[News] Drama, Movies, Actors & Actresses

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September 3, 2010

Hot films for Chuseok holiday

For most people, Chuseok, the nation’s biggest holiday, involves a long and grueling trek back home for a large family gathering.

But for film fans, it is the peak season for new releases. “Chuseok is one of the busiest seasons for us, meaning that there will be many choices at the box office,” said Lee Sang-gyu, head of a public relations team at CGV, the nation’s leading multiplex.

This season’s offerings feature top-notch directing, elaborate designs, performances by some of the country’s best veteran actors and story lines that will have your heart racing.

“Invincible”

This much-hyped film, directed by Song Hae-sung, is a Korean remake of the Hong Kong noir classic “A Better Tomorrow.” The film was invited to be shown in the non-competitive section of the 67th Venice International Film Festival and John Woo, the director of the original, participated in its production.

Set in the dark underbelly of the crime world, the film tells the story of two brothers who are separated during their childhood. They reunite years later as enemies, with the older brother the head of a gang that smuggles weapons and the younger brother a policeman.

It is a dramatic film steeped in raw emotion and uniquely Korean sentiments.

“Invincible” was screened in Venice yesterday, and will open in Korea Sept. 16. It features A-list actors Joo Jin-mo, Song Seung-heon, Kim Kang-woo and Cho Han-sun.

“Cyrano Agency”

This romantic comedy, directed by Kim Hyun-seok (of 2005s “When Romance Meets Destiny”), follows four people who must overcome strange obstacles and learn something about themselves in order to find love.

The movie aims for laughs by highlighting the antics of two Cyrano agents (Uhm Tae-woong and Park Shin-hye) who help their client (Choi Daniel), win over the mysterious girl (Lee Min-jeong) who is the object of his love.

Full of humor and moments of heartfelt emotion, “Cyrano Agency” is the fourth romantic comedy from Kim, and it has been praised by critics as his best work so far. It will be released Sept. 16.

“Troubleshooter”

This film by critically-acclaimed director Kwon Hyeok-jae is fast-paced and crammed with thrilling action scenes.

It tells the story of a retired police detective who now runs a detective agency. One day, one of his clients leads him into a trap and he finds himself accused of murder. His only way out is to kidnap someone to clear his name.

The movie stars actor Sol Kyung-gu, one of Korea’s most popular box-office stars. It premieres Sept. 9.

“Grand Prix”

Sol Kyung-gu stars in ‘Troubleshooter,’ top, and Kim Tae-hee and Yang Dong-geun star in ‘Grand Prix,’

above. Provided by NEW, Sidus FNH

Actress Kim Tae-hee, who is often labeled as one of the most beautiful actresses in the country, is cast as the first female jockey in Korea to win a major horse race in the film “Grand Prix,” directed by Yang Yoon-ho.

But prior to her emotional win she must first overcome the despair that befalls her after she loses her prized horse in an accident and struggles to bond with a new equine companion.

The film also stars Yang Dong-geun, who returns to the big screen after two years of compulsory military service. It opens Sept. 16.

By Moon Dan-bee Contributing writer [estyle@joongang.co.kr] joongangdaily.com

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September 3, 2010

Rain military entrance date deferred to next year

Editor: Jessica Kim

Rain [Asia Economic Daily]

Korean superstar Rain will be able to pursue his singing and acting career for several more months following the deferral of his military entrance date to next year.

The Military Manpower Administration (MMA) said late on Thursday that it will push back Rain's military entry to an unspecified date next year from the originally set September 28 of this year.

All Korean men serve two years of mandatory military service, mainly during their early to mid twenties, but Rain, 28, had initially held off serving his military duties to study for a master's degree. He then submitted an application this May requesting for another postponement for reasons relating to his career. Rain is one of the main stars of upcoming TV series "Domangja s1" set to premiere in late September.

Following the MMA's decision, Rain may appear in one more drama or movie before joining the military next year, according to his agency.

An official with upcoming film "Red Scarf," a remake of the Korean movie of the same name from 1964, had said last month that there is a high chance Rain will play the main character in the story which tells of the life and comradeship of various soldiers.

The movie would mark his second local big screen role, after critically acclaimed director Park Chan-wook's "I'm a Cyborg, But That's Okay" while he has also appeared in Hollywood pics "Speed Racer" and "Ninja Assassin."

Rain, whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon, is considered one of the most successful Korean stars in the entertainment business throughout Asia.

