[News] Drama, Movies, Actors & Actresses

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July 23, 2010

Lee Min-ho selected 'Facebook Story' partner

Actor Lee Min-ho has been chosen as a ‘Facebook Story’ partner for communicating with the most fans in Korea.

Lee, who currently has 838,000 fans on Facebook, has been picked along with 30 other world-famous figures and organizations such as Barack Obama, Cristiano Ronaldo and the New York Times.

Facebook Story is a service that allows people to post and share their personal experiences with others.

The star greeted fans in a message, and said, “I’m so glad to be able to meet you all here. Everyone feels like a close friend after I read your stories. How are you all?”

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had previously announced in a video lecture that he would launch this web tool to celebrate, reaching 500 million users.

Korean users can now access the social network more easily with the introduction of mobile Facebook applications that come in Hangeul, the Korean alphabet.

Meanwhile, Lee has begun to reach out to his global fans by starting Twitter and YouTube.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

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July 23, 2010

'Girls’ Generation' is most popular partners for summer vacations

South Korean nine-member group “Girls’ Generation” has been selected as “the most wanted celebrity with” at summer resort in a survey conducted for 12,050 male and female adults by state-run KBS music channel FM2.

The first runner-up was comedian Yoo Jae-suk, 38; followed by actor Lee Seung-ki, 23; singer and actor Rain, 28; soccer star Park Ji-sung, 29; and comedian Kim Je-dong, 36.

By gender, men in general have chosen ‘Girls’ Generation’ No. one for vacation and women has selected Lee Seung-gi.

In terms of age group, those in their 20s and 30s have selected ‘Girls’ Generation,’ those in their 40s Lee Seung-ki and those in their 50s or older like lee Myung-bak, singer Rain and football star Park Ji-sung most.

When asked what kind of music they like to listen during their vacation, Cho Yong-pil’s “Leaving for Vacation” and Sweden’s pop group ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” placed top in local and foreign popular song, respectively.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

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July 23, 2010

THE HOUSEMAID to be released in US by IFC

The Housemaid, director IM Sang-soo’s 2010 remake of KIM Ki-young’s 1960 masterpiece, will have its US theatrical release through independent multi-platform distributor IFC. The erotic-psychological-thriller, starring Cannes-winning actress JEON Do-yeon in the title role, drew over 2.3 million admissions during its local release this Spring.

IFC picked up North American rights from the film’s production company and sales agent Mirovision. IFC plans to promote the film through key festivals this autumn and give it a theatrical release in early 2011. The film, about the spiraling consequences of an erotic liaison between a housemaid and the husband and father of an affluent family, had its world premiere in competition at Cannes this year.

IFC president, Jonathan Sehring said of the film, “The Housemaid is one of the most sheerly entertaining and sexy thrillers we have seen in years. It establishes IM Sang-soo as a major filmmaker and reconfirms that some of the best filmmaking anywhere in the world is happening in South Korea. We couldn’t be happier that Mirovision entrusted this film to us and think it’s the perfect fit for all of our platforms.”

Source: Nigel D’Sa (KOFIC)

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July 23, 2010

I Saw the Devil release on August 11

Director Kim Ji-woon’s highly anticipated new thriller I Saw the Devil has its summer release date set for August 11, as announced by the film’s distributor Showbox. Kim’s return to the noir-thriller style of his 2005 hit A Bittersweet Life stars top actor Lee Byeong-heon and leading thespian Choi Min-sik (Old Boy).

Both actors have worked with Kim in previous films, Lee playing the villain in The Good, The Bad, The Weird (2008) and the embattled hero of A Bittersweet Life, while Choi starred in Kim's debut feature A Quiet Family (1998). I Saw the Devil also marks Choi's first return to mainstream filmmaking since his portrayal of a vicious killer in 2005’s Sympathy for Lady Vengeance.

The new film has Choi reprising the role of an extreme psychopath, who, when he makes the daughter of a retired police his latest victim, is tracked down by her fiancé, played by Lee, a secret agent whose scheme of vengeance is equally gruesome.

The film’s international sales rep FineCut has already made a slew of pre-sales deals including to the UK, France, Taiwan and Turkey.

Source: Nigel D’Sa (KOFIC)

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July 26, 2010

Actress Kim Hee-sun poses at a meeting with fans in Bundang, Gyeonggi Province on Sunday. /Newsis

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

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July 26,2010

First 3D Drama to Air in September

Production on the nation's first 3D drama is currently underway, bringing the 3D boom from movies and sports to soap operas.

MBC Production on Sunday announced, "We are currently shooting the entire first episode of the third season of 'Byulsoongum' in 3D. Households with 3D TVs will be able to enjoy it in 3D on cable channel MBC DramaNet or the Skylife 3D test channel."

