[News] Drama, Movies, Actors & Actresses

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August 10, 2010

"Dong Yi" competes against "Giant" on TV charts

Reporter: Lucia Hong Editor: Jessica Kim

Korean dramas "Giant" (top) and "Dong Yi - Jewel in the Crown" (bottom) [sBS / MBC]

MBC's historical drama "Dong Yi - Jewel in the Crown" and SBS '"Giant" competed in a tight race for the top spot on the TV ratings chart this week.

Figures from TNmS (Total National Multimedia Statistics) on Wednesday indicated that "Dong Yi," into episode 42, remained at No. 1 show in the country for the 18th consecutive week with ratings of 23.7 percent on August 9 and a half a percentile lower figure the following day.

Following closely behind in second place was SBS 'series "Giant," starring Lee Bum-soo, Park Jin-hee and Hwang Jung-eum, with ratings of 21.6 percent on Monday and 22.7 percent on Tuesday.

However, numbers released by AGB Nielsen Media Research reported that "Giant" became the most-watched series in the country with ratings of 21.4 percent on August 9 and 22.9 percent on August 10, scoring its first win on AGB's TV chart since first airing on May 10.

"Dong Yi" slipped to No. 2 with ratings of 22.7 percent on Monday and 21.3 percent the next day.

Reporter: Lucia Hong luciahong @ Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia

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August 11, 2010

Rain highly likely to star in remake film

Jessica Kim

Rain [Asia Economic Daily]

Asian superstar Rain is highly likely to play the main character of film "Red Scarf," a remake of the Korean movie of the same name from 1964.

"The details have yet to be set but there is a very high possibility," an official with the film remarked regarding Rain's casting which would mark the singer and actor's second local big screen role. His first movie role was in critically acclaimed director Park Chan-wook's "I'm a Cyborg, But That's Okay" where he played the male lead opposite top Korean actress Lim Su-jeong.

The original "Red Scarf" production, by late director Shin Sang-ok, is about how an Air Force pilot becomes a true soldier. The remake will tell of the life and comradeship of various soldiers and be produced jointly by Jang Tae-gon, producer of the original movie, and CJ Entertainment.

Rain, 28, has received a notice to enlist in the military on September 28 this year - all Korean men are required to fulfill the country's two-year mandatory military duties. But he is expected to be able to defer the date since he is also studying for a master's degree.

Rain, whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon, is one of Asia's most popular entertainers who has achieved a phenomenal level of success in both singing and acting. He went from being a promising trainee to a mega-popular singer and actor in just ten years, releasing six studio albums and starring in several hit television dramas.

In 2008, he went to Hollywood and made his international debut with a supporting role in the Wachowski Brothers' pic "Speed Racer," followed by a lead role in martial arts film "Ninja Assassin."

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

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August 11, 2010

Han Chae-young signs with US agency CAA

Jessica Kim

Actress Han Chae-young [bH Entertainment]

Korean actress Han Chae-young has signed with Hollywood agency CAA (Creative Artists Agency), according to her agency BH Entertainment on Wednesday.

BH made the announcement through a press release, explaining that its overseas networks and previous experience in successfully launching actor Lee Byung-hun's career in the United States, contributed to reaching the agreement.

Han's ability to speak fluent English, and her Asian facial features combined with a western physique, have been considered factors that would make it favorable for her to expand her career to the US as well.

CAA is a major entertainment and sports agency established in 1975 which manages the careers of soccer player David Beckham, film director Steven Spielberg and actors Brad Pitt, Tom Hanks, Nicholas Cage, Julia Roberts and George Clooney.

Born Kim Ji-young, the 29-year-old actress grew up in the suburb of Chicago and was reportedly discovered by a famed Korean comedian during her visit to Korea. She made her acting debut in 2000 through horror film "The Record" and shot to stardom throughout Asia with the success of TV series "Delightful Girl Choon-hyang" (KBS2, 2005).

Last year, she made a special guest appearance in the smash hit drama "Boys Over Flowers" (KBS2, 2009) and starred in the film "Good Morning President" alongside top Korean actor Jang Dong-gun.

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

Actress Han Chae-young Signs With Hollywood?

It's off to Hollywood for actress Han Chae-young! Han's entertainment company BH Entertainment reported on August 11th that the beauty signed with one of the top talent agencies in the US, Creative Artists Agency (CAA).

CAA was founded in 1975 and is the label that some of the top dogs in the US entertainment industry have signed under. This includes director Steven Spielberg, actors Brad Pitt, Tom Hanks, Nicholas Cage, George Clooney, Will Smith, actress Julia Roberts, TV personality Oprah Winfrey, baseball player Derek Jeter, and soccer player David Beckham. One thing's for sure, Chae will definitely be in good company!

CAA is known to be a well-established company that specializes in backing talents in all sectors of entertainment. There's a lot of anticipation over whether or not the agency will help Han Chae-young succeed in Hollywood as actor Lee Byung-hun did before her. Han is nicknamed "the Korean Barbie doll" for her ideally proportioned figure along with her face that is the perfect fusion of eastern and western beauty. Reports have said that she has been wanting to enter the Hollywood scene. She even joined a New Zealand film project titled "Soulmate", hoping to get her face known outside of Korea's borders. Unfortunately, due to some insider problems, the film never entered the US market.