Reporter: Choi June-yong yjchoi01 @ Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia

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September 3, 2010

Movie 'The Man From Nowhere' Ranks Atop Ticket Sales

The movie "The Man From Nowhere," in which actor Won Bin appears as the protagonist, has maintained first place in terms of rate of advance weekend ticket purchases.

According to the data aggregated by the Korean Film Council on September 2, "The Man From Nowhere" had taken 34.7 percent of total ticket bookings and ranked at the top, defeating the romantic comedy movie "Killers (15.8%)," which was released on September 2, so it has stayed at first place for two consecutive weeks.

Since the premiere on August 4, "The Man From Nowhere" has unyieldingly maintained first place for one month, and it has drawn 4.7 million audience members so far, and what is more, it has been forecast that it will soon exceed five million audience members.

Director Christopher Nolan’s movie "Inception," which had been released on July 21, recorded an 8.4 percent share of ticket sales, which resulted in it ranking in third place.

"Inception," which rose four places from last week's seventh place to third place, drew 5.65 million audience members in total, and it has become the movie with the highest number of people attending among this year’s movies, edging out the movie “Secret Reunion” (5.46 million).

The movie "Mullan," in which Zhao Wei appears as the protagonist, ranked in fourth place as it took 5.5 percent of ticket bookings followed by "I Saw the Devil” (4.8%) and "After Life” (4.2%).

In addition, movies such as "Piranha 3D” (3.9%), “The Kids Are All Right” (3.5%), “The Last Air Bender” (3.1%), and “Bedeviled” (2.0%) have been ranked in the top 10.

A total of ten movies including "Killers,” ”Mullan,” ”After Life,” ”The Kids Are All Right,” ”Bedeviled,” ” Tournament,” ”The Door,” ”Thank you, Mr. Kim,” ” Lyme Life,” and “Break Away” will be released this week.

Source: KBS Global

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September 3, 2010

"Bread, Love and Dreams" sets sights on 50 percent mark

Reporter: Lucia Hong Editor: Jessica Kim

Wednesday and Thusrday dramas "Bread, Love and Dreams," "My Girlfriend is Gumiho" and

"Naughty Kiss" [KBS, SBS, MBC]

"Bread, Love and Dreams" continued to command the primetime lineup on Wednesday and Thursday night with high viewership ratings.

Data from TNmS (Total National Multimedia Statistics) on Friday reported that "Bread," into its final four episodes, scored a viewership rating of 44.7 percent on September 1, while soaring to 48.4 percent on last night's episode, indicating that the show may soon breach the 50 percent mark.

Numbers released by AGB Media Research revealed that the baking drama brought in slightly lower ratings of 44 percent on Wednesday and increased by one percent the following night.

This week's episode focused on how both Tak-koo (Yoon Si-yoon) and Ma-joon (Joo Won) went out on a mission in developing a new product.

SBS 'series "My Girlfriend is Gumiho," starring Lee Seung-gi and Shin Min-ah, held onto its position as the No. 2 show, maintaining ratings in the 11 to low-14 percent range on both charts.

Meanwhile, MBC's latest Wednesday and Thursday series "Naughty Kiss" began its run this week.

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

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September 3, 2010

Park Shin-yang cast as male lead in upcoming series

Reporter: Lucia Hong Editor: Jessica Kim

Korean actor Park Shin-yang [Apollo Pictures]

Korean actor Park Shin-yang will be returning to the small screen as the male lead in an upcoming television series, according to the show's producer Apollo Pictures on Friday.

Apollo announced that Park will be playing the role of Yoon Ji-hoon, who conducts autopsies at a state-run institute of scientific investigation, in the new medical drama tentatively titled "Heaven."

"Yoon Ji-hoon is someone who has a cold personality and doesn't trust what others say. He is someone who has various personalities and is a three-dimensional character so we thought with Park's experience, he would be able to pull it off , "an official from Apollo was quoted as saying.

"Heaven," about the difficult circumstances and cases which arise at the National Institute of Scientific Investigation, will be helmed by famed producer Jang Hang-joon, who is well-known for his works such as films "Break Out" and "Attack the Gas Station 2. "

Apollo has yet to cast the female lead, while filming for the new series will being in November.

Park began his career in his debut film "Yuri" in 1996 and has starred in various movies such as "The Promise" (1998), "Let's Play, Dharma" (2001) and "The Big Swindle" (2004). The actor rose to fame for his role in hit SBS series "Love in Paris" alongside Korean actress Kim Jung-eun.

