "Will It Snow On Christmas?" and MBC's "Hero", starring Hallyu star Lee Jun-ki -- trailed behind with viewership ratings of 12.7 and 5.0 percent, respectively.

 

 

 

"Chuno," starring Jang Hyuk, Oh Ji-ho and Lee Da-hae, is a story about a noble man named Lee Dae-gil who becomes a slave hunter after his life is ruined by Song Tae-ha.

 

 

 

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

 

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

 

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

 

[deka_if]

 

2010.01.08

 

 

 

 

 

Girls' Generation Yoona to appear on "Family" season 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Girls' Generation member Yoona [sM Entertainment]

 

 

 

Girls' Generation member Yoona has joined the cast of the new season of variety show "Family Outing", according to the show's broadcaster SBS on Friday.

 

 

 

An official at SBS told Asia Economic Daily over the phone that the 19-year-old singer has agreed to appear on the second season of 'Family', where she had made a guest appearance last year.

 

 

 

Producers of "Family" have reportedly asked many Korean celebrities -- including actor Yoon Sang-hyun, singers Psy and 2PM's Taecyeon-- to be regulars on the new season. So far, actress and show host Kim Won-hee and comedian Ji Sang-ryul have confirmed to become part of the new cast.

 

 

 

"Family Outing" was one of the most popular variety shows in Korea since its premiere in June 2008. With Korea's top emcee Yoo Jae-seok leading the star-studded cast, the show had once recorded viewership ratings of over 30 percent.

 

 

 

However, the "reality-based" variety show came under scrutiny early last year when one of the scripts was leaked on the Internet and fans found that the show was pre-scripted. Ratings for the show had been declining ever since.

 

 

 

The entire cast from the first season of "Family", including host Yoo Jae-seok and singer Lee Hyori, are set to leave the show after shooting the final episode next week.

 

 

 

The second season is scheduled to air around late February or early March.

 

 

 

Reporter : Park Kun-ouc kun1112@asiae.co.kr

 

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

 

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

 

[deka_if]

 

2010-01-08

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lee Hyun-woo Publishes a Cookbook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Singer Lee Hyun-woo has published a cookbook titled "Happy Recipes of Happy Dad Lee Hyun-woo." This is his second cookbook, following "Lee Hyun-woo's Easy Cooking for Singles" published in 2002.

 

 

 

Lee had married a freelance curator last February and the couple had a son in September. His latest cookbook contains recipes for husbands who wish to make meals for their pregnant wives. Most of the dishes are simple to prepare and use ingredients available in local grocery stores. There are different recipes for new mothers who are sick, wedding anniversary, baby shower, and postpartum nursing. The book also features Lee's own experiences with his wife's pregnancy and his son's birth.

 

 

 

A video footage of Lee cooking for his pregnant wife will also be posted on the Daddy Book website (café.naver.com/daddybook), starting on January 15th.

 

 

 

Source : KBS WORLD

 

[deka_if]

 

2010.01.08

 

 

 

 

 

Actor Kang Ji-hwan signs with new agency

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Korean actor Kang Ji-hwan [Asia Economic Daily]

 

 

 

Korean actor Kang Ji-hwan has signed with a new agency, according to a press release by S Plus Entertainment on Friday.

 

 

 

The actor had reportedly sent a contents-certified letter last month to his former agency, Jambo Entertainment, asking to be freed from his contract. Kang is legally bound to Jambo - his agency of six years - til August.

 

 

 

The 32-year-old actor debuted in 2001 in the Korean version of the musical "The Rocky Horror Show". He later gained fame after appearing in notable television dramas, such as "Be Strong, Geum-soon!"(2005), "Scandal in Old Seoul"(2007) and "Hong Gil-dong, The Hero"(2008).

 

 

 

He has also starred in several movies including "Movie is a Movie", "Speedy Scandal" and "My Girlfriend Is An Agent", a comedy action film co-starring Hallyu star Kim Ha-neul.

 

 

 

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

 

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

 

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

 

[deka_if]

 

2010.01.08

 

 

 

 

 

2PM's Taecyeon also cast for "Family" season 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Korean boy band 2PM member Taecyeon [JYP Entertainment]

 

 

 

Korean idol group 2PM's Taecyeon has become the latest celebrity to join the new cast of variety show "Family Outing", according to one of the show's producers on Friday.