Source: KBS Global

August 12, 2010

Han Chae Young Signs Contract with American Agency CAA

Actress Han Chae Young (30) has signed an agency contract with famous US entertainment agency CAA (Creative Artist Agency) her agency BH Entertainment announced on August 11.

A spokesperson for the agency said, “Han made a contract with CAA to begin activities overseas in earnest. Han has been evaluated as a potential star actress even in the US market because she can speak English fluently like a native English speaker and has an appearance mixing an Asian face with a Western body type.”

CAA was established in 1975 and lists among its clients the director Steven Spielberg, actors such as Brad Pitt, Tom Hanks, Nicolas Cage, Julia Roberts, George Clooney and Will Smith, talk show host Oprah Winfrey, and star soccer player David Beckham.

Among Korean actors, actor Lee Byung Hun, who successfully advanced into Hollywood with the movie “G.I.Joe,” belongs to CAA. Han Chae Young could seize a chance to make a contract with CAA thanks to her connection with Lee Byung Hun, who belongs to the same agency with her in Korea.

Han Chae Young spent her school days in the USA, and debuted in 2000 with the movie “The Record,” and since then she has appeared in dramas and movies such as “Autumn in my Heart,”” Sassy Girl, Chun-Hyang,””Wild Card,” and “Love Now.”

Source: KBS Global

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August 11, 2010

BoA to make special appearance in TV series "Athena"

Reporter: Lucia Hong Editor: Jessica Kim

Korean pop star BoA [sM Entertainment]

Korean pop star BoA will be making a special guest appearance in the spin-off of last year's blockbuster drama "IRIS," according to her agency SM Entertainment on Wednesday.

SM announced in a press release that in upcoming action drama "Athena," BoA will be playing the role of a top female singer who will be faced with a hostage situation by terrorists before her concert, while being protected by her bodyguard Jung-woo ( played by Jung Woo-sung).

BoA's scenes for "Athena" will be shot in mid-August and go on air after the show's premiere in November on major broadcaster SBS.

"Athena," featuring other cast members Cha Seung-won, Soo Ae, E Ji-ah, Kim Min-jong and Choi Si-won of idol group Super Junior, will be about terrorist acts and threats against the Korean Peninsula and the whole world.

The drama finished filming on location in Italy last month and will continue on into Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and Switzerland.

BoA does not have any previous acting experience but was recently cast as the female lead in a Hollywood dance film which will be written and helmed by famed screenwriter Duane Adler. Filming for the dance flick will begin early next year in the US

BoA made her singing debut at the age of 13 and known as the first Korean artist to make a breakthrough into the Japanese music scene. She made her comeback to the Korean music scene for the first time in five years with her sixth studio release "Hurricane Venus" last week.

Reporter: Lucia Hong luciahong @ Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia

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August 11, 2010

"Minamishineyo" DVD sees high sales in Korea

Reporter: Lucia Hong Editor: Jessica Kim

"Minamishineyo" director's cut DVD [sBS]

The DVD for last year's hit Korean drama "Minamishineyo" is seeing high sales in Korea, according to SBS 'Contents Hub on Wednesday.

SBS announced in a press release that the director's cut version of "Minamishineyo" is currently the best-selling DVD in the country with about 7,000 copies sold since its release in February.

In November, SBS plans to release a compact DVD in Japan which will feature commentaries, interviews of the actors and deleted scenes. SBS said they have received about 2,300 orders in advance for the DVD although they have not started taking orders officially.

"Minamishineyo," about a girl who pretends to be a man to join the popular idol group ANJELL, aired in Korea during the latter half of 2009 and maintained viewership ratings in the 10 percent range against hit blockbuster series "IRIS" during its run.

The show saw even bigger success overseas, selling its publication rights to several broadcasters in Asia including China's CCTV, Thailand's BBTV, Philippines' GMAABS-CBN and Singapore's MATV.

"Minamishineyo," currently airing on Japan's Fuji TV, scored the highest viewership rating amongst other shows in the same timeslot last week.

Members of ANJELL from the hit TV series "Minamishineyo" [sBS]

Reporter: Lucia Hong luciahong @ Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia

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August 11, 2010

Moon Geun-young says she has been in love

Reporter : Kang Seung-hun Editor : Jessica Kim

Actress Moon Geun-young speaks during a press call for play "Closer"

held at the Art One Theater in Seoul, South Korea on August 10, 2010.

[Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

Korean actress Moon Geun-young has confessed that she has been in love before.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday during a press call for play "Closer" in which she takes on the role of strip dancer Alice, the former 'nation's little sister' remarked, "It's not like I haven't ever loved someone before, it's just that I haven't talked about it."

She also said she did not mind having to exchange dialogue containing sexual and provocative terms with her co-actors for the play. "I'm 23 now so I know more than I used to so I didn't feel much pressure," Moon explained.

Moon, who debuted at the young age of 12, had for long attempted at shedding herself of the image as a child actor solidified through roles in hit films "My Little Bride" (2004) and "Dancing Princess" (2005). Her efforts have paid off -- she won the grand prize at major broadcaster SBS' year-end Acting Awards last year for her role as a talented painter in drama "The Painter of the Wind" which has received several international acclaims and her latest series "Sister of Cinderella" topped TV ratings charts during its 20-episode run earlier this year.