The new season of the historical mystery drama about a special investigative police unit in the late 19th century will kick off on Sept. 4.

A screen grab from the nation's first 3D drama, "Byulsoongum" /Courtesy of MBC Production

MBC recently converted its drama "Kim Su-ro, The Iron King" and a making-of video from 2D to 3D, but this is the first time that a drama is being produced in 3D from the start.

Unlike previous shoots when 2D and 3D versions were filmed separately, on "Byulsoongum" they are being produced simultaneously, with the exception of some moving-camera shots, drastically reducing the shooting time.

"We expect the introduction of the first 3D drama to heat up competition in the nascent 3D TV content market," said Kim Hwa-jin, a producer at MBC Production.

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

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July 26, 2010

Actress Lee Young Ae: ‘I Will Become Mother’

Star Actor Lee Young Ae (39) will become a mother after one year of marriage.

A spokesperson for Lee Young Ae’s agency, Storm S Company, delivered the announcement on July 23, saying, “Lee Young Ae is expecting a baby. Further details will be announced later.” The spokesperson said, “She needs to be careful in the early stages of pregnancy, so we will tell you more exact information later.”

Lee Young Ae had secretly married a Korean-American surnamed Jung last August in Hawaii in the Unites States, and her announcement -- made after the marriage -- had been surprising news for her fans. She had simply revealed her husband to be a Korean-American who had graduated from Illinois University majoring in engineering, and now works at a IT company.

After she had appeared in the movie “Lady Vengeance” in 2005, she has not participated in any works. She started to begin a doctoral course at Han Yang University majoring in theater and film from September right after her marriage, and has concentrated on studying for the past year.

She rarely does outdoor activities, so she became a news topic when her photo was taken by a reporter when she went to watch the basketball finals between KCC and Mobis held at Jamsil Gymnasium last April.

Source: KBS Global

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July 26, 2010

MBLAQ Mir's sister Ko Eun-a apologizes for bar fight

Jessica Kim

Actress Ko Eun-a [Wellmade STARM]

Actress Ko Eun-a, also the older sister of boy band MBALQ member Mir, has apologized for getting into a fight at a bar over the weekend.

Through a message posted after Sunday midnight in the 'Diary' segment of her social networking website Cyworld homepage, Ko wrote she is "sorry for being unbecoming as a public figure" despite knowing it is her "duty to be understanding and resolve issues well. "

She also thanked and apologized to those of her fans who have shown support and encouragement as well as those who have reprimanded her.

According to police, Ko had been drinking with an acquaintance early on Sunday when the two got into an argument with people sitting at the table next to her.

Ko had originally been booked on charges of assault but investigation revealed there was no physical scuffling involved. Both parties acknowledged they were mutually at fault and were dismissed on warning.

The actress, 21, made her screen debut through TV series "Drama City - Summer Goodbye" and has since appeared in several dramas and movies.

Her brother Mir, 19, is the rapper of the popular five-member band discovered and trained by Asian pop sensation Rain.

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

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July 26, 2010

Ku Hye-sun's first feature pic "Magic" invited to JIMFF

Reporter : Lynn Kim Editor : Jessica Kim

Official poster for Ku Hye-sun's film "Magic"

Korean actress Ku Hye-sun will be presenting her first feature film "Magic" at the 6th Jecheon International Music & Film Festival (JIMFF) next month, according to her agency YG Entertainment (YG) on Monday.

YG announced in a press release that actress-turned-director has been invited to show her film at JIMFF, to be held in the city of Jecheon in North Chungcheong Province from August 12 to 17.

JIMFF -- a music and film festival held under the concept 'harmony among movies, music and nature' -- introduces various music films from Korea as well as overseas. "Magic" will be presented in a section called 'Today In Korea's Music Films.'

Set in an art school, "Magic" is a story about the passion and competition among young musicians and features various music genres including classical music, folk songs and Korean pop music. Two notable tunes in the film are reinterpretations of traditional folk melody "Arirang" and "You In My Arms" by the late Korean singer Yoo Jae-ha.

"Magic" was previously shown at the Jeonju International Film Festival earlier this year prior to its theater release on June 24. In June, the actress was also awarded the "Spotlight Award" at the 12th Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia for her 2008 short feature "The Madonna."

The pic had been shown at several film events last year including the Asiana International Short Film Festival, the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival and the Pusan Asian Short Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award.

Ku, 25, had originally planned to debut as a singer with South Korea's major talent agency YG Entertainment but she started acting in several TV dramas and made a breakthrough with a role in 2006 KBS TV series "Pure in Heart". She then became a household name throughout Asia after starring in the mega-hit TV series "Boys Over Flowers" (KBS, 2009) as the character Geum Jan-di. Ku is also a talented singer and songwriter, artist, novelist and scriptwriter.