 

 

 

"Taecyeon has decided to appear on the second season of 'Family'" said SBS entertainment producer Nam Seung-yong in a phone call with Asia Economic Daily. He added that they are "planning to cast one or two more people" but added that it is "too early to say who they will be."

 

 

 

Producers of "Family" have been recruiting new members for the show with the entire original cast from the first season -- including main hosts Yoo Jae-seok and singer Lee Hyori -- set to leave the show after shooting the final episode next week.

 

 

 

So far, second season cast includes 2PM's Taecyeon, Girls' Generation member Yoona, actress and show host Kim Won-hee, comedians Ji Sang-ryul and Shin Bong-sun and actor Yoon Sang-hyun.

 

 

 

The "reality-based" variety show, which premiered in June 2008, came under scrutiny early last year when one of the scripts was leaked on the Internet. Fans were outraged to learn that show was not "real' and ratings had been declining ever since.

 

 

 

The second season is scheduled to air around late February or early March.

 

 

 

Reporter : Park Kun-ouc kun1112@asiae.co.kr

 

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

 

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

 

[deka_if]

 

2010.01.10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Three Brothers" tops TV ratings for second week

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current No. 1 drama in Korea "Three Brothers" [KBS2]

 

 

 

 

 

KBS2 TV's weekend drama "Three Brothers" has topped the television ratings chart for the second week in a row.

 

 

 

According to statistics released by TNS Media Korea on Monday, the family drama was the most-watched show in the country with a 35.5 percent viewership rating during the week of January 4-10.

 

 

 

KBS1 TV's daily soap "Jolly Widows" followed close behind with a 35.4 percent rating. SBS's "I Love You Ten Million Times" and KBS2 TV's traditional drama "Chuno", which premiered on Wednesday, trailed behind with each scoring an equal, 23.8 percent viewership rating.

 

 

 

In the non-drama category, KBS2 TV's "Happy Sunday" topped the chart with a 29.6 percent viewership rating. MBC's daily sitcom "High Kick Through The Roof" came in second with a 25.9 percent rating while MBC's special documentary "Tears of Amazon" ranked third with a viewership rating of 22.5 percent.

 

 

 

 

 

[RATINGS] Weekly TV ratings:Jan 4-10

 

 

 

 

TV ratings for the week of January 4-10, 2010 [TNS Media Korea]/10Asia

 

 

 

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

 

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

 

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

 

[deka_if]

 

2010.01.10

 

 

 

 

 

"Avatar" tops Korean box office for fourth week

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movie poster for "Avatar" [20th Century Fox]

 

 

 

Hollywood blockbuster "Avatar" topped the local box office for the fourth consecutive week to become the most-watched foreign film in Korea over the weekend.

 

 

 

According to estimates released by Korea Box Office Information System (KOBIS) on Monday, "Avatar" attracted 835,345 viewers during the weekend of January 8-10 to gross over eight million viewers since its release on December 17. On Saturday, the James Cameron pic broke the record -- previously held by "Transformers 2" -- to set the record as the most-watched foreign film in Korea.

 

 

 

Korean comic action film "WOOCHI" , starring Gang Dong-won, remained in second place with 535,462 viewers during the weekend and grossing over 4.3 million viewers to date. Another Korean film "No Mercy" , starring Sul Kyung-gu and Ryoo Seung-bum, debuted at No. 3 with 298,942 viewers.

 

 

 

Guy Ritchie's film adaptation of "Sherlock Holmes" followed in fourth place with 180,525 viewers while Hollywood animation "Alvin And The Chipmunks 2" rounded out the top five with 92,504 viewers.

 

 

 

Other movies included in the top ten were; "The Road", "Engine Sentai Go-onger VS Gekiranger", "Nine", "Pokemon: Arceus To The Conquering Of Space-Time" and "Astro Boy".

 

 

 

 

 

[RATINGS] Weekend Box Office: Jan 8-10

 

 

 

 

 

 

South Korea's box office estimates for the weekend of January 8 to 10, 2010 [Korean Box Office Information System

(KOBIS)]/10Asia

 

 

 

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

 

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

 

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

 

[deka_if]

 

2010.01.10

 

 

 

 

 

[10LINE] Kim Hyun-joong

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clockwise from top center, musician Seo Tai-ji, SS501 member Kim Hyung-

joon, singer Lee Hyo-ri and Kim Hyun-joong's character Yoon Ji-hoo from KBS TV series "Boys Over Flowers". [10Asia]

 

 

Kim Hyun-joong

 

Truth #1: He is a good-looking idol. He is a guy you would go out with regardless of his age. He is someone so pretty that he is likely to appear in a romance comic.