"Closer," a famed production by English playwright Patrick Marber, is Moon's first attempt at the theatrical stage. She will be amongst a string of actors from her agency Namoo Actors who will be taking part in a series of overseas plays jointly produced in Korea by Namoo, Aga and CJ Entertainment.

"Closer," which premiered in London in 1997 and made a North American debut on Broadway two years later, has been translated into some 30 languages and shown in over 100 cities around the world.

The show started showing in Korea on August 6 and will run until October 10 at the Art One Theater in Seoul.

Reporter : Kang Seung-hun tarophine@ Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@ <ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia

Actress Moon Geun-young poses during a photo session of a press call for play "Closer" held at the Art One Theater in Seoul, South Korea on August 10, 2010.

From left, actor Uhm Ki-joon and actress Moon Geun-young pose during a photo session of a press call for play "Closer" held at the Art One Theater in Seoul, South Korea on August 10, 2010.

Moon Geun-young and Uhm Ki-joon [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

From left, actress Moon Geun-young and actor Uhm Ki-joon kiss while acting out a scene from play "Closer" during its press call held at the Art One Theater in Seoul, South Korea on August 10, 2010.

Actress Moon Geun-young acts out a scene from play "Closer" during its press call held at the Art One Theater in Seoul, South Korea on August 10, 2010.

Actress Moon Geun-young acts out a scene from play "Closer" during its press call held at the Art One Theater in Seoul, South Korea on August 10, 2010.

Photographer: Lee Ki-bum metro83 @ Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia 1 l 2 l 3 l 4 l 5

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August 11, 2010

Jo Han-sun to enter military next month

Reporter: Lee Jong-gil Editor: Jessica Kim

Jo Han-sun [Asia Economic Daily]

Actor Jo Han-sun will enter the army next month as part of fulfilling the country's two-year mandatory military service.

Starting September 9, the 29-year-old actor is expected to undergo four weeks of basic training at Nonsan training camp in South Chungcheong Province and then work as a public service worker for his remaining period of service.

Jo had been set to join the military early this year but pushed back the date following his marriage in January to his girlfriend of two years who was also already pregnant. His wife gave birth to a baby girl in late April.

Jo, who rose to stardom through debut sitcom Nonstop 3 in 2002, has appeared in several dramas and movies.

He wrapped up filming of movie The Invincible, "a Korean remake of the Hong Kong classic" A Better Tomorrow, "also starring actors Song Seung-heon, Joo Jin-mo and Kim Kang-woo.

Reporter: Lee Jong-gil leemean @ Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia

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August 12, 2010

Kim Hyun-joo Finds Relief from Personal Grief in Charity

Kim Hyun-joo with bangladeshi children

Kim Hyun-joo made her first public appearance on July 22 since her father's death on July 7. Kim took part in an event by Good Neighbors, an international humanitarian and development non-governmental organization, on July 22 and then went on a nine-day volunteer trip to Bangladesh from July 25 to Aug. 2.

Despite her grief, Kim put on a smile during the trip to raise awareness of children around the world who suffer from poverty. Kim delivered presents to poor households in Bangladesh, helped bathe children, and led art classes and other recreational activities. She donated the condolence money collected for her father's funeral to Good Neighbors; it will be used to build libraries in 11 orphanages in slum areas of Dhaka. "I literally fled to Bangladesh after a series of personal tragedies, but I was consoled by the smiles of children who are living in these dire conditions. The act of sharing has given me strength to live," she says.

Kim has been consistently involved in volunteer work. She sponsors a child she met during a volunteer trip to the Philippines in January, and has been working as an instructor for several classes held by Good Neighbors, teaching elementary schoolchildren about poverty around the world. She has also been campaigning for prevention of child abuse. In May, she was appointed goodwill ambassador for Good Neighbors.

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

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August 11, 2010

Im Kwon-taek's Son Follows Dad into Showbiz

Director Im Kown-taek's second son has followed his father into the movie business as an actor.

Core Entertainment said Tuesday that Im Dong-jae, who has adopted the screen name Kwon Hyun-sang, appeared in the recently released film "Death Bell 2: Bloody Camp."

The 29 year old, who studies theater and film at Dankook University, did not want to reveal his connection with the celebrated director to avoid prejudicing his career, his agency said.

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

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August 12, 2010

(Movie Review) 'I Saw the Devil,' a brutal, stylish thriller

By Kim Hyun

SEOUL, Aug. 12 (Yonhap) -- Kim Jee-woon's new thriller, "I Saw the Devil," which hit theaters on Thursday, almost didn't make it to the big screen. Due to its hardcore violence, the film initially received a restricted screening rating. Filmmakers had to trim some of the more excruciating fat before the 18-rated thriller could be shown in theaters.

Kim called watching the finished product, which is a grueling exploration into the showdown between a serial killer and an equally brutal avenger, "eating sushi short of wasabi" at a press premier Wednesday. Despite Kim's comments, the drama is overladen with a series of decapitations and gripping violence. Yet, many of them are no more cannibalistic than what we have seen in thrillers like Park Chan-wook's "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" or Ridley Scott's "Hannibal."

However, what really counts here is the matter of effectiveness. Does the drama pack enough empathy for the audience to sit through the violence?