She will be returning to the small screen through upcoming TV series "The Musical," in which she plays a medical student who dreams of becoming a musical actress.

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@ Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@ <ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia

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July 26, 2010

Ji Jin-hee, Han Hyo-joo appointed ambassadors for population

Photographer: Lee Ki-bum Editor: Jessica Kim

Ji Jin-hee and Yi In-sill [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

From left, actor Ji Jin-hee, named honorary ambassador of this year's Population and Housing Census, and Statistic Korea's Commissioner Yi In-sill pose at the appointment ceremony held at the Press Center in Seoul, South Korea on July 26, 2010.

From left, actor Ji Jin-hee and actress Han Hyo-joo, named honorary ambassadors of this year's Population and Housing Census, pose at the appointment ceremony held at the Press Center in Seoul, South Korea on July 26, 2010.

Ji Jin-hee and Han Hyo-joo [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

Actress Han Hyo-joo, named an honorary ambassador of this year's Population and Housing Census, arrives at the appointment ceremony held at the Press Center in Seoul, South Korea on July 26, 2010.

Photographer: Lee Ki-bum metro83 @ Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia 1 l 2 l 3

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July 27, 2010

Actor Im Ho and actresses Kim Ji-ho and Chae Min-seo pose at a press event for their new TV drama in Seoul on Monday.

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

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July 27, 2010

Kim Jeong-hoon voted No.1 blogger in Japan

Reporter: Lynn Kim Editor: Jessica Kim

Korean singer Kim Jeong-hoon voted No.1 blog on Japanese website Ameba blog [Ameba blog]

Korean singer and actor Kim Jeong-hoon's blog has been voted the No.1 blog in Japan by popular website Ameba Blog, according to a press release on Tuesday.

On July 26, the fifth anniversary since his debut in Japan and the tenth since his debut as a member of Korean pop group UN, Japanese fans left some 5,000 congratulatory messages on the "John-Hoon Official Blog 146" and are still posting comments.

The figure placed Kim's blog at No.1, ahead of those of Japanese stars on Ameba Blog, a popular website which ranks celebrity blogs.

Kim, 30, rose to fame in 2000 as a member of K-pop duo UN. When the group disbanded in 2005, he started acting in several movies and TV dramas, most notably in MBC's hit TV series "Goong".

He has continued his music career in Japan, releasing his seventh single "Blue Moon" which debuted at No. 7 on Oricon's singles daily chart in July.

In 2008, in a poll by the Korean Wave magazine "Wanna Know More Korean TV Drama (Vol.32)", Kim was voted the most popular Hallyu star, beating out actor Bae Yong-joon.

Kim entered the army in April 2009 to fulfill South Korea's mandatory military services, and is currently serving as a DJ on military radio show "Kim Jeong-hoon's Voice Mail" at Korea's Defense Media Agency. He will be discharged from the military in February 2011.

The singer will be releasing his ninth single in Japan titled "Ardente" on August 18.

Reporter: Lynn Kim lynn2878 @ Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia

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July 26, 2010

Unofficial Groups of Close Celebrities Revealed

An airing of a morning show on one of the major broadcasting channels in Korea on July 26th gathered a list of private unofficial clubs or groups of celebrities that often get together for different purposes. This report has been gathering a lot of attention, giving the public a glimpse into the private lives of some of their favorite stars.

For example, Lee Han-wee, Cho Jae-hyun, and Bae Soo-bin share their love for hiking together and call themselves the "Empty Mountaineering Club". Ahn Seon-young, Ha Ri-soo, and Kim Na-young call themselves the "Carnivores" because the three often meet up to indulge in their love for eating meat. In fact, they say that they cannot even go for one day without having some form of meat in their diet.

One group that's of particular interest to the masses is one that includes one of Korea's biggest actors, Jang Dong-gun. Jang is part of a large group that calls themselves the "Playboys", which includes names such as Kim Seung-woo, Gong Hyung-jin, and Hyunbin. The man considered to be the nation's emcee, Yoo Jae-seok, ?meets with other?group members?such as Kim Yong-man and?Ji Seok-jin -- who probably talk just as much as Yoo himself -- to spend the entire night chit-chatting away. These members call themselves the "Jo Club".

Jung Joon-ho, Shin Hyun-joon, and Tak Jae-hoon pride themselves in all having a "J" in their names. They're more than just friends as they have set up their own business focused on movie production. Popular actor Jang Dong-gun, along with his beautiful wife Go So-young, is in another group?where they meet regularly with actors such as Jung Woo-sung and Lee Jung-jae to eat out or even travel together. You can consider all of them the royalty of Korean drama/movies, and this was also?where the ultimate royal Jang-Go couple?(Jang Dong-gun and Go so-young) was born!