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

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September 3, 2010

[REVIEW] TV series "Naughty Kiss" - First episode

Reporter: Yoon Hee-Seong Editor: Lucia Hong

A scene from MBC TV series "Naughty Kiss" [MBC]

"Naughty Kiss" - First episode (MBC TV, 9:55 PM)

The lighting was bright and the colors eye-blindingly brilliant. The picture shown in "Naughty Kiss" was as warm as a spring day, enough to capture the mellow and shy sensitivity teenage girls feel when reading romantic comics. However, a drama is not a painting of a landscape. A drama only comes to life when the people in the picture move about and form relationships. This is why the first episode did not leave any impression other than confirming the skills unique of its producer. During its hour-long run, the drama failed to describe the characters in the show. It was difficult to differentiate whether the character Baek Sung-jo (played by Kim Hyun-joong) was being arrogant or is level-headed and the portrayal of Oh Hani (played by Jung So-min), with her flat personality which is typical of the main female characters in romantic comics, failed to deliver any refreshing elements. Too add on, there was not a single character including friends, family and teacher who seemed to have been created after much thought into. Even the use of exaggerated and incoherent regional dialect of the reckless and idiotic Bong Jun-gu (played by Lee Tae-sung) was enough to make the viewer feel complacent. Such issues seem even more problematic since "Naughty Kiss" has neither an elaborate plot nor dramatic composition. The characters are the foundation, pillar and roof to comedies, and even more so in romantic comedies are made of. The colorful spoons in a restaurant, the imagination scenes which are as free as the heart of a female high school student and shiny school grounds will not be enough to capture the hearts of the audience. Because dramas exist due to viewers accepting the made-up lives in dramas as if it is their own business. Before becoming like one's diary which does not matter if left unread, will the drama be able to create a memorable kiss that will leave the viewers wanting to re-watch the show?

Reporter: Yoon Hee-Seong nine@ Editor: Lucia Hong luciahong@ <ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia

Kim Hyun-joon's Official Site Hacked

According to Keyeast Entertainment on September 3rd, the website of Korea's most representative "flower-like pretty boy" has been victim to cyber hacking. Singer and actor Kim Hyun-joong's official website was on the verge of being ready for official launching when hackers got their "hands" on the information on the site.?

Several video clips that were to be unveiled through the launching of the site were snatched up and uploaded onto You Tube. The video clips have since then spread ruining the element of surprise. Related representatives shared that they suspect the hackers were from outside of Korea's borders judging by how the clips leaked onto Korean sites and Korean search engines from the foreign You Tube sources.

However, rather than being too upset about this leak, Keyeast Entertainment stated that they were looking on the bright side of things. They figured that this was a mere sign of the Boys Over Flowers' star's immense popularity abroad. They added that the launching of Kim's site would resume as originally planned.

Source: KBS Global

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September 5, 2010

MBC popular drama may miss airing on Monday

MBC’s popular drama “Dong Yi” is likely to miss its scheduled Monday and Tuesday airings this week, as union members of the Korea Artist Union for Broadcasting, Film and Performances still refuse to work for four MBC drama programs.

Union members said that, as of Sunday, they have not been participating in the shooting for three consecutive days.

Producers of “Dong Yi” have not finished the shooting for the sixth and seventh episodes, originally scheduled to be aired on Monday and Tuesday. Since Sept. 1, the unionized actors and actresses have been demanding that MBC pay a total of 2.16 billion won ($1.84 million) that they claim they are owed.

Lead actress Han Hyo-joo in the MBC drama “Dong Yi” (MBC)

As the broadcaster refused to do so, the union members walked off from the production of four MBC dramas -- “Dong Yi,” “Naughty Kiss,” “Gloria” and “Kim Soo-ro.”

The representatives of the union and MBC met to reach an agreement over the weekend but talks have been stalled. “From our side, we suggested that we would come back for shooting if MBC pays us only the amount that the production company couldn’t pay us since July. But they have been asserting their stories repeatedly,” Moon Je-gap, the union’s policy director, was quoted by the Yonhap news agency as saying.

KBS, the biggest of the three major Korean television networks that owed the union members more than 1 billion won, agreed to pay the balance last week. SBS has also sought a compromise settlement with the union.