The movie opens on a beautiful snowy night as romantic guitar melodies flow to the methodical movements of a car's windshield wipers. Ju-yeon (Oh San-ha), the daughter of a retired police officer and fiancee of a top secret agent, gets a flat outside town and has to wait for assistance. It's here that the serial killer, Gyeong-cheol (Choi Min-sik), makes his entrance, appearing from out of nowhere.

Gyeong-cheol is a stony-eyed psychopath who kills for amusement. A plump, middle-aged, school bus driver in a Seoul suburb, he lets no chance go to waste. Ju-yeon becomes his latest prey and is found decapitated in a horrible state.

Su-hyeon (Lee Byung-hun), the victim's fiance and a secret guard with the National Intelligence Service, decides to track down the perpetrator. He's bent on making Gyeong-cheol suffer as horribly his fiance did. After planting a GPS chip on the villain, Su-hyeon is able to effectively track the serial killer, but when he lashes out, his attacks fail to deal the finishing blow.

Vexed with entrapment, Gyeong-cheol seeks help from his fellow serial killer and discovers the GPS capsule. This is when the real showdown begins.

To endure the tormenting scenes of violence, the audience needs to form an emotional bond with Su-hyeon. They need to identify with his quest for vengeance, and the reasons why he keeps catching and setting the serial killer free. Su-hyeon apparently does this to make him suffer, but the motive works against the moral element of the drama. The empathy aspect suffers as a result.

Befitting his reputation from "The Good, the Bad, the Weird" and "A Bittersweet Life," Kim has beautifully shot his latest noir. Each scene is masterfully drawn from real-world Seoul and its idyllic suburbs.

But the central part of the film lies with the frenetic confrontation between the two actors. Choi has a marvelously impassive face when he says, "I don't know pain, nor fear. There's nothing you can get from me. You've already lost." His emotionless face never wavers.

It is Lee who has to express the subtle changes of a man whose quest drains him over time. To endure the 144-minute revenge drama, the audience needs to identify with Lee's gripping anger and his excruciating method of vengeance.

Choi, who played a flesh-eating perpetrator in "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" (2005), said he focused on "technically" playing his role. "I only had a few scenes as the criminal in 'Lady Vengeance' and I was thirsty. With 'I Saw the Devil,' it's excessive," he said in the press screening. "This is perhaps the film where I was the least immersed among the films I've done, and I approached it rather technically."

Lee, who made his Hollywood debut with "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" last year, recalled his role as "extremely exhaustive." It was "challenging to play a man who has to avenge with no facial expressions, but at the same time who has to subtly show various emotions of anger, sadness and anxiety."

"I Saw the Devil," produced by Peppermint and Co. and distributed by Showbox, was released on Thursday.

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

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August 12, 2010

Lee Soo-man stock-richest in entertainment community

Singer-turned entertainer trainer Lee Soo-man, 58, the largest shareholder of SM Entertainment, has been named the richest with stock ownership in the entertainment community.

Chaebul.com reported Wednesday that Lee is found to have owned shares worth 61.76 billion won in terms of the prices of shares which closed on the two major Korean stock exchanges Tuesday.

Hallyu star Bae Yong-joon, 38, came second with 4,380,102 shares or a 34.6 percent stake of entertainment management agency, Keyeast, which is translated to 10.93 billion won on closing price at the KOSDAQ market Tuesday.

Former singer Yang Soo-kyung, 43, was ranked third with 3,060 million won worth of Yedang shares. She is the wife of Byun Doo-seop, chief executive officer of Yedang, music business firm.

Besides these, actress Kyeon Mi-ri, 46, was placed fifth with shares of FCB Twelve worth 1,870 million won, followed by TV host Shin Dong-yup, 39, and top singer BoA, 24, who have owned shares of De Chocolate E&TF and SM Entertainment worth 590 million won, respectively.

TV personality Kang Ho-dong, 40, has owned shares in De Chocolate worth 530 million won, singer Tae Jin-a, 57, (Cho Bang-hun) 210 million won worth and singer Yoon Jong-shin, 41, 150 million won worth in De Chocolate.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

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August 12, 2010

U-Know Yunho graces cover of HK's men's magazine

Reporter : Lucia Hong Editor : Jessica Kim

Korean singer and actor U-Know Yunho [sM Entertainment]

Korean singer and actor U-Know Yunho has graced the cover of this month's issue of men's magazine men's uno, according to a press release from SM Entertainment on Thursday.

SM said that U-Know Yunho has been featured on the cover of the Hong Kong edition of the publication's August issue, which was shot in the country in mid-May.

The issue, which hit stands in early August, also includes an interview with the Korean pop star as well as a photo spread. He will also be featured on the cover of Taiwan's men's uno in October.

men's uno is published in several other countries in Asia including China, Singapore and Malaysia. U-Know Yunho joins a list of top Asian male stars who have appeared on the cover including Taiwan's actor Takeshi Kaneshiro, Taiwanese pop star Jay Chou and Korean actor Lee Byung-hun.

U-Know Yunho, 24, made his debut in 2004 as a member of the five-member boy band TVXQ, who were known as one of the most-popular K-pop acts in Asia.

They had officially stopped working as a group in Korea since last July however, and later in Japan when three of its members --Xiah Junsu, Hero Jaejoong and Micky Yoochun -- asked a court to nullify their exclusive contract with SM, claiming their 13-year contract period is too long.