Moving down the age ladder, there are similar groups in the idol star world too.?One group?calls themselves the "Nuts" and is made up of members from some of the top idol groups out on the scene these days: Girls Generation, 2AM, 2PM, etc. They each have a specific nickname where they take on a specific type of nut --?such as peanut or walnut -- and have secret get-togethers.

Another group centered on Super Junior member Eun-hyuk was formed after Eun-hyuk got closer to other stars of the same age through his radio show. This group is called "Ashtray Party" and includes 1986 born idol stars from groups such as TVXQ, Jewelry-S, and 2AM.

One group that stands out for the good that it does is called "Dda-sa Mo" which is a spin off of the Korean word for "warm". Members of this group are known to regularly plan and execute charity or volunteer projects together.

Viewers of this report commented that they "didn't know there were so many different groups and gatherings between celebrities" and that they hoped "more groups would be like "Dda-sa Mo" and do some good together.

Source: KBS Global

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July 27, 2010

'Dong Yi' Stars to Promote Census

Actors Ji Jin-hee and Han Hyo-joo, both starring in the MBC drama "Dong Yi," have been named promotional ambassadors for Korea's population census.

Statistics Korea said Monday the two stars were selected because the civil register was established in the reign of King Sukjong, whom Ji plays in the period drama. Han plays the royal concubine Sukbin Choe, the birth mother of later King Yeongjo.

The census is conducted every five years. This year's survey will be carried out on Nov. 1 to 15, covering Koreans and resident foreigners.

Ji Jin-hee (left) and Han Hyo-joo pose after being named as promotional ambassadors

for the 2010 population census in the Press Center in downtown Seoul on Monday.

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

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July 23, 2010

Song Hye-kyo ponders new film by Lee Jung-hyang

Reporter: Ko Kyoung-seok Editor: Lynn Kim

Korean actress Song Hye-kyo [Asia Economic Daily]

Korean actress Song Hye-kyo may be returning to the big screen through a new film by director Lee Jung-hyang, best-known for 2002 hit pic "The Way Home."

"She is considering appearing in director Lee Jung-hyang's new film but it has not been finalized," an official at Song's agency Eden 9 Entertainment told Asia Economic Daily over the phone on Tuesday. "It is hard to decide on her next project since we have not been notified of when the movie she is currently filming in China will end."

Lee Jang-hyang's upcoming movie, which remains untitled, is a story about the conflicts and growth a television producer experiences after losing her fiance in a hit-and-run accident.

It is Lee's first film since "Home," which turned then-child actor Yoo Seung-ho into a household name, became a local box office hit eight years ago.

Song, 28, shot to fame throughout Asia after starring in several hit TV dramas including "Autumn In My Heart" (KBS, 2000), "All In" (SBS, 2003) and "Full House" (KBS, 2004) alongside Asian pop sensation Rain. She was last seen in the drama "The World That They Live In" (KBS, 2008) and made headlines for dating her co-star Hyun Bin.

She has also done some work on the big screen including "Hwang Jin-i" (2007), "Poetry" (2008) and Asian omnibus pic "Carmelia" (2010), directed by Jang Joon-hwan and co-starring Gang Dong -won.

The actress is currently shooting Wong Kar-wai pic "The Grand Master" in China.

Reporter: Ko Kyoung-seok kave @ Editor: Lynn Kim lynn2878 @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia

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July 27, 2010

Over 170 TV dramas to compete for Seoul awards

By Kim Hyun

SEOUL, July 27 (Yonhap) -- The Seoul International Drama Awards 2010 have received 172 entries from 43 countries, including such top-rated television dramas as "NCIS" and "Doctor Who," organizers said Tuesday.

The annual competition, set for Sept. 10 this year, awards actors, writers and directors of well-made dramas from around the world. It was launched in 2005.

This year's lineup boasts variety in national origin as well as worldwide recognition, such as "NCIS" season 7 from the U.S., "Doctor Who" season 5 of Britain, "My House Is Full of Mirrors," an Italian drama on the everyday life of actress Sophia Loren, "Where Is Elisa?" of Chile and "League of Glory" of South Africa, the organizers said in a press release.

The ceremony bestows awards on each category -- single, mini-series and drama-series. There are also awards for actor and actress, director, screenwriter and people's choice, topped by the grand prize.

This year, the organizers have added the new Korean Wave Special Prize that will be selected through a vote by local and foreign correspondents here and people in the drama industry.

The event is jointly hosted by the Seoul Drama Awards organizing committee and the national broadcaster KBS.

Source: hkim@yna.co.kr english.yonhapnews.co.kr

SDA 2010 Official Website seouldrama.org

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July 27, 2010

The "Man from Nowhere" screening

Photographer: Park Sung-Ki Editor: Jessica Kim

Won Bin [Park Sung-ki/Asia Economic Daily]

Actor Won Bin speaks during a photo session of a press screening for film "The Man From Nowhere" held at a CJ CGV multiplex in Seoul, South Korea on July 27, 2010.