By Kim Yoon-mi (yoonmi@heraldm.com) koreaherald.com

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September 6, 2010

Actor So Ji-sup poses during an autograph session for his travel journal at a bookstore in Seoul on Sunday. /Newsis

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

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September 6, 2010

Ryu Su-young discharged from military today

Reporter: Ko Jae-wan Editor: Lucia Hong

Korean actor Ryu Su-young speaks to reporters and fans after he is discharged

from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Seoul, South Korea on September 6,

2010. [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

Korean actor Ryu Su-young has been discharged from the military after serving as a riot police for two years at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. Since October 2008, the 31-year-old actor had been at the agency as part of fulfilling the country's two-year mandatory military service alongside fellow actor Cho Seung-woo.

"What I am most concerned about is my colleague, Cho Seung-woo, who still has a month and a half of his service left. We have become close since we served in the military side-by-side for the past two years, "the recently released actor said. He explained that he will meet with several fans in the afternoon and visit his parents. He also added on his future endeavors saying, "I plan to go on a bicycle trip with my friends for about a month and then look for a new project."

Ryu Su-young, whose real name is Uh Nam-sun, made his debut in entertainment, playing a college student in a cooking show in 1998. He soon appeared on the small screen in various dramas and won the SBS new star award in 2002 for his role in the "Successful Story of a Bright Girl" with singer and actress Jang Nara.

He also starred in several movies including "Summer Time" (2001) and "Blue" (2003).

Reporter: Ko Jae-wan star @ Editor: Lucia Hong luciahong @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved>

Korean actor Ryu Su-young walks out of Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Seoul, South Korea after being discharged from the military on September 6, 2010.

Korean actor Ryu Su-young walks out of Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Seoul, South Korea holding a bouquet of flowers after being discharged from the military on September 6, 2010.

Korean actor Ryu Su-young salutes reporters and fans after he is discharged from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Seoul, South Korea on September 6, 2010.

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

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September 6, 2010

Kim Hyun-joong to release pictorial book on Sept 15

Reporter: Lucia Hong Editor: Jessica Kim

Korean actor and singer Kim Hyun-joong on the cover of "READY, ACTION!" [sBS Contents Hub]

A pictorial book featuring photographs of Korean idol Kim Hyun-joong's travels in Spain will be released in Korea in mid-September, according to the book's creator SBS Contents Hub on Monday.

SBS announced that the booklet titled "READ, ACTION!" will be released in the country on September 15, while preorders for the book began on September 1 in Korea and was pre-sold in Japan last month.

The 208-page book, divided into two parts under the themes of time he spends alone and time he spends in the eye of the public, contains pictures of the star and him with his travel companions in Spain. "I was able to take part in a tour, visit famous parks and concert halls in Spain and watch the flamenco dance," the actor was quoted as saying, adding that he had a good time traveling with great people.

Preorders for "READY, ACTION!" is available on online site www.crazyidol.co.kr until tomorrow and orders will open on various web-based sites on September 8.

Kim made his debut as one of the members of the popular K-pop group SS501 in 2005. He shot to stardom throughout Asia starring in last year's smash hit TV series "Boys Over Flowers" alongside Lee Min-ho and Ku Hye-sun.

He recently signed with Hallyu star Bae Yong-joon's agency KEYEAST, after the group's contract with DSP Media expired in early June, and is currently playing the role of Baek Sung-jo in MBC's "Naughty Kiss, the Korean small screen adaptation of Japanese comic series "Itazura na Kiss."

Photographs of Korean actor and singer Kim Hyun-joong in Spain [sBS Contents Hub]

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

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September 6, 2010

Lee Min-ho, Kim Bum surprise visit Jung Il-woo fan meeting

Jessica Kim

From left, actors Jung Il-woo, Kim Bum and Lee Min-ho at Jung Il-woo's fan meeting

held at the Broadhall in Seoul, South Korea on September 5, 2010. [N.O.A Entertainment]

Korean heartthrobs Lee Min-ho and Kim Bum made a surprise appearance at actor Jung Il-woo's fan meeting held over the weekend, according to Jung's agency N.O.A Entertainment on Monday.

Lee and Kim, co-stars of last year's smash hit series "Boys Over Flowers" and best friends with Jung, turned up at the meet and greet also held in time with Jung's 23rd birthday. "We have known Jung for a while now but we have never seen these sides to Jung before. It is great to see how passionate he can be for his fans," the two said of the various events Jung prepared for the fan meeting after congratulating him on his birthday.