They have continued with their singing careers through a newly formed singing trio after signing with major Japanese talent agency Avex earlier this year.

Yunho is busy preparing for the "SMTOWN LIVE '10 World Tour In Seoul" with his fellow SM labelmates which kicks off in Seoul on August 21. He is also rehearsing for his role as one of the male leads for the musical adaptation of hit TV series "Goong," which will premiere early next month.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@ Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@ <ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia

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August 12, 2010

Lee Byung-hun may shoot "G.I. Joe" sequel early next year

Top Korean actor Lee Byung-hun says filming for the sequel to Hollywood action flick "G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra" is expected to start early next year.

Lee made the remark on Wednesday during a press screening and press conference for his movie "I Saw the Devil," critically acclaimed director Kim Ji-woon's latest pic co-starring actor Choi Min-shik from smash hit Korean pic "Old Boy." "We were supposed to go into shoot around winter of this year but I had heard it would be delayed to summer of next year over problems with the scenario. But then I heard that the scenario is done so I think we'll start early next year but I'm not sure about this either," Lee explained.

The 40-year-old actor, long considered one of the most popular actors in Korea, made his Hollywood debut through the hit action figure pic from last year, playing the role of Storm Shadow opposite actors Channing Tatum and Sienna Miller.

"I Saw the Devil," about a secret agent (played by Lee) plotting revenge against a serial killer (Choi) who killed his fiancee, has been lauded one of the most anticipated films this year for the collaboration of filmmaker Kim of "The Good, The Bad, the Weird" and two of the country's top actors.

The revenge thriller opened in theaters today after three rounds of ratings reviews -- the film was slapped a restricted rating twice before it received approval for an 18+ rating. In Korea, a restricted rating virtually bans a film from being screened since they can only be shown in special theaters only showing adult films but no such theaters exist in the country.

Reporter: Ko Kyoung-seok kave@ Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim@ <ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia

Korean actor Lee Byung-hun poses during a photo session of a press screening and press conference for his movie "I Saw the Devil" held at the Dongdaemun Megabox theater in Seoul, South Korea on August 11, 2010.

From left, Korean actors Choi Min-shik and Lee Byung-hun pose during a photo session of a press screening and press conference for his movie "I Saw the Devil" held at the Dongdaemun Megabox theater in Seoul, South Korea on August 11, 2010.

Korean actor Lee Byung-hun smiles during a press screening and press conference for his movie "I Saw the Devil" held at the Dongdaemun Megabox theater in Seoul, South Korea on August 11, 2010.

Photographer: Lee Ki-bum metro83 @ Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia 1 l 2 l l3

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August 12, 2010

Josie Ho to appear in upcoming TV series "Domangja s1"

Reporter: Lucia Hong Editor: Jessica Kim

Chinese singer and actress Josie Ho [sl. Plan B]

Chinese singer and actress Josie Ho will be joining the star-studded cast of upcoming KBS TV series "Domangja s1," according to a press release by the show's producer on Thursday.

Ho will be making an appearance as the role of the Chinese character Hwai, who chases after Ji-hoo, played by Korean superstar Rain. "I am happy that I will be able to introduce myself to the Korean audience through this drama," Ho was quoted as saying.

Ho is the fourth foreign actress to join the cast after Japanese actor Takenaka Naoto, Japanese singer and actress Uehara Takako and Hong Kong actor Eric Tsang.

They will be sharing the small screen with multi-talented entertainer Rain, Daniel Henney, Lee Jung-jin, Lee Na-young, Kong Hyung-jin and Yoon Son-ha.

"Domangja s1," about a hefty sum of money popping up sixty years after it disappeared in times of the Korean war, will be directed by noted TV producer Kwak Jung-hwan and written by Chun Sung-il, the creative duo behind the hit KBS TV series "The Slave Hunters" (2010).

Filming for the drama has taken in various Asian cities including Japan, Shanghai, Beijing, Macau and Hong Kong.

Josie Ho, 35, the daughter of billionaire Stanley Ho, has appeared in numerous movies, TV commercials, dramas and singing performances. She is well known for her roles in the award-winning films Purple Storm (1999), Butterfly (2004) and Exiled (2006).

"Domangja s1" is scheduled to premiere at the end of September.

Reporter: Lucia Hong luciahong @ Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia

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August 12, 2010

Testosterone-fueled films dominate

By Lee Hyo-won

"The Expendables"

Korean actresses should be enjoying a nice long vacation on exotic beaches this summer — as male stars unabashedly show off their macho side onscreen there seems to be little room for the ladies.

The alpha male, as depicted through recent Korean cinema, has been reverting to a more primitive, sticks and stones standard — the survival of the fittest is measured by a man’s ability to not only outwit an opponent in messy mind games but more importantly unleash killer instincts to endure no-cut skirmishes.

“Major studios are producing super violent films starring superstars. They’re trying to feed the audience’s appetite for something different, and it seems to be working. Director Kang Woo-seok, for example, has produced something really different from his previous works, and it is catching people’s attention,” said a researcher at the Korean Film Council.