Won Bin [Park Sung-ki/Asia Economic Daily]

Actor Won Bin poses during a photo session of a press screening for film "The Man From Nowhere" held at a CJ CGV multiplex in Seoul, South Korea on July 27, 2010.

Lee Jeong-bum, Kim Sae-ron and Won Bin [Park Sung-ki/Asia Economic Daily]

From left, director Lee Jeong-bum, child actor Kim Sae-ron and actor Won Bin pose during a photo session of a press screening for film "The Man From Nowhere" held at a CJ CGV multiplex in Seoul, South Korea on July 27 , 2010.

Kim Sae-ron and Won Bin [Park Sung-ki/Asia Economic Daily]

From left, actors Won Bin and Kim Sae-ron pose during a photo session of a press screening for film "The Man From Nowhere" held at a CJ CGV multiplex in Seoul, South Korea on July 27, 2010.

Photographer: Park Sung-Ki musictok @ Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia 1 l 2 l 3 l 4

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July 27, 2010

[iNTERVIEW] Korean actress Kang Sora

Reporter: Wee Geun-woo Photographer: Lee Jin-hyuk Editor: Lucia Hong Editor: Jang Kyung-Jin

Interview with actress Kang Sora

Actress Kang Sora [Lee Jin-hyuk/10Asia]

My name is Kang Sora.

I was born on February 18, 1990. I was born early in the year so according to the Lunar calendar, I am a year older, which makes it easier for me to become friends with people born in 1989 but a bit weird to have people born in 1990 call me unni [older sister in Korean], so it's a bit difficult.

I published a martial arts novel when I was in fifth grade. The publication was based on a character named Ajin from a martial arts website and this one member whose ID was Nokcheon rooted a lot for me. It's sad that I don't have a copy of it.

I wrote a book report based on the novel "Norwegian Wood" when I was in middle school. I went to the bookstore and picked out "Norwegian Wood" because we were told to choose any book we wanted. I chose it because it had the phrase 'This generation's best author Haruki Murakami.' What caught my eye was author Haruki's melancholy style of writing rather than the content. I don't remember what I wrote but I remember receiving an award for it. These days I'm still reading Haruki Murakami -- "IQ84."

The only way I deviated during my teenage years was watching "Sympathy For Lady Vengeance" at the movie theater. I began to mature in the ninth grade, gain weight and grow in height so I was able to buy a ticket pretty easily even though I was wearing sweats.

I played an active part in my drama club when I was in high school. I was in charge of writing scripts so I wrote a student play when I was a freshman and a science-fiction play during my sophomore year. The SF play was titled "The Leftover Word." It was about a character from the future, where everything is funded by the government and there is no such thing as marriage and childcare, who meets his family from the past and realizes that the concept of family love still exists. I played the role of a human android because I didn't want to take on a bigger role since I wrote the script. I used a narration-like voice similar to the one from tvN's "Rollercoaster" because my character was almost human-like.

I enjoyed watching movies at Cinecube. I watched "Kamome Diner" and "Udon" the day it opened in theaters but I always watched it alone because I didn't have any friends to go with.

My appetite grew immensely when I was a freshman in high school. It was to the point where I went to the snack bar every period. I am never picky about food. That is why my friends' mothers really like me. I would ask for seconds and eat it deliciously with any side dish. I still believe in the theory that one person should have one whole chicken, one person should have one whole pan of pizza.

I began dieting during my senior year in high school to major in theater and movie. I didn't have the ideal body but the acting academy gave me lines for romantic roles like Juliet. I learned to dance, ran around Hapjeong-dong twice and most importantly gave up on late-night snacks. I didn't even eat anything after 6 p.m. In the past, I ate so much that it would be more precise to say that I reduced on what I used to eat to normal portions. However, I won't recommend the Denmark diet to anyone. At some point, your breath only smells of eggs and chicken. And right after you finish the diet, there is a yo-yo effect.

I was chosen last minute for the movie "4th Period Mystery." I had just stopped by the auditions for it since I was taking a break from school but unexpectedly got the part. I was scared too but I got it last minute so I had no choice but to play the role.

My most favorite food in the world is chicken and beer. When I was younger I enjoyed double deep-fried chicken but I've come to realize my love for lightly fried chicken. The best chicken combination is half fried and half seasoned with a lot of radish. There is this really tasty chicken place near my school although it's a bit shabby. I've become an advocate of 'one chicken per person' after eating their chicken. When I went with my friend our bill came out to 50,000 Korean won. The weird thing is that I don't get full from eating the food but I can't eat anymore because I drink too much. I'll drink about two mugs of beer with one chicken.