For the fan event, held for the first time in two years, Jung played the original soundtrack to movie "Love Affair" on the piano as well as singing and dancing to "Candy in my Ear" with female songstress Baek Ji-young. "It must've been because I was very nervous about meeting my fans for the first time in a while but I'm a bit disappointed that I wasn't able to do as well as I had done when preparing for the fan meeting," Jung said afterwards. "I'm rather more moved by my fans because despite that, my fans seemed to enjoy it and were touched by the effort I put into the preparations."

Jung became a household name after appearing in the popular MBC sitcom "High Kick!" (MBC, 2006) and has since starred in several other dramas including "The Return of Iljimae" (MBC, 2009) and "My Fair Lady" (KBS2, 2009). He is currently looking at several scenarios and synopses for his next acting role.

Actor Jung Il-woo at his fan meeting held at the Broadhall in Seoul,

South Korea on September 5, 2010. [N.O.A Entertainment]

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

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September 6, 2010

Korea goes 'Barefoot' for Oscar nominee

Kim Tae-kyun film beats out Lee's 'Poetry'

By Park Soo-mee

SEOUL – “A Barefoot Dream” by the director Kim Tae-kyun will compete in 83rd Academy Awards' Best Foreign Language Film category, set for February 27, 2011, at the Kodak Theatre.

The film, which was selected out of six contenders, is based on a true story is about a South Korean football coach who leads a youth team in East Timor.

Other contenders were Im Sang-soo’s “The Housemaid”; Lee Chang-dong’s “Poetry"; Lee Jae-han’s “71-Into the Fire"; Lee Joon-ik’s “Like the Moon Escaping from the Clouds”; and Jeon Yong-taek’s “Potato Symphony.”

“Given that the film will compete with 60 other films from all over the world, the juries decided that the Korean entry must be a film that the Oscar committee members could appreciate without knowing the Korean context,” the jury statement read. “The juries carefully juggled between ‘Barefoot’ and ‘Poetry’ until the last minute, and while they unanimously agreed that ‘Poetry is an outstanding work, they came to a conclusion that the film was too long and could easily lose the audiences' concentration."

No Korean film has ever been a finalist in the Best Foreign Language Film category.

Source: hollywoodreporter.com

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September 7, 2010

Hyun Bin replaces Jang Hyuk for "Secret Garden"

Reporter: Ko Jae-wan Editor: Jessica Kim

Hyun Bin [Asia Economic Daily]

Actor Hyun Bin has been cast as the new male lead of upcoming SBS TV series "Secret Garden," replacing Jang Hyuk who has pulled out from the show for reasons relating to his agency.

An official with the drama told Asia Economic on Tuesday that Hyun Bin will take on the role of a finicky heir to a conglomerate in the fantasy melodrama also set to star actress Ha Ji-won as a stunt woman.

"Secret Garden" will mark Hyun Bin's return to the small screen in a year -- his last acting gig was in drama "Friend, Our Legend" in mid-2009. While the upcoming show has attracted attention for its creators -- producer Shin Woo-cheol and scenarist Kim Eun-sook, the mastermind duo behind hit shows "Lovers in Paris" and "On Air" -- it has raised eyebrows in regards to its casting.

Jay Park, the leader of former boy band 2PM, was in talks with producers to play the role of gifted singer in the show but negotiations fell through at the last moment. A replacement has yet to be found. Then Jang Hyuk, managed by the same agency as Park, SidusHQ, cancelled his appearance in the drama as well. Actress Kim Sa-rang, also with SidusHQ, was rumored to be set on withdrawing from the "Secret Garden" but she, along with actor Yoon Sang-hyun, are said to have made no changes to their decisions to appear in the show.

Hyun Bin, whose real name is Kim Tae-pyung, rose to fame after starring in smash hit series "My Name is Kim Sam-soon" alongside actress Kim Suna in 2005. He has been dating top Korean actress Song Hye-kyo, his co-star of KBS series "Worlds Within," since mid-2009.

Reporter: Ko Jae-wan star@ Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim@ <ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia

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September 7, 2010

Actress Lee Yu-ri gets married

Reporter: Lee Jong-gil Editor: Jessica Kim

Actress Lee Yu-ri poses at a press conference held ahead of her wedding

at the EL Tower in Seoul, South Korea on September 6, 2010. [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

Actress Lee Yu-ri got married yesterday, tying the knot with a missionary studying theology through a private wedding held in Seoul.