Kang’s “Moss” features a heavy bevy of men including Jung Jae-young disguised as a grandpa engaged in acts of all sorts of physical and spiritual violence. It has attracted over 3 million viewers while “Inception,” reigned by tough guys Leonardo Dicaprio and Ken Watanabe, continue to draw packed screenings. Won Bin has contributed to the scene as a knife-wielding madman in “The Man From Nowhere,” which has brought in an audience of more than 1.5 million in just nine days as of Thursday. With the high online reservation rate the hardboiled action flick is expected to continue topping the box office.

Actresses thus should prepare more tanning lotion, since the testosterone tsunami is expected to make waves for the meantime.

“I Saw the Devil” was finally released in theaters Thursday after controversial rounds with the Korea Media Ratings Board for its explicit content. Hallyu star Lee Byung-hun (“G.I. Joe”) plays a National Intelligence Service agent who becomes lustful for vengeance after he loses his beloved fiancee to an evil serial killer, played by “Oldboy” star Choi Min-sik.

As of late, the spotlight in Korean cinema has shifted from beautiful male-female duos playing lovebirds to odd pairings of clashing male co-stars. The curious chemistry between a heartthrob and an elder veteran actor — much like hit spy flick “Blood Brothers,” starring Kang Dong-won and Song Kang-ho — is enough to make headlines. In the film Lee pushes forward the drama of the narrative while Choi propels the action with his relentless and unpredictable axing and other outbursts of violence.

Coming to theaters on Aug. 26 is another film featuring skirmishes between two actors, though with a more comical twist. “Jukigo Sipeun (Want to Kill)” is about two foes who end up being hospitalized in the same ward and try to destroy each other with the use of back scratchers, water vaporizers and other seemingly harmless items.

The black comedy shows how profound hatred can “inspire” two paralyzed patients; one of them, a compulsive suicide attempter, even prolongs his death wish and trains to regain his energy in order to take on his enemy. The duo are played by middle-aged household names Cheon Ho-jin and Yu Hae-jin, who both appear as supporting characters in “I Saw the Devil” and “Moss,” respectively. Yu shines with his signature slapstick while Cheon, who has assumed more serious roles, uses his charismatic glances to comical ends.

Fans of six packs and rough action sequences can moreover look forward to watching not one but all of their favorite action heroes in one sitting. “The Expendables” brings together the big boys including Sylvester Stallone, who also directed the film, Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke, Jet Li and the return of Dolph Lundgren, as well as more recent stars such as Jason Statham, Terry Crews, Steve Austin and Randy Couture. They play mercenaries on a mission to overthrow a South American dictator. It will open in theaters on Aug. 18.

Sul Kyoung-gu, whose cinematography is crowned by his role as the hardball detective Kang Cheol-jung, returns to the screen as a former cop, who, framed for murder, is forced to go on the run. Though Sul is known for having braved grueling conditions on a desert island in “Silmido” and fighting a tsunami in “Haeundae,” he says his latest role in “Haegyeolsa (Personal Investigator)” has been the toughest.

“I really wanted to quit,” he told reporters during a promotional event for the film in Seoul, Wednesday. He suffered injuries and braved wire action sequences for the first time. “They said they were going to use a stuntman for a scene where my character falls from a five-story building, and I said I’d do it. But once I actually tried, I couldn’t move my legs,” he said. The film is slated for release around Chuseok next month.

Source: hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

[rubie]

August 12, 2010

Is relentless violence onscreen justified?

By Lee Hyo-won

Choi Min-sik, left, and Lee Byung-hun

in the poster for the thriller "I Saw the Devil"

"I Saw the Devil" was finally released in theaters Thursday after several painful raps by the Korea Media Ratings Board (KMRB) for, among other things, serial killers with a knack for mutilating bodies and a taste for human flesh.

Director Kim Jee-woon argues that reality is often stranger than fiction, and that the nauseating cruelty depicted in his latest thriller can never quite catch up with real life, especially with the KMRB chopping off a good seven minutes of the film. "It’s like sushi with a little less wasabi. The savory texture of the fish is still there but with a little less tang," Kim told reporters about the censored version of "Devil," Wednesday in Seoul.

While subtle hints of "Hannibal-esque" cannibalism remain, explicit depictions of handling human body parts like pork chops are gone. And yet, even the lead actor Lee Byung-hun said the film is "still smothered with plenty of wasabi," and indeed, the film offers some of the most grotesque images that will be difficult to erase.

Lee stars as an intelligence agent whose fiancee is killed by a psychopathic serial killer (Choi Min-sik). Blinded by sorrow and burning vengeance, he sets out to not only kill but slowly torture the culprit.

Can relentless violence on film be justified? The director and cast of "Devil" say yes.

"If someone watches my movie and actually tries copying the violent acts, I believe that person would have acted aggressively with or without my film. I think it’s important to take preventive measures to restrain such aggressors before anything happens in the first place," said Kim.

Choi, the antihero of "Oldboy" who has already played a ruthless killer in "Lady Vengeance," agrees. "Ethics in different forms of cultural content, from films to novels, always become an issue. But I agree with the director. We are addicted to all sorts of violence, from verbal to political, and we sometimes become immune to it all," he said.

The actor said that films allow people to look at violence from a critical view, thereby giving way to a mature arena for discussion and debate. "I once saw 'The Antichrist' in Italy and it was really bloody. I never close my eyes during a movie but I had to two or three times for this one. Some people were clapping while others swore vehemently, and it was wonderful to see them debating afterward."

Maryanne Redpath, director of the Berlin Film Festival's Generation section, previously told The Korea Times that she includes films with more mature, explicit content or themes in the teenager's section. This is for the purpose of challenging adolescents to think critically and converse.

Choi’s co-star furthermore stressed that the drama, rather than the gore, propels the narrative. “The Good, the Bad, the Weird” director seems to have brainstormed ways to shock the audience with realistic depictions of inhumane savagery, along the lines of axing vulnerable young women, but the film also focuses on the spiritual transformation — or degeneration — of the protagonist as he mercilessly hunts down the murderer. But Lee’s character starts drowning in his newfound instinct for violence he gazes too long into the abyss — just as Nietzsche once said, “He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster.”

"It’s a problem when someone justifies violence or starts thinking it’s OK because everyone else does it. This can be witnessed in our everyday lives, like the jaded Internet community," said Lee.

The film does leave room for discussing the nature and depiction of violence once — or if — the viewer recovers from the shock factor.

Source: hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

[Halo21]

August 12, 2010

Andre Kim, Korea’s top fashion designer, dies at 75

Andre Kim, a top South Korean designer well-known for his glamorous wedding gowns and dresses, died Thursday after being treated for colorectal cancer and pneumonia. He was 75.

The designer, whose real name is Kim Bong-nam, has been fighting cancer for several months and was hospitalized at an intensive care unit last month due to deteriorating health conditions, his close associates said.

Seoul National University Hospital pronounced Kim dead at around 7:25 p.m

Born in 1935, Kim was one of the first male fashion designers in Korea.

In his autobiography “My Fantasy,” published in 2002, Kim said fashion designer Givenchy’s clothes worn by Audrey Hepburn in film “Funny Face” inspired him to become a designer himself.

Making his debut in 1962, Kim opened “Salon Andre” in central Seoul and became the first local designer to hold a fashion show in Paris in 1966.

Noted for their splendor and the mix of eastern and western auras, Kim’s clothes have been worn by top stars in and out of the country including Korean Wave queen Choi Ji-woo, the late King of Pop Michael Jackson and actress Brooke Shields.

Kim was presented with Korea’s Presidential Culture and Art Medal in 1977 for the contribution he made to the local fashion industry. He was the first to receive the medal as a fashion designer. He was also awarded cultural medals from foreign countries including France and Italy.

Kim, who was unmarried, is survived by a son he adopted in 1982.

By Shin Hae-in (hayney@heraldm.com)

http://www.koreaherald.com/entertainment/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20100812000784

[rubie]

August 12, 2010

Sul says his latest film was the most difficult

Of all the slam bang action extravaganzas Sul Kyung-gu has headlined in the past, the “Public Enemy” and “Haeundae” star says his latest summer tentpole was the most physically demanding of his career.

“I wanted to quit mid-way through the filming,” Sul said during the official unveiling of his latest film “Troubleshooter” in Seoul on Wednesday where he was joined by co-stars Lee Jeong-jin, Oh Dal-soo, Song Se-byeok, Lee Sung-min and director and co-writer Kwon Jyeok-jae.

“This film took a toll on my body ― it was the most difficult shooting experience I’ve ever had.”

The 42-year-old actor says he suffered from a muscle ruptured in his chest during filming and had difficulties negotiating a key sequence involving a wired jump from a five story building.

“When the director told me my stunt double was going to be doing the jump from the top of the five story building, I told him I’d do it,” Sul said. “But once I actually got up there, I couldn’t even get my foot off the rail, so we ended up spending the entire day filming that scene.”

Of his first time experiencing wired action sequences, he added “our director saw I was very adamant about doing my own stunts, so he assumed I had already done some wire work on my previous films, but in fact, that was the first time I’d ever been harnessed with those things.”

Among the many action set-pieces featured in the film, Sul says his close-quarter fight sequence set in a public bathhouse with model-turned-actor Choi Jee-ho was especially difficult.

Sul Kyung-gu answers questions about his latest film “Troubleshooter” during a press conference in Seoul on Wednesday. Yonhap News

“Here is a guy, a fourth degree black belt from Yongin University, is over 190 centimeters tall, and in a fight scene with me,” Sul joked. “Needless to say, I got roughed up a lot during that scene and I felt like I couldn’t breath inside that small space while filming that particular sequence all day.”

However, Sul says the most difficult time for him was even before the film had gone into production.

When the script for “Troubleshooter” landed in his trailer while he was still in the middle of filming “Haeundae” he says he jumped on board after the first reading. “The first time I sat down and read the script, I decided to get involved with the project,” Sul said. “But pre-production on the film ran into problems in securing financing that Ryu Seung-wan and his production team had to put up with.

”After some time had passed, I received a long text message from Ryu ― this was when ‘Haeundae’ was doing very well at the box office ― he wrote saying that the project was going to be stuck in development limbo.“

Not one to throw in the towel quite so easily, Sul says he reaffirmed his committment to the project and told Ryu and producers to “wait and see” and that he would “stymie all other offers.” Ten days later, Sul was contacted by the film’s producers telling him the production was back on track after securing financial backing.

Co-penned by “Crying Fist” writer-director Ryu Seung-wan, “Troubleshooter” falls into the classic private detective category following an antihero similar to the popular Kang Cheol-joong character Sul had immortalized in the Public Enemy franchise. In the film, Kang Tae-sik (Sul) gets framed for a murder by a ruthless boss of the criminal underworld played by Lee Jeong-jin and must use a wide array of techno-gadgetry at his disposal to clear himself and exact revenge.