I was cast to play a swimmer who is part of the Korean National Training Center for an upcoming drama tentatively titled "Doctor Champ" which stars Kim So-yeon and Uhm Tae-woong. My character is someone who is known for her pretty face and she would rather put on make-up than show any desire to improve her swimming record. She will raise her record if she feels like it but then become uninterested.

Korean actress Kang Sora poses during an interview with 10Asia.

Reporter: Wee Geun-woo eight@ Photographer: Lee Jin-hyuk eleven@ Editor: Lucia Hong luciahong@, Jang Kyung-Jin three@ <ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia 1 l 2 l 3

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July 27, 2010

[iNTERVIEW] Actor Ji Sung - Part 1-2

Reporter: Wee Geun-woo Photographer: Lee Jin-hyuk Editor: Lee Ji-Hye Editor: Jessica Kim

Actor Ji Sung [Lee Jin-hyuk/10Asia]

10: It seems you often have to put on make-up that makes you look like to have a cold sore, just like you did for today's shoot. Did you know you'd be playing such a role that is so physically straining?

Ji Sung: I had heard from the screenwriter and director from when I first got to look at the synopsis.

10: You must've had to prepare for it a lot then.

Ji Sung: I had exercised regularly and although there was rumor that I was preparing for a skin-baring scene, I actually didn't have time to [work out] once we started filming. Other than that I had a lot of action and horse-riding scenes so I had to prepare for those a lot.

10: When it comes to the action scenes, not only are they tough but can also be extremely dangerous, right?

Ji Sung: I got injured many times while shooting the action scenes. It's covered by the make-up right now but I got poked near my eye with an iron stick so it left a scar and a bit of skin came off when my first got striked by a sword. So I'm a bit sad. (laugh) And I usually fight not with just one or two people but several so I get hurt whenever I do action scenes. The action scene that'll go on air this week, we were fighting on a rainy day so everybody was slipping. And then if you end up falling but are not in synthesis with the other person, you could end up getting hurt by the sword. It's work that requires a lot of caution.

10: Being able to move your body in the way that you want to is probably part of one's acting skills. Do you think you're good at doing that?

Ji Sung: It's not to the point that I can move in the very way that I want to. That's why actors have to prepare a lot when they're on a break rather than actually doing a movie or drama. Because they don't just play single characters. One may end up playing a martial arts expert or do a dance drama. That's why I think you're already late in getting prepared for a role if you start upon taking a new role. I think that's why when you're on a break, you need to study both physically and psychologically.

10: Does that mean you should always be in a state of tension?

Ji Sung: I think you have to be in a peaceful state rather than tense. I think you have to learn to ease yourself into naturally expressing situations that you would normally only experience in dramas and undergo a variety of experiences.

Actor Ji Sung [Lee Jin-hyuk/10Asia]

10: Then what did you spend your time doing in between "Swallow the Sun" and "Kim Soo-ro"?

Ji Sung: Don't people usually talk about travelling? I think you learn to become more at ease by going outside your limited boundary, in the process of experiencing and feeling new things. That's why after "Swallow the Sun," I travelled a lot and went back to school. I haven't graduated yet but I studied hard earlier this year and also took my mid-term exams. (laugh)

Ji Sung: I think he's in a confused stage right now -- at a lost stage. If the tragic events that Soo-ra experienced occured to a normal person, wouldn't they be in shock and have a hard time? That's why I have to think a lot. Because I can't always be shocked or hurt in the same tone. The hurt piles up and you become distressed. But you still have to get back on your feet. You want to let go of everything but if you think again, you're mother is being held and this week, another person gets held. Then what do you do? You save them.

10: Isn't it even more painful when you take on a role like this?

Ji Sung: When I have a lot of scenes that I'm sick in, I get really lonely. That's why when I'm done, rather than thinking 'Wow, I'm done. I'm going to take a break,' I have a long lingering. And That's why I tend to become depressed too. I don't know what I'll do next but I want to do sort of a romantic comedy. Something without a big and serious incident.

10: Then I think this is a job which also requires one to have a healthy ego in order to not get overtaken by such depression.

Ji Sung: Acting is just acting. I don't think an actor should substitute oneself to his or her character. If you over-do the emotions, it could lead to an unexpected outcome. If you pass on emotions A and B and raise it to C, you can't lower it to B.You can only go up even more from there. I think that's what you have to be careful about. Especially if you're thinking of acting for more than a year or two.

Actor Ji Sung [Lee Jin-hyuk/10Asia]

10: It often shows through the indifferent expression you put on when playing the role of King Su-ro that I can tell that you don't easily let your character's emotions lift up. One can't tell that he's someone who is suffering from a tragedy just by looking at his expression. Even when he's saving his queen Heo Hwang-ok (played by Seo Ji-hye) and cutting bamboo trees, rather than giving a piercing look, he just quite casually swings around his sword.

Ji Sung: He rather has fun with it. We set Su-ro as a character who is always at ease, no matter what situation he is in. He would have such a hard time if he took every single situation seriously. It's not even a life that he wanted for himself. However, you'll be able to tell once you watch the show this week but he again changes in the way he expresses his emotions. The way he accepts emotions changes so the way he expresses them changes too.

10: Because the story will be about his awakening from now on.

Ji Sung: He's someone who has received an oracle, he is a king sent from the heavens. We've been thinking hard about how to show this in a dramatic way because this could easily come off as seeming infantile.

10: Viewers have to be able to nod to the fact that he is worthy of being a king, even if it's his destiny.

Ji Sung: We know that he has no choice but to be a king but we now have to show why that is the case. I think we'll have to show how he matures depending on the experiences he has. As of now, whoever he meets, I want him to be like the 18-year-old kid that he is. I think it's too much for an 18-year-old to have the charisma of a king.

10: Then do you think he should be at the point where he doesn't cower? (laugh)

Ji Sung: That's right. Him not being a coward yet being able to control everyone with a look in his eyes? I don't think that's quite right. I should explain it to the extent that he comes from a background where he cannot help being a king, and then gradually express him beyond the issue of age.

10: Isn't it more difficult to keep your emotions at mid-point than being able to fully show your emotions and ability?

Ji Sung: It's tough, extremely. But I wanted to take the style factor out of it. That's why I sometimes also have to hold myself back from trying to sound cheesy when I act out my lines. Because I think I'm not the type [that can pull it off]. But I'm going to have to see the script to see what other sides we'll get to see to Su-ro. I'll make him become that Su-ro [in the script].

10: I'm guessing it probably becomes increasingly important to communicate with other actors or the crew the more difficult the acting is. Just like how Su-ro continues to make people join his side by opening himself up to them.

Ji Sung: I think being genuine is important. Being unaffected. You have to be able to ask someone if there's something you're worried about, you have to be able to say you're having a hard time when you are and when you're confident about something you have to be able to express that too. A lot of actors and crew members help me because I tell them honestly about such things.

10: Did you learn to do that through working?

Ji Sung: It something that everybody learns. You can't know it from the very start. And it's probably different for each person but I'm guessing they all learn in a way that suits them. You upgrade yourself and show a better side to you.

10: Do you have a desire to become better?

Ji Sung: This is what I feel. I don't want to be going in a circle. I'm not asking for a shortcut but I at least want to take a normal path. And a wrong judgement could lead you to go the long way around. I think that would take too much time and be very tough. I think this happens less for people with experience because they anticipate the result and are prepared for it.

10: Then you must need a lot of advice from others in order to reduce trial and error since you're a young actor.

Ji Sung: There are people do that [for me]. And actors and producers are not the only ones that give advice. People who actually know less are sometimes more realistic because they tell you from the perspective of an audience. That's why actors have to keep their ears fully open. We can't be stubborn and only do what we want to do. We have to be able to accept and embrace it and make it ours. That's why I seek a lot of advice and consult a lot too. I also look at the criticism that viewers leave on message boards. I can't take everything into account but if I work on certain points based on the thoughts that people have about my acting, I think they'd be responsive to that.

10: Was there any criticism in particular that was very helpful to you?

Ji Sung: There's so much that I don't know... This is my second time taking on a historical drama but it's true that young actors avoid them. They're difficult to relate to, the tone is different... But it's true that they're also as much help for one's acting. Even while working on "Kim Su-ro" this time, I realized that I don't know so much. That's why I go around smiling because I tell myself I lack in many ways. I wanted to fill up a clean slate with new things. And this happens whenever I play a new role but I'm drawing one thing after another onto it. I probably haven't even filled it up halfway but I'm thinking of acting until I fill up the blank space completely.

10: But isn't it easier to see the picture from far away than up close? For example, after you're done with a role.

Ji Sung: But I want to be able to see the whole picture right now too, so I don't know if I lack the skills to do so but I can't do it. Yet I should still keep trying. Because I play the main character. I can't play my role properly if I can't see the complete picture when half of the script are my lines. But if you ask me whether I'm looking at the entire picture, I'm sure I'm not doing a perfect job of it.

10: You seem to put more meaning into playing the main character.

Ji Sung: That's why it's a lot of pressure. So my first duty is also to rid myself of that pressure... How can one start being under pressure? That's why I try to make some aspects of Su-ro a way of my life. When I'm practicing swordsmanship, I also think how Su-ro would do it. Of course, since he's from a historical drama it's difficult to make his way of life in reality but making an effort to focus on him as much as possible has helped me rid myself of the pressure. I don't know how that will come back to me later but as long as I do my best, wouldn't people recognize it? When I was doing MBC's "New Heart," I tried to regard the supporting actors as actual patients but I think that's a basic quality of an actor.