The ceremony was held at the EL Tower on Monday evening, attended only by family, relatives and close friends including actors Lee Soon-jae, Kim Soo-mi, Hong Soo-young and comedienne Lee Kyung-sil. "My to-be-husband looked surprised while saying I looked very pretty," the 28-year-old actress said excitedly during a press conference held ahead of the nuptials. "I think I have finally found perfect love. I'm a bit nervous but I'm so happy that I keep smiling."

She also expressed her love for the groom-to-be. "I'm sure we'll live well together because you are such a kind person. Let's live a happy life together. I love you," said Lee. The couple, both devout Christians, had met through bible study in 2008 and dated starting last year.

Lee has appeared in close to a dozen dramas since debuting in 1999 including "Loving You," "Yellow Handkerchief," and "Mom has Grown Horns."

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

Actress Lee Yu-ri smiles at a press conference held ahead of her wedding at the EL Tower in Seoul, South Korea on September 6, 2010.

Actress Lee Yu-ri smiles at a press conference held ahead of her wedding at the EL Tower in Seoul, South Korea on September 6, 2010.

Actress Lee Yu-ri poses at a press conference held ahead of her wedding at the EL Tower in Seoul, South Korea on September 6, 2010.

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

Actress Lee Yu-ri poses for the press before her wedding in Seoul on Monday.

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

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September 7, 2010

Bae Yong-joon's photo essay to sell in Taiwan

Jessica Kim

Cover of actor Bae Yong-joon's photo essay "Discovering the Beauty of Korea". [KEYEAST]

Top Hallyu star Bae Yong-joon's photo essay "Discovering the Beauty of Korea," which has been sold in both Korea and Japan, will also go on the shelves of Taiwan.

Bae's agency KEYEAST announced through a press release on Tuesday that the Taiwanese version, completed after a year-long period of translation, will go on sale in the country starting today.

"We had constantly received requests and inquiries regarding the book's publication not only from fans but also regular readers. We're hoping it will be received well by people of all ages since it serves as a guidebook to Korea's culture instead of being the typical star -related book, "the book's Taiwanese publisher SBOOKER explained.

KEYEAST added that a Chinese and English version of Bae's photo essay are also set to be published. "Discovering" had entered into its 13th print a month after going on sale in Korea in late September last year and a re-print in three days of its release in Japan.

The book contains photographs of various cultural artisans that the actor met during his travels, as well as introductions to Korean culture and travel locations which Bae compiled over a one-year period.

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

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September 7, 2010

San Sebastian invites Poetry and I Saw the Devil

The 58th San Sebastian International Film Festival has added a second Korean feature to its impressive line-up of films, inviting Lee Chang-dong’s Poetry to screen at the Spanish fest running this September 17-25. The Cannes-winning director’s latest will screen as the opening film of the Zabaltegi Pearls section, while fellow countryman and star director Kim Jee-woon’s grizzly thriller I Saw the Devil screens in the competitive Official Selection section.

As the two titles indicate, the directors’ styles place them at opposing poles in the diverse spectrum of Korean cinema fare. Lee’s Poetry, which won Best Screenplay at Cannes this year, follows the path of woman in her 60s struggling with Alzheimer's disease who takes a poetry class and is tasked to write a poem. Kim’s I Saw the Devil follows the bizarre path of revenge a secret agent takes on a savage psychopath after his fiancée is brutally murdered.

The Official Selection offers awards in seven categories while the Zabaltegi Pearls section honors films that have previously won prizes at other prestigious festivals.

Nigel D’Sa (KOFIC)

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September 7, 2010

Pusan film festival announces its lineup with record number of premieres

SEOUL, Sept. 7 (Yonhap) -- The Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) organizers announced Tuesday this year's lineup featuring a record number of world and international premieres.

The festival, to be held Oct. 7-15 in the southern port city of Busan, will open with "The Love of the Hawthorn Tree," a film by China's Zhang Yimou, who directed the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

This year's PIFF, the 15th, will feature 308 movies overall from 67 nations at six major theaters and art houses in 11 categories. Named after the host city using the old romanized spelling, PIFF was established in 1996 and has since grown into one of most influential film fests in Asia, boasting the discovery of new films and first-time directors from across the region.

"Camellia," an omnibus film of three separate short pieces on the city of Busan by directors Jang Jun-hwan of South Korea, Isao Yukisada of Japan and Wisit Sasanatieng of Thailand, will close the event, organizers said. Fifty-two films will make their international debut at PIFF this year, and another 103 their world premiere, a record number for the film festival.