The story is highlighted by popular character actor Oh Dal-soo and fast emerging comedic actor Song Se-byeok known by many as the dim-witted detective in last year’s “Mother.”

The film looks to be a silly romp combining comedy with action that the producers say will be released just in time for the Chuseok holiday in September.　

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

[rubie]

August 12, 2010

Actor Song Chang-ui finds empathy in homosexual role

By Ines Min

Actor Song Chang-ui

"If I had been worried about my image I wouldn’t have taken this role. I hope that the lives of homosexuals will be acknowledged and be a little bit happier through this drama of ours."

The 31-year-old Song Chang-ui, who plays the gay character of Yang Tae-sub in the weekend drama "Life is Beautiful" (SBS), told about his latest small-screen role in an interview with Yonhap News Agency Thursday in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province.

It was only four months ago, when the series first began to air, that he confessed this role was difficult for him to fulfill. Now, he approaches the part with poise.

The drama saw ratings shoot up to 20 percent after the coming out of Song’s character and is now following the storyline of his upcoming wedding to partner Kyung-soo. The bold move in the drama is due to scriptwriter Kim Soo-hyun ― a legend in the screenwriting business ― who approached the relationship without hesitation, giving detailed development to the homosexual characters.

Although Kim has been both praised and panned for her openness with the subject, ratings have shown that viewers are largely accepting the relationship that is delicately handled in the plot. "If I was told to take on a difficult role, I wouldn’t be able to do it like this," Song said. "If I’m embarrassed do you think I’d be able to act? In the script, Kim Soo-hyun uses expressions that are within my limits to do."

I think that I’m able to act naturally because she unravels the story to a level that I can understand."

In fact, the success is truly Kim’s, the actor added.

"The strength of the writer is immense when they work in a way that the actor can understand and perform, even if the expression is difficult or if there are problems." "I knew that Kim Soo-hyun was an impressive writer but reading this script I was surprised again. I was impressed that every emotion was so subtly defined and that, so much more than I was expecting, the details were alive."

Song said some of the more touching scenes to him included the date his character had with Kyung-soo and the first time his partner’s mother came looking for him, enraged and unable to understand the relationship. "I was thinking of what I would do if I were the character, and the writer had already written it that way into the script."

When asked if his opinion of homosexuality was changed by his role in the drama, Song hesitated for a moment.

"That’s a difficult and important question, but I don’t think my thinking has changed. It’s just that I’m more familiar with it," the actor said. "I think that our drama has made viewers talk about homosexuality, whether they like it or not. And if people complain about the story of Tae-sub and Kyung-soo, I don’t think that they look at them (the couple) poorly. I think that is a distinct comfort to homosexuals."

Song added: "I don’t know if Tae-sub and Kyung-soo will get married or not, but I hope that, like the drama’s title, everyone will be happier."

Source: inesmin@koreatimes.co.ke

[rubie]

August 13, 2010

Flamboyant Fashion Designer Andre Kim Dies

Andre Kim

Korea's best-known fashion designer Andre Kim died on Thursday. He was 75. Kim had been treated for colon cancer in 2005 and was recently hospitalized with pneumonia.

Born in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province in 1935, Kim showed a flair for art at a young age. He graduated from fashion design school in Seoul in 1962 and opened his first boutique in the capital called "Salon Andre." He is thought to have been Korea's first male fashion designer.

His influence went far beyond clothes. A colourful personality with his distinctive all-white outfits and more than a daub of makeup, Kim became the first Korean to show a collection in Paris, and later years saw him present his spectaculars at the pyramids in Egypt and at Angkor Wat in Cambodia. In 1992, the International Olympic Committee invited him to hold a fashion show during the summer games in Barcelona.

For Korean celebrities, modelling Andre Kim's creations on the runway was considered a sign that they had arrived. Bae Yong-joon, Choi Ji-woo, Jang Dong-gun, Kim Hee-sun, Kim Tae-hee and Lee Young-ae modeled his clothes, and further afield pop superstar Michael Jackson and the actresses Brooke Shields and Nastassia Kinski also wore his creations.

A tireless worker, Kim has in later years expanded his business into jewelry, ceramics, underwear and glasses. He never married but adopted a boy in 1982. In 2005, he became a grandfather when his adopted son had twins. "Some people find their significant other in a woman, but I found it in fashion," Kim told friends.

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

Korean actor Won Bin arrives at late Korean fashion designer Andre Kim's wake service being held at Seoul National University Hospital in Seoul, South Korea on August 12, 2010.

Korean actress Jeon Do-youn arrives at late Korean fashion designer Andre Kim's wake service being held at Seoul National University Hospital in Seoul, South Korea on August 13, 2010.

Korean actress Kim Hee-seon arrives at late Korean fashion designer Andre Kim's wake service being held at Seoul National University Hospital in Seoul, South Korea on August 13, 2010.

Korean actress Kim Hee-seon sobs at late Korean fashion designer Andre Kim's wake service being held at Seoul National University Hospital in Seoul, South Korea on August 13, 2010.

Photographer: Han Youn-jong hyj0709 @ Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 1 l 2 l 3