10: If you put in that much effort and are looking forward to as much compensation for it, there must be a lot that you would be disappointed about. What do you feel more after you're done with a role -- satisfaction or lacking?

Ji Sung: More of what's missing but if the more that's the case, the more I try not to think about it. When you're acting, there are many things one wants to do but if you become disappointed over not having done all of that, you'll start having regrets. And that could lead to a drop in confidence so sometimes, it's just better to let it go. Even with Kim Su-ro right now, if there's something I wanted to do more of or am disappointed about, I try to shake those thoughts from my head whenever I have a break. This applies for Su-ro too but you can't cope if you are constantly in a tough situation. That's why I try to rid myself of the pains that he experiences when I'm acting him. The story develops quickly too so I can't stay in the pain and concerns. I think that's who Su-ro is.

Reporter: Wee Geun-woo eight@ Photographer: Lee Jin-hyuk eleven@ Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim@, Lee Ji-Hye seven@ <ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia 1 l 2

[rubie]

July 28, 2010

Bae Doo-na (left) and Oh Hyun-kyung pose at a press event for their new TV drama "Gloria" in Seoul on Tuesday.

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

[PREVEW] MBC weekend TV series "Gloria"

Photographer : Lee Jin-hyuk Editor : Lee Ji-Hye Editor : Jessica Kim

Korean actor Seo Ji-suk, director Kim Min-sik, actress So E-hyun, actor Lee Chun-hee, actress Bae Doo-na,

actress Oh Hyun-kyung and actor Lee Jong-won pose at the press conference for upcoming weekend drama

"Gloria" held at a CJ CGV theater in Seoul, South Korea on July 28, 2010. [10Asia/Lee Jin-hyuk]

MBC weekend TV series "Gloria"

Scenarist: Jung Ji-woo

Producer: Kim Min-sik

Cast: Bae Doo-na (as Na Jin-jin), Lee Chun-hee (as Ha Dong-ah), So E-hyun (as Jung Yoon-seo), Oh Hyun-kyung (as Na Jin-joo), Seo Ji-suk (as Lee Kang-suk) and Lee Jong-won (as Lee Ji-suk).

In one sentence: A nothing-can-bring-me-down drama where the main female character who lives with her physically challenged older sister yet are without parents, sets out to live a new life in her thirties, chasing after her dream to become a singer

Premiere Date: July 31, 2010 at 7:55 P.M.

Major broadcaster KBS has held onto the reigns of weekend dramas for a while now. For the past two years, their shows including "Mom has Grown Horns," "My Too Perfect Sons" and "Three Brothers," have scored viewership ratings reaching over 40 percent, proving that they have been successful at attracting a wide range of viewers. That is why MBC has decided to pursue the strategy of differentiating itself by breaking from the formula of 'weekend drama = family drama" through "Gloria" which talks about the dreams of male and female characters who are not in their teens but have yet to become middle-aged.

Anticipation Quotient

If you're looking for a younger weekend drama: 8

If seeing a nothing-can-bring-me-down type character even on the weekend is too much for you: 6

Scenes from MBC TV series "Gloria" [MBC]

"Gloria" sets forth Na Jin-jin (played by Bae Doo-na) as the main character, an energetic and vigorous child head of a household, telling the story of how she works to achieve her dream of becoming a singer at not such a young age. The characters that surround her are either "those people who live on the fast lane and those who fall behind" as scenarist Jung Ji-woo said, but that only comes from the difference in their financial status. Whether it be third-rate gangster Dong-ah (played by Lee Chun-hee) who is Jin-jin's best friend or Yoon-seo, who has grown up in a conglomerate family, all of them have failed to find a specific dream they want to achieve in life. And of all these characters who each suffer from a different type of deficiency, Jin-jin, working at the coat room of a night club, is the first to discover her dream. She who had been working hard at making a living to support her physically challenged sister Jin-joo (played by Oh Hyun-kyung) without her parents, one day happens realize her dream after standing on stage instead of the vocalist for the band at her night club.

At the press conference, scenarist Jung said, "I am trying to figure out how to tell a different story although it will not stray far from the original nothing-can-bring-me-down type dramas." In her previous work "Wish Upon a Star," the main character played by actress Choi Jung-won was portrayed as someone who is not always cheerful and kind but instead an immature sister with four younger siblings who "lacks in a certain way because she doesn't have money yet is busy to make herself look pretty." It seems that the success of "Gloria" too will depend on how Na Jin-jin's character is portrayed.

Reporter: Lee Ga-on Photographer: Lee Jin-hyuk eleven@ Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim@, Lee Ji-Hye seven@

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