A variety of special programs have also been prepared to spice up the event, including retrospectives on old Korean classics and collections of Spanish and Czech movies in commemoration of diplomatic ties between South Korea and the two countries.

The Pusan Promotion Plan (PPP), a pre-market venue where promising filmmakers and producers meet with potential co-producers and financiers, will be held again from Oct. 10-13. Ticket sales begin Sept. 23 for all shows but the opening and closing films, tickets for which go on sale Sept. 27.

This year's PIFF is also marked by the announced resignation Kim Dong-ho, who has served as the film festival's director since its inauguration. "PIFF has arrived at a point where it has to prepare for a new leap forward, for a new era," Kim said at a press conference in Busan on Tuesday. "I have concluded that this is the time when (PIFF) needs new energy and youth, which is why I decided to quit with this year's festival as my last."

Organizers said they will hold a photo exhibit during the festival featuring Kim and his achievements.

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

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September 7, 2010

Kim Hyung-joon to open Song Seung-hun Japan fan meet

Reporter: Lucia Hong Editor: Jessica Kim

SS501 member Kim Hyung-joon [s-Plus Entertainment]

SS501 member Kim Hyung-joon will open Korean actor Song Seung-hun's fan meeting in Japan on September 20, according to Kim's agency S-Plus Entertainment on Tuesday.

S-Plus announced in a press release that Kim was invited to be the special guest for Song Seung-hun's fan meeting called "SH & Asto Japan" which will be held to celebrate the one year anniversary of Song's official Japanese fan club at the Yokohama Arena in Japan. "After having met with my fans in Singapore, I am excited and filled with the anticipation that I will be able to meet with about 10,000 fans in Japan through Song Seung-hun's fan event. I am honored that I have been invited to take part in it and hopefully I get to meet more of my fans soon, "Kim was quoted as saying.

Kim made his debut in 2005 as one of the members in the popular boy band SS501. The group has produced several hit songs including "Warning," "My Girl," "UR Man" and "Love Ya."

The singer recently signed with S-Plus Entertainment, making him the third member to have signed with a new agency after the group's contract with DSP Media ended in early June. He held his first ever solo fan meeting in Singapore in late August which was attended by about 3,000 fans.

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

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September 7, 2010

[iNTERVIEW] Actress Juni

Reporter: Choi Ji-Eun Photographer: Lee Jin-hyuk Editor: Lucia Hong Editor: Jang Kyung-Jin

Interview with actress Juni

Korean actress Juni [Lee Jin-hyuk/10Asia]

My name is Hyun Juni. It’s my actual name and not a stage name. My grandfather went to the naming center to come up with the name. What does it mean? I don't think it has any special meaning. (laugh) Every time I started a new school year, my homeroom teacher would ask, "Who's Hyun Juni? Are both your parents foreigners?"

I was born on August 1, 1985. My family is composed of my parents and my sister who is eight years younger than me.

I began to play the flute when I was in the first grade. I played for about ten years before I decided to join my high school band. My parents reaction was that they wanted me to reconsider and that if I was going to regret my decision then I shouldn't start it at all but if I wasn't going to regret then I should do it until I am the best.

I can't put down the guitar because I play a highly gifted guitarist in SBS' TV series "I Am Legend." I used to have lessons for about four to five hours straight before going in for filming. I prepare fancy notes and show off in front of everyone on set so that they can see that I have been practicing. The audience on set respond positively to the song "Love, love, love" and I get explosive responses because I use my fingers instead of the fingering technique or a pick. (laugh)

Lee Byung-hun, the C.E.O of the agency, bought me a guitar saying "Make sure to play hard and send a photograph proving you are." I haven't sent him a picture yet but hopefully he saw it on television. (laugh) I went around bragging my guitar saying, "The C.E.O of the company bought this for me. It's really expensive!" and just like its hefty price it is really heavy! I thought that my collarbone would fall out if I kept carrying the guitar around so I shift it around while holding back my tears.