 

Truth #2: He was a runaway teenager who has experienced almost every part-time job out in the world. He is the most four-dimensional celebrity in Korea. He is a rock mania who body would squirm at the cheesy lines he had to say in hit TV series "Boys Over Flowers."

 

Truth #3: He is a happy-go-lucky sort of person, unpredictable and hence, we become increasingly curious. Attracted.

 

 

 

Seo Tae-ji

 

Kim Hyun-joong's favorite musician. The first record Kim ever bought was Seo Taeji & Boys' second album. Kim had enjoyed his studies so much up till elementary school that he would wake up at 6 A.M. everyday to study but after listening to Seo Tae-ji's music, he gave up on his studies to become a bassist in a rock band. That is why Kim took a one year leave during his high school days, went to a new school and ran away from home because his parents were against him pursuing music. Up to this point, it may look like he walked the typical path many rockers take on in order to achieve their dreams. But Kim worked part-time at a fried chicken restaurant and did manual labor to buy his own guitar, then worked again for about a year after running away from his house a second time. He made about a total 100 million won working part-time jobs. "I taught myself (how to live in society) by making money earlier than others," Kim said of how important he considers this time period. This is why as soon as he debuted as a member of SS501, he believed "time is money."

 

 

 

SS501

 

The five-member group Kim is a member of. He passed his audition for the group after simply being asked his height, weight and address. It may be because of this but according to member Park Jung-min, Kim played hard to get, not being sure of whether being a member of an idol group was the path he should take. But Kim sets his heart on becoming part of the band after looking at the numerous fans looking forward to SS501's debut. Thereafter, the whole group appears in various reality shows and pursues a music career in Japan simultaneously. But they do not care about looking pretty and have promised to never receive expensive gifts from fans, making them the idols they are yet also the guys next door with good morals. They did not gain stardom instantaneously but continue to solidify their fanbase. On a side not, SS501 stands for the 'sun' and 'star,' as well as 'five become one,' but also a name intended to be typed easily on mobile phones and the computer.

 

 

 

Kim Hyung-joon

 

A member of SS501 who says he would choose to be born as Kim Hyung-joon in his next life. He seems to be serious since he made the same remark three years ago. He also says he will appear in a drama one day like Kim Hyun-joong and gain as much stardom. Meanwhile, Kim Hyun-joong regards such a Kim Hyung-joon in an older brother like way, saying he would want to "walk around with Hyung-joon as the subordinate" if he were given a one-day break and is "happy because he always laughs at what I say." Such is the characteristic of SS501 -- they speak frankly about each member's current popularity or situation. Kim Hyung-joong in particular will say that their group "became overrated" due to the reality shows they appeared in ahead of their debut and show a sense of reality keen enough to know that it would be better that he did not help clean up the beaches in Taean after they became hit by South Korea's worst oil spill in late 2007 because people might regard it a publicity stunt. He will also say everything he wants to at his fans, telling them, "I like letters but not expensive gifts," and "I don't like them coming in front of our house." Their sense of reality may be why they can say such bold remarks on TV.

 

 

 

Hwang Bo

 

The celebrity who appeared as his make-believe wife in MBC reality show "We are Married." He spread his appeal as an unpredictable yet good-looking husband by being seemingly indifferent to everything going on around him but becoming a critic for his wife's food, being inexpressive of his emotions for his wife yet playing and singing on the piano for her at a crucial moment and enjoy hanging out with his group members while being thorough about making a living. This is when the Kim his fans knew of, started becoming known to the world. He may become prince charming in a drama and a guitarist on stage but knows exactly how much you need to buy land for tending a vegetable garden while doing music and accumulating money. This may be why his popularity only gains with his appearances on reality shows.

 

 

 

Kim Se-hwang

 

Guitarist of group N.E.X.T. He took part in SS501's "Unlock" and picked Kim Hyun-joong as a musician he recently considered good at playing the bass. Kim Hyun-joong also liked listening to Limp Bizkit and The Calling, making him a pretty-faced singer who is into rock music. This may be why he first thought the role of Yoon Ji-hoo in "Boys Over Flowers" did not suit him. Yet he has a mindset balanced enough to know that "saying hello is not about the respect but acknowledging each other's presence. Problems start arising when people skip on this." He will also say, "I used to be mature for my age but I live like a kid now...... I don't want to become stupid so I buy my own plane tickets or rent cars myself." Whatever he says, it will be fun but to a point where it will not create any problems. That is why he is different from other idols but does not become a troublemaker.

 

 

 

Yoon Ji-hoo

 

The character Kim played from KBS TV series "Boys Over Flowers". During the audition, Kim showed sides to him unbefitting for a role in a drama based on a romance comic but regardless, garnered explosive popularity. Kim said he thought he resembled Yoon in the sense that he "sleeps a lot, doesn't laugh much and cares a lot about his life although he seems not to." Hence, Kim analyzed Yoon as a character who "knows everything but pretends to be indifferent about life and seems slightly bothered by everything but is warmhearted." Through Kim, Yoon was born as a mild-mannered yet masculine and at times, considerate person. Of course, his acting was awkward to the point he had trouble in expressing the various emotions his character felt. But the collaboration of his facial expressions, way of speech and his unrealistic looks in which the real Kim was reflected, provided a unique sense of appeal which can only be explained by the term 'presence.' Kim gained the character Yoon, a content which can maximize the appeal inherent within his real self and shot him onto stardom. Yet, he became acknowledged for the character and not his ability. Whether it be music or acting, his next 'leap' will come when he actually starts proving his capabilities.

 

 

 

Lee Hyo-ri

 

The star that Kim likes. He likes her so much that when he appeared on SBS variety show "Family Outing" on which she is one of the hosts, he described that it "feels like looking at a celebrity." Like so, Kim at times seems like any other ordinary observer of the entertainment industry. He will also nonchalantly talk about his past girlfriends on talkshows and does not mind too much about what others think. He also does not have aspirations to become a huge star but instead wants to enjoy his personal life and dreams of performing on stage for his fans who have become parents when he is in his 40s and 50s. At the same time, he is mature enough to turn down expensive gifts from his fans. Kim may end up being a celebrity who lives happily by doing his work, go out when he wants to have fun and garner enough popularity.

 

 

 

T.O.P.

 

Kim Hyun-joong's friend. The two also performed together on MBC's annual campus song contest. To Kim, his friends are so important to him that his friends since elementary school and the members of SS501 are the reason he says he is happy. He also willingly jointly invested in a fried chicken place with his friends. His identity can be seen where he is a guy who likes to hang out with his friends although he is someone who is so popular throughout Asia that he won the prize for top Asian male artist at the 2009 Yahoo! Buzz Awards last year. He is a star, yet dreams of living a life as happy as his parents and says he would "find the greatest happiness in engraving a photograph of my happy family on my gravestone than writing a thousand words on it." Ironically, this idol's non idol-like mindset is the foremost reason he is the star he is today. He will be able to become a star, do the music he wants and make enough money to support a happy family. Which will he choose? He may end up with it all with his happy-go-lucky attitude.

 

 

 

Senior Reporter : Kang Myoung-Seok two@10asia.co.kr

 

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

 

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

 

[deka_if]

 

2010-01-10

 

 

 

 

 

Im Sung-min Plays Monk in 'Master of Study'

 

 

 

 

 

Announcer-turned-actress Im Sung-min, who tries to change her image as an old maid high school teacher in the KBS drama “Master of Study,” perfectly dressed herself up as a Buddhist monk for the latest episode. Her extreme makeover captured the attention of both cast and crew at the shooting scenes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

▲ Im Sung-min will play a monk in the 2nd episode of “Master of Study”

 

 

 

Im Sung-min, who transformed herself into a monk holding a moktak (modern percussion instrument used for chanting by Buddhist clergy), appears in the imagination of Oh Bong-gu (Lee Chan-ho) in the episode of “Master of Study” broadcast on January 5.

 

 

 

The old maid “Bae Young–sook,” played by Im Sung-min, is called the “Sleeping Pill” by students because the teacher usually is teaching a class with a monotonous voice as if she were chanting the Buddhist scriptures. Oh Bong-gu is a model student who studies hard in every class, but even he falls sleep due to extreme drowsiness during Bae’s class.

 

 

 

On December 25, most of the staff, including Kim Su-ro and Bae Doo-na, put their hands together in the greeting fashion used between Buddhists and monks, while Im Sung-min dressed up as a Buddhist monk in the shooting of the drama.

 

 

 

Im showed enthusiasm for the “monk” makeup, which took 2-3 hours to apply. She said, “I shaved my head in the movie, ‘My Love By My Side,'” but the monk makeup is a first for me. I willingly played the monk in the drama, but I suffered from a skin allergy due to the adhesive used in the makeup."

 

 

 

Im Sung-min, who expresses her passion for acting by playing an old-fashioned old maid in the drama, will play her role passionately as a key supporting actress with Park Hue-son and character actor Lee Dal-Heung.

 

 

 

Writer: Administrator

 

Source : 3HW Com / Photo: Drama House

 

Copyright ⓒ KBS & KBSi

 

[deka_if]

 

2010.01.10

 

 

 

 

 

Lee Min-ho to make comeback in new drama

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Korean actor Lee Min-ho [Asia Economic Daily]

 

 

 

Korean actor Lee Min-ho is set to make a comeback to the small screen in April, according to television broadcaster MBC on Monday.

 

 

 

The actor has been cast for the lead role in a new MBC TV series, tentatively titled "Personal Taste", which is based on a novel of the same title by Korean writer Lee Se-in.

 

 

 

Lee will play the role of Jun Jin-ho, who pretends to be a gay man in order to become roommates with a woman who wants to live with a gay male friend.

 

 

 

An MBC drama executive explained that Lee's combination of "a sophisticated image and the appeal of a man" was perfect for the part and for fulfilling female viewers' fantasies. He also added that Lee's "gripping dramatic presence and his shameless acting" will be convincing for the viewers.

 

 

 

"I decided to do the drama as soon as I read the script", the actor was quoted as saying.

 

 

 

The 22-year-old actor, who debuted in 2005, rose to stardom after starring in the smash hit "Boys Over Flowers" last year. The drama co-starred Korean actress Koo Hye-sun and idol group member Kim Hyun-joong of SS501.

 

 

 

"Taste" is scheduled to air around April after "The Woman Who Still Wants To Marry" ends its run.

 

 

 

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

 

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

 

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

 

[deka_if]

 

2010.01.10

 

 

 

 

 

Jang Keun-suk attracts overseas fans to local fan meeting

 

 

 

 

 

 

Korean actor Jang Keun-suk [Asia Economic Daily]

 

 

 

Korean actor Jang Keun-seuk is reportedly attracting his fans from overseas to a local fan meeting later this month, according to his agency Tree J. Company on Monday.

 

 

 

The event was originally organized for some 3,000 Korean fans but 23 percent of the tickets were reserved by the actor's fans overseas -- particularly those in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

 

 

 

Jang, who has never done any official work in the Chinese market, gained a huge fanbase in the region after starring in the SBS TV series "Minamishineyo" last year. In November, the Chinese fans visited the set of "Minamishineyo" and attended Jang's fan meeting in Japan.

 

 

 

"Minamishineyo", which co-starred actress Park Shin-hye, was reportedly the most-searched keyword on Chinese portal sites and the actor has since been receiving numerous offers from China.

 

 

 

"We are receiving fan letters and presents from overseas fans everyday," an official at Tree J. was quoted as saying. "Jang is taking a break from work and is busy reading his fan letters." He also added that the actor wants to learn foreign languages in order to communicate better with fans.

 

 

 

Even fans from Australia, Canada, Singapore and the U.S. are reportedly flying in to attend the fan meeting, to be held at Olympic Park Olympic Hall on January 31.

 

 

 

The actor, 23, has appeared in several notable television dramas including "Beethoven Virus" (MBC, 2008), "Hong Gil-dong" (KBS2, 2008) and popular sitcom "Nonstop 4" (MBC, 2003). He also done some acting work on the big screen, most recently "The Case of Itaewon Homicide" last year.

 

 

 

He became a phenomenon throughout the country after starring in "Minamishineyo", in which he portrayed an eccentric lead singer of idol group A.N.JELL.

 

 

 

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

 

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

 

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>