My face is on the dark side so the lighting director tells me, "Oh, there's no use even though we turn the lights on you." I cover half of the lighting when I'm standing next to the other actresses and actor Lee Jun-hyuk because you can see the difference in complexion because they are so white. That is why I act coquettishly in front of the lighting director to look lighter. (laugh)

I check the viewers' message board whenever I get the chance to. I look at each and every comment. I don't get hurt from the malicious comments because I have been prepared ever since the beginning of MBC's drama "Beethoven Virus." I refer to their suggestions about acting and clothing. I don't plan on changing the way I look so people will just have to get used to it. (laugh)

I played the role of Wang Soon-deok, a young girl from Yanbian, in the movie "Take Off" and not even my closest friends recognized me. They said "That was you? I saw the movie and I don't think you were in it" and I comforted myself saying that it was because I did such a great job with my role. (laugh)

Many people ask me what the best method is to learn how to play the guitar. It may seem hard at first but a person's skills and interest will improve drastically if they learn how to play their favorite song. My favorite song is Damien Rice's "The Blower's Daughter" and even though it's a hard song, I found an arrangement which was easy and practiced it. And learning how to play the guitar at an academy is a waste of your money because no matter what, you start off by playing "Romance." (laugh)

I may not look like it but I'm quite a neat freak. (laugh) I cleaned my house for 24 hours when I first moved out on my own. I stopped cleaning because I became very tired from a busy schedule but I'm usually the type who can't stand to see a pile of unwashed dishes or hairs lying around in the bathroom.

I have a lot of favorite bands but of course no one compares to The Beatles. I also like the band Chicago. They are classics.

If I were to make a movie about a band it would be fun to show the story of FT Island or CNBLUE. I feel a new storyline will come out unlike the usual band story or an underdog’s success story. But of course, the main message that I want to focus on is moving the audience's hearts with the music.

Since I was twenty I have dreamed of performing on "Yoon Do-hyun's Love Letter" or a similar music program with a group of people with the same interest at an old age. I want to appear on the show with my white hair, wrinkles and with pretty makeup on. That is something you can't do without makeup. (laugh)

Juni [Lee Jin-hyuk/10Asia]

Actress Juni poses during an interview with 10Asia.

Reporter : Choi Ji-Eun five@ Photographer : Lee Jin-hyuk eleven@ Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@, Jang Kyung-Jin three@, Jessica Kim jesskim @ <ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia 1 l 2 l 3

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September 7, 2010

Docu fest turns DMZ into peace symbol

"Peace" by Japanese filmmaker Kazuhiro Soda will open the documentary festival.

The film sheds light upon Japan’s past militarism through the inhabitants of Okayama.

By Lee Hyo-won

The 2nd DMZ Korean International Documentary Film Festival (DMZ Docs) will open Thursday in a town bordering the two Koreas, screening 74 documentaries from 35 countries conveying the theme of peace, life and communication.

The budding event, which was launched last year, will be held through Sept. 13 in Paju, located just below the demarcation line separating South and North Korea. "The DMZ has symbolized the painful memories of war and was rather limited to the geographical confines of Gyeonggi Province. But I hope it will be rediscovered as a place of reconciliation and exchange on the Korean Peninsula and in the world," said the festival chairman and Gyeonggi Province governor Kim Moon-soo during a recent press conference in Seoul.

"Peace," directed by Japanese filmmaker Kazuhiro Soda under the auspices of DMZ Docs, will open the festival. This essay-like film makes an incisive observation of daily life in Okayama, where its residents, including stray cats, intermingle with remnants of Japan’s past militarism.

The international competition has invited 13 films, including six from Asia, five from Europe and two from North America. Addressing such topics as family, war, disease and the socially marginalized, they will vie for the grand prize.

In another section, eight local entries will compete. Other works to be shown include stories about the unification of East and West Germany in 1990 and the Korean War that broke out 60 years ago in 1950. The festival’s promotional trailer, which will precede the screening of each documentary, has been directed by movie star Yoo Ji-tae.

"I wanted to deliver stories with more depth and wider scope. In addition to screening documentaries we are offering diverse events that everyone, including local residents, can enjoy," said festival director and actor Cho Jae-hyun.

In addition to watching documentaries, festivalgoers are invited to explore the DMZ area via train and bicycle. Despite being known as one of the world’s most heavily fortified places, the region is also one of the most popular destinations in the country. Organizers of the event and special guests will take part in the 15-kilometer bike tour. Visit www.ethankyou.co.kr or www.koreail.com for more information.

The festival also reaches out to younger audiences through an educational program, Docs for Edu, through which youths can partake in debates, conferences and essay-writing contests on documentaries.

Anyone passing by the festival venue (the block between the Dasan Bridge Intersection and Ichae Cinus Theater) can enjoy various sideline events including outdoor exhibitions, performances and a book fair.

To find out more about the DMZ Docs, visit www.dmzdocs.com.

Source: hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr