[News] Drama, Movies, Actors & Actresses

[rubie]

10-23-2005

Singer Um Looks for Acting Challenges

By Han Eun-jung

Staff Reporter

Um Jung-hwa

Actress Um Jung-hwa is probably best known for her portrayal of leading ladies in warm-hearted feel-good romantic comedies.

Her characters are mostly successful career women who, by the time the credits come rolling, have won over the object of their affection, or in some cases, the other way around.

Just a run-through of her filmography is all it would take to figure out that no other actress has done as many films.

Um, starting off in show business in 1989 as a singer of a local television station chorus, went on to pursue an acting career on the small screen in soap operas. She also released a string of dance albums starting in the late 1990s and into the millennium. Many of her songs, which include ``Paebanui Changmi,’’ ``Chodae,’’ ``Molla’’ and more, went on to top the local charts.

Her breakthrough performance in a feature film, after several minor roles, was her portrayal of a headstrong woman not willing to give in to commitment in ``Marriage is a Crazy Thing,'' a movie that takes a looks over the traditional custom through the eyes of a modern day man and woman. It not only earned her a Best Actress Award at that year's Baeksang Arts Awards, but also secured her spot in Chungmu-ro, Seoul’s equivalent of Hollywood.

And consequently, the film roles kept on coming.

The following year she joined the cast of ``Singles,'' a film that circles the lives of four young single men and women living in Seoul. Um played the role of the outgoing and sexy Tong-mi, whose life takes an unexpected turn after a one-night stand with a long-time friend.

In 2004's ``Mr, Handy'' she played a city girl who, after opening a dental practice in a small rural village, finds herself continuously crossing paths with the town handyman.

Playing in theaters today is ``My Lovely Week,'' a omnibus-style production in which she plays the role of a thirty-something psychiatrist, who sports designer outfits and enjoys fine dining, but, as the film progresses, finds herself falling for a man she had never imagined herself with: a fast-talking, macho detective.

But it is in her latest work that she brings to life a character-type she never has taken on before _ a serial killer.

The soon-to-premiere ``Princess Aurora’’ tells the story of Chung Sun-jong, a unhappy woman who, for a reason not revealed until the latter half of the film, goes on a bloody killing spree in the upscale neighborhood of Kangnam.

Um said at a press screening last Thursday in Seoul that while she appreciates the fact she is able to reach people through films, she had always wanted to play as many different characters as possible.

``It occurred to me at one point that I could get trapped in a certain character-type for intentions not necessarily my own,’’ the 34-year-old actress said.

``Which is why I felt the need to go out and find roles on my own,’’ she said adding that she went straight to the director as soon as she read the script.

Pang Eun-jin, for whom this film happens to be her directorial debut, while praising Um of her many talents said, ``Apart from the side that is cheerful and lovable, there is a darker one of pain, hurt and sorrow. This was Um’s opportunity to show that she is no different from anyone else.’’

Whether her newest challenge will be received with as much enthusiasm as her past works, is up to the judgment of fans.

Princess Aurora opens in theaters nationwide on Oct. 27.

ejh09@koreatimes.co.kr

10-23-2005 19:29

Source: The Korea Times

http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/culture/20...19271811690.htm

[rubie]

Monday, October 24, 2005

2005/10/24 11:48 KST

S. Korean movie wins top prize of Philippine film festival

SEOUL, Oct. 24 (Yonhap) -- "The President's Last Bang," a South Korean film, was named best picture at the CineManila International Film Festival in the Philippines, its producers in Seoul said Monday.

The film, directed by Lim Sang-soo, won the Lino Brocka Award, the best picture prize, while Kim Dong-ho, chief director of the Pusan International Film Festival, was selected as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, they said.

"The President's Last Bang" details the night in 1979 when then President Park Chung-hee was assassinated by his national spy agency chief during a private drinking party in Seoul.

The Manila festival, which opened on Oct. 12 and is scheduled to end Tuesday, also featured such Korean films as "TaeGukGi:Brotherhood of War," "Untold Scandal" and "Joint Security Area" under the title of "Korean Focus."

The annual festival, the seventh of its kind, is the biggest film festival in the Philippines.

A Moroccan film, "In Casablanca Angels Don't Fly," directed by Mohammed Asli, won the Grand Jury Prize.

tsyang@yonhapnews.net

(END)

Source: Yonhap News

http://english.yna.co.kr/Engnews/20051024/...24114852E7.html

[Guest CindyW88]

--------

10/21/05 – Choi Kang Hee (최강희) is selected to costar with Go Hyun Jung in a Wednesday-Thursday drama scheduled to be aired by MBC in January of 2006. She plays the role Na Hong Ja (나홍자) who is Na Hong Shin (나홍신, played by Go Hyun Jung)’s step-sister. She is 25 years old and works as a highway ticket seller. She makes lots of mistakes and doesn’t know how to manage her income. She, her elder sister Hong Shin, and the main male character form triangle love relationship. The production team will complete the selection of cast soon and the filming is scheduled to start next month. CKH’s last drama was “Our Attitude of Dealing with Parting (이별에 대처하는 우리들의 자세)” aired by MBC two months ago.

http://www.chosun.com/se/news/200510/200510210163.html

10/21/05 – Lee Ji Soo (이지수) will costar with Yoo Joon Sang, Kim Min Sun, and Lee Yoo Ri (유준상, 김민선, 이유리) in the Wednesday-Thursday drama “Young Jae’s Golden Age (영재의 전성시대)” scheduled to be aired by MBC on 11/16 following the final episode of “Autumn Shower”. She plays the role Lee Yoon Ji (이윤지) who works as a hair stylist in a beauty parlor. The character is a typical evil girl who uses psychological warfare to knock down her rilval. Her rival in the drama is played by actress Lee Yoo Ri whose role is Joo Eun Jae (주은재). Eun Jae is the younger sister of the heroine Young Jae (영재) played by Kim Min Sun.

http://www.chosun.com/se/news/200510/200510210167.html

http://www.chosun.com/se/news/200510/200510230107.html

http://www.mydaily.co.kr/news/read.html?Ne...510061659390100

http://www.mydaily.co.kr/news/read.html?Ne...510061759190100

TV Rating (10/17/05 – 10/23/05)

1. Rosy Life (KBS2) -- 42.0%

2. Goodbye to Sadness (KBS2) -- 29.7%

3. Lover in Prague (SBS) -- 28.2%

4. Peculiar Man, Eccentric Woman (KBS1) -- 24.3%

5. Good Sunday Show (SBS) -- 22.9%

6. GAG Concert (KBS2) -- 20.4%

7. Happy Together-Friends (KBS2) -- 20.0%

8. The Sky (SBS) -- 19.2%

9. Just Want to Meet Once (MBC) -- 18.4%

10. The Instantaneous Capture of the World (SBS) -- 17.1%

http://www.tnsmk.co.kr/rating/main.asp?menu=Gi_Weekly

----------

[Guest papabear]

http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/culture/20...19271811690.htm

Singer Um Looks for Acting Challenges

By Han Eun-jung

Staff Reporter

Um Jung-hwa

Actress Um Jung-hwa is probably best known for her portrayal of leading ladies in warm-hearted feel-good romantic comedies.

Her characters are mostly successful career women who, by the time the credits come rolling, have won over the object of their affection, or in some cases, the other way around.

Just a run-through of her filmography is all it would take to figure out that no other actress has done as many films.

Um, starting off in show business in 1989 as a singer of a local television station chorus, went on to pursue an acting career on the small screen in soap operas. She also released a string of dance albums starting in the late 1990s and into the millennium. Many of her songs, which include ``Paebanui Changmi,’’ ``Chodae,’’ ``Molla’’ and more, went on to top the local charts.

Her breakthrough performance in a feature film, after several minor roles, was her portrayal of a headstrong woman not willing to give in to commitment in ``Marriage is a Crazy Thing,'' a movie that takes a looks over the traditional custom through the eyes of a modern day man and woman. It not only earned her a Best Actress Award at that year's Baeksang Arts Awards, but also secured her spot in Chungmu-ro, Seoul’s equivalent of Hollywood.

And consequently, the film roles kept on coming.

The following year she joined the cast of ``Singles,'' a film that circles the lives of four young single men and women living in Seoul. Um played the role of the outgoing and sexy Tong-mi, whose life takes an unexpected turn after a one-night stand with a long-time friend.

In 2004's ``Mr, Handy'' she played a city girl who, after opening a dental practice in a small rural village, finds herself continuously crossing paths with the town handyman.

Playing in theaters today is ``My Lovely Week,'' a omnibus-style production in which she plays the role of a thirty-something psychiatrist, who sports designer outfits and enjoys fine dining, but, as the film progresses, finds herself falling for a man she had never imagined herself with: a fast-talking, macho detective.

But it is in her latest work that she brings to life a character-type she never has taken on before _ a serial killer.

The soon-to-premiere ``Princess Aurora’’ tells the story of Chung Sun-jong, a unhappy woman who, for a reason not revealed until the latter half of the film, goes on a bloody killing spree in the upscale neighborhood of Kangnam.

Um said at a press screening last Thursday in Seoul that while she appreciates the fact she is able to reach people through films, she had always wanted to play as many different characters as possible.

``It occurred to me at one point that I could get trapped in a certain character-type for intentions not necessarily my own,’’ the 34-year-old actress said.

``Which is why I felt the need to go out and find roles on my own,’’ she said adding that she went straight to the director as soon as she read the script.

Pang Eun-jin, for whom this film happens to be her directorial debut, while praising Um of her many talents said, ``Apart from the side that is cheerful and lovable, there is a darker one of pain, hurt and sorrow. This was Um’s opportunity to show that she is no different from anyone else.’’

Whether her newest challenge will be received with as much enthusiasm as her past works, is up to the judgment of fans.

Princess Aurora opens in theaters nationwide on Oct. 27.

ejh09@koreatimes.co.kr

10-23-2005 19:29

[rubie]

10-24-2005

Actor Ahn Sung-ki Praises Virtue of Short Films

Actor Ahn Sung--ki

Veteran actor Ahn Sung-ki believes that short films are an appealing and pure way for directors to express what they want to say without worrying too much about commercial success.

``Different from feature films, short films have their own attractive qualities, free from the burden of commercial success and all that,’’ Ahn told The Korea Times last week. ``And they talk straightforwardly not in innovative and interesting ways.’’

To promote the virtues of short films, he is now working as director of the 3rd Asiana International Short Film Festival (AISFF), which takes place in Seoul from Nov. 2 to 7.

The festival will show 55 films from 26 countries in the competitive section of International Short Films and 33 internationally acclaimed works in the Special Program section.

A five-member preliminary jury selected the films showing at the competitive section from a total of 1053 submissions from 44 countries. The films will compete in eight categories for a combined prize of 31 million won.

``I think short films are like the seeds of feature films. The future of the film industry will be bright if short films are healthy,’’ said Ahn, who was a jury member of the first and second editions of the festival.

Since he made his debut as a child actor in 1957, he has played impressive characters _ from a beggar to a nation’s president, serious and comic characters _ in many great feature films, but he says he would like to keep trying challenging roles and would also love to star in a short film.

Apart from the film festival, Ahn now spends his time preparing for two upcoming films _ a co-production between Japan, China and South Korea ``Mozi's War Strategy’’ and a local film ``Hanbando (Korean Peninsula)’’ by Kang Woo-suk, who he worked with on last year’s mega hit film ``Silmido.’’

``Mozi's War Strategy,’’ based on a Japanese comic book, tells the story of an ancient Chinese philosopher Mozi. Ahn plays a general, who confronts the character that Any Lau plays. And in ``Korean Peninsula,’’ Ahn will play the nation’s president once again after the 2002 film ``Piano Playing President.’’

But what makes him busy all year round is his roles in other fields including that of goodwill ambassador of the United Nations Children's Fund, vice-director of the Pusan International Film Festival, promotional envoy of Seoul and co-chairman of the Committee of the Korea Film Community.

His devotion to and affection for films as well as his social work explains why he is often called ``Kukmin Paewu (national actor),’’ a title indicating that he is loved by most generations and represents the nation.

``Actually, what I love most is shooting scenes and thinking about my role and character. I feel as if my energy is split between these different responsibilities, but you know, you can’t only do what you want to. I believe that with all these different responsibilities I can make others happy _ something I find meaningful.’’ Ahn said.

AISFF opens with the Irish film ``Fluent Dysphasia’’ by Daniel O’Hara and a local film ``The Aggressive’’ by Jeong Jae-eun, a newly edited short trilogy version of feature film with the same name. It closes with the grand prize winning film.

After the six-day festival at Cine Core theater in Kwanghwamun, downtown Seoul, the winning films will be shown during Asiana Airlines flights.

e3dward@koreatimes.co.kr

10-24-2005 19:21

Source: The Korea Times

http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/culture/20...19185811690.htm

[armanigurl]

random news from TWITCHFILM.NET

NEW PROJECTS

Enjoyed 대장금 (Dae Jang-Geum: Jewel in The Palace)? The incredibly popular Historical Drama which made Lee Young-Ae a big name in Hong Kong, and rejuvenated her career in Korea is coming to the small screen... again. No, I'm not talking re-runs, although that's already happened (all over MBC's Satellite Channels), but animation. The story of the poor girl who made it to the royal palace as a cook and doctor will be adapted into twenty-six 30 Minutes long episodes. The animation series, entitled 장금이의 꿈 (Jang-Geum's Dream), took two years to produce and cost 3 Billion Won. Although some of the same characters of the TV Drama will appear, most of the story will cover other aspects of Jang-Geum's life.

CASTING NEWS

사생결단 (Desperation) starring Ryu Seung-Beom and Hwang Jung-Min just completed its casting, and is ready to enter shooting on October 23. Added to the cast were young starlet Chu Ja-Hyun, talented up and comer On Ju-Hwan, and theater regular Lee Do-Kyung. Last but not least, old school action star Kim Hee-Ra who returns to his first love after a long time. The film will release on April 2006

Kim Soo-Ro has found a girl! That is, in 'Vampire Cop Ricky', the (working?) English title for Kim's latest Vampire action comedy 흡혈형사 나도열, the role of the girl the character Na Do-Yeol (played by Kim) falls in love with will go to Jo Yeo-Jung, a familiar face on TV Dramas and Sitcoms who debuted in films two years ago, in the underrated romantic comedy 좋은 사람 있으면 소개시켜줘 (The Perfect Match). Shooting started on September 7th, and is at around 40% completion. Release is set for February next year.

The new project from Lee Jae-Yong (a.k.a. E J-Yong), director of 정사 (An Affair) and 스캔들 (Untold Scandal), entitled 다세포 소녀 (Multi Cell Girl) has finally completed its casting, featuring mostly new faces. Amongst them, a few stand out, especially Kim Ok-Bin, who impressed in the fourth installment of the 'High School Horror' series 여고괴담: 목소리 (Voice). She already starred as a lead for the first time in a TV Drama, SBS' 하노이 신부 (Hanoi Bride) - which is receiving a DVD release shortly - and showed quite promising acting range. Then there's Lee Kyun, from the cult TV Sitcom 안녕, 프란체스카 (Hello, Francesca), whose bizarre and memorable role gave a lasting impact. The others (Kim Byul, Park Jin-Woo, Park Hye-Won) are all groomed from TV Dramas and Sitcoms. The film started shooting last October 8, and will release next Spring.

Choi Kang-Hee has been added to the cast of the new TV Drama by PD Pyo Min-Soo, written by the great In Jung-Ok (which still doesn't have a title). The PD's new Drama, whose previous work 풀하우스 (Full House) was quite popular at home and especially in the rest of Asia, already cast Go Hyun-Jung a few weeks ago, and will start after the completion of 영자의 전성시대 (Young-Ja's Heydays) which is starting next month.

TV DRAMA WRAPUP

The popularity of Choi Jin-Shil's latest drama 장밋빛 인생 (Life in Pink) is becoming impressive. What started as a sort of 'welcome home' party for the leading heroine, who went back to what made her famous in the 90s, has become something discussed everywhere, from movie circles to drama cafes all over the net. The show already hit 47.1% last week, and kept cruising in the low to middle 40s for the entire week. Now that 'Maeng Soon-Yi' is a name most people on the street know, people are starting to draw parallels emerging from the success of the Drama, combined with its 'counterpart' on the big screen, Park Jin-Pyo's 너는 내 운명 (You Are My Sunshine), drawing nearly 3 Million people to theaters. Both Dramas are awash in 신파 (Shinpa, the Korean word which has changed its meaning over the years from 'modern theater drama' to 'tacky melodrama') tropes, but by employing such structure they're still able to avoid the pitfalls that almost inevitably emerge from becoming part of such genre.

Late last week a ruckus was raised on the net about the fate of Soon-Yi in 'Life in Pink'. Should she die at the end, making her last days on earth a final 'paradise', that life in pink the title suggests, making all the problems she faced before, all the bad things that happened to her sort of transcend dramatic tropes? Or should the producers do like other people have done in the past, change the end to please a vocal minority who always wants the happy ending, no matter what? And, besides the producers' decision to adhere to their initial plan, Choi Jin-Shil's acting has been praised once again, with increasing intensity. There isn't a day when I don't see News reports quoting memorable lines from the Drama, showcasing the high impact dialogue featured in the show, despite seemingly adhering to the norms and dictates of traditional Shinpa. Some argue the show stopped being a simple 'Shinpa' the moment it became a sort of 'revenge drama.' 'Life in Pink' is not a greek tragedy pulling tears from the viewers because they feel sorry for her faith, it has become a showcase for a person who's seeking revenge on all the people who wronged her, a plea to make something out of her brutal fate by going out with her head held high, laughing in the face of those who got back to her in tears after using her like a tool for her entire existence.

'Life in Pink' has none of the innocence and purity of your usual Shinpa: it's raw, often cruel, most times embarrassing because it hits too close to home. Its heroine is never embellished to gain sympathy, but she earns it thanks to the stubborn, relentless way she fights off her inevitable adieu. The Drama makes people think, almost like Park Chan-Wook's trilogy of vengeance, how futile revenge and the motives leading to it really are. How people led by extraordinary situations to a corner react instinctively, often hurting themselves even more. For that and more, it's only inevitable that people continue to draw parallels between the actress' life and the story of the Drama. Although by no means a certainty, I expect the show to reach the mid 50% ratings as it comes closer to its last few episodes (24 in total).

But there were people who couldn't be that happy because of their latest TV Drama. After receiving praise for her acting in 내 이름은 김삼순 (My Lovely Sam-Soon), MBC expected Jung Ryeo-Won's latest Drama 가을 소나기 (Autumn Shower) to be a walk in the park, an easy success. Coupled with talented Kim So-Yeon and popular (and improving, although slowly) Oh Ji-Ho, the Drama fueled MBC's hopes to continue in some way or form the 'Sam-Soon syndrome' which hit Korean households in the Summer. But it wasn't so. After complaints the Drama lacked any type of energy, ratings dropped miserably.

And when I say miserably, It's probably not too far off what the producers felt: last week it recorded a new record low for the year, with 3.3% ratings. Documentaries on cabbage cultivation shown at 6 in the morning draw more people, so what went wrong? And that wasn't all. Coupled with the incredibly popularity of 'Life in Pink' always scoring in the high 40s, and competition from SBS' entry - 사랑은 기적이 필요해 (Love Needs a Miracle) ranging around the 10s, 'Shower' started falling apart, until last October 20, when things got pretty embarrassing: Nationwide Rating of 2.9%, the worst since 2004; 2.4% in Gwangju, and get this... 1.7% in Busan!

TNS Media, the company dealing with Korean TV (Network, Cable and Satellite) Ratings started releasing figures for the various VOD services of the 3 Major Korean stations KBS, MBC and SBS. And, surprise surprise, they are not too different from the TV Ratings, with a few exceptions. The former 'Kingdom of TV Dramas' MBC is suffering a drought in viewership which saw none of their current TV Dramas crack the weekly Top 20. Be it bad timing, or a batch of bad TV Dramas (it happens, SBS is having them all the time since... 1990?), the station is having problems at the moment. The most watched VOD of the week between October 10 and 16 was 비밀남녀 (The Secret Lovers), starring Kim Seok-Hoon and Han Ji-Hye, viewed online by 25,048 people. A surprise second was the maligned 'Autumn Shower', viewed by 16,306 people. Third the Historical Drama 신돈 (Shin Don) starring Son Chang-Min, which is losing the ratings battle to a Chinese Historical Drama on TV, but did OK online with 12,221 viewers. But, then again, none of those results were enough to enter the weekly Top 20. KBS is having one of its most successful periods ever, driven by the incredible popularity of Choi Jin-Shil's latest Drama 장밋빛 인생 (Life in Pink) (352,734 VOD Viewers), with good results for all their other major shows. SBS' first was the popular trendy Drama starring Kim Ju-Hyeok and Jeon Do-Yeon, 프라하의 연인 (Lovers in Prague seen by 182,069 people.

Weekly Top 10 TV Drama Ratings (October 16~22)

01. 44.8% 장밋빛 인생 (Life in Pink) - Wed/Thu Drama - KBS2

02. 30.0% 슬픔이여 안녕 (Goodbye To Sadness) - Weekend Drama - KBS2

03. 28.8% 프라하의 연인 (Lovers in Prague) - Special Project - SBS

04. 24.4% 별난 여자 별난 남자 (Weird Woman, Weird Man) - Daily Drama - KBS1

05. 19.8% 서동요 (The Ballad of Seo Dong) - Historical Drama - SBS

06. 19.0% 하늘이시여 (Dear Heaven) - Weekend Drama - SBS

07. 16.3% 다이아몬드의 눈물 (Tears of Diamond) - Fri/Sat Drama - SBS

08. 15.2% 고향역 (Hometown Station) - TV Novel - KBS1

09. 14.1% 웨딩 (Wedding) - Miniseries - KBS2

10. 13.9% 들꽃 (Wild Flower) - Daily Morning Drama - SBS

=====================

after posting this, i'm thinking.. i must check out what the fuss is about over "life in Pink" .. i've been sooo in the dark lately

[Guest lee ji woo]

Move over Bae Yong Joon

He's the new hero

By Chang May Choon

October 25, 2005

FILM producers love him as much as fans do.

Korea's Jang Dong Gun is loved by fans and movie producers alike, drawing a whopping 11.7 million admissions for his recent movie. --PUSAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Meet Jang Dong Gun, recently voted as South Korea's Most Bankable Movie Star.

The 33-year-old actor is best known for his signature film, Brotherhood - the top-grossing Korean film of all time with 11.7 million admissions - and has two highly-anticipated upcoming titles, The Promise and Typhoon.

His pulling power is estimated to be 1.4 million people, according to a survey done by The Chosun Ilbo. It was based on the opinions of the country's Top 12 most influential film producers.

Coming a close second is teen idol Moon Geun Young, 18, of Innocent Steps and My Little Bride fame. She attracts an estimated 1.3 million movie-goers.

Also in the Top 10 list: Jeon Ji Hyun (My Sassy Girl), Kwon Sang Woo (Love So Divine), Lee Young Ae (Sympathy For Lady Vengeance), Cha Seung Won (My Teacher Mr Kim), Kim Sun Ah (Wet Dreams), Cho Seung Woo (The Classic), Kang Hye Jung (Old Boy) and Song Kang Ho (JSA).

LEE BYUNG HUN NOT ON LIST

Interestingly, neither Bae Yong Joon nor his April Snow co-star, Son Ye Jin, made the list. He was ranked sixth last year, but fell to 28th position this year.

Also snubbed were Heavenly Kings Lee Byung Hun (A Bittersweet Life) and Won Bin (Brotherhood), despite their overwhelming popularity in Asia.

Instead, rising stars like Sang Woo and celebrity couple Seung Woo and Hye Jung are sizzling on the big screen.

Sang Woo has a notable new project, Running Wild, while Seung Woo and Hye Jung both scored at the box office this year with their films, Marathon (5.2 million admissions) and Welcome To Dongmakgol (7.1 million admissions) respectively.

Welcome was even selected as Korea's nomination for Best Foreign Film at the upcoming Oscars.

All-time favourite Ji Hyun has a mega project, Daisy, coming up, which is directed by Hong Kong's Andrew Lau (Infernal Affairs) and co-stars hunky Jung Woo Sung.

After her massive hit She's On Duty, Sun Ah made a smashing crossover to TV with the Korean ratings champion, My Lovely Samsoon.

Also on a winning streak is Young Ae, whose historical drama, Jewel In The Palace, is taking China by storm. Last week, she also snagged a Best Actress award for Sympathy For Lady Vengeance at the Sitges International Film Festival in Spain.

Seung Won just turned in a hit in the action thriller, The Big Scene, while Kang Ho reportedly commands a guaranteed payment of up to 500 million won ($800,000).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Playing a horror tune

FIRST, it was a pair of devilish red shoes. Then, a creepy wig.

Now, it's a cello that will induce screams in theatres.

Cello is the third Korean horror flick this year to feature an inanimate object as a spook tool.

Starring Sung Hyun Ah and Park Da An, it tells of how a cellist-turned-music-teacher wakes up from a nightmare to find her family members dying one after another.

Their deaths seem to have something to do with an accident 10 years ago.

Expect to see many orchestral scenes, and a concert featuring a cello that costs a staggering US$100,000 ($169,540).

To make it real, first-time director Lee Woo Chul refused to use mannequins, and made his actors hang in mid-air or be nailed to walls.

Surprisingly, one actress actually fell asleep while being suspended.

Which star will you spend on?

THE New Paper invites you to take part in our Favourite Korean Movie Star poll, based on the Top 10 Most Bankable Movie Star list.

Which of the 10 stars listed would you fork out $8.50 to see?

Just SMS us your vote, and you stand to win a pair of tickets to the Hell'oween Party at Escape Theme Park on 28-30 Oct, 7-11pm. Each ticket is valid only for a day.

We have 50 pairs to give away, courtesy of Escape Theme Park and Encore Films, which is releasing a new Korean horror film, Cello.

To win, just text the index number of your choice to 77877 in this format:

TNPKOREANIndex numberNRICName (eg. TNPKOREAN 1 S1234567Z MICHAEL TAN).

The 10 Korean stars' index numbers are:

1. Jang Dong Gun

2. Song Kang Ho

3. Kwon Sang Woo

4. Cha Seung Won

5. Cho Seung Woo

6. Moon Geun Young

7. Jeon Ji Hyun

8. Lee Young Ae

9. Kim Sun Ah

10. Kang Hye Jung

Each SMS costs 20 cents. Voting ends at 11pm tomorrow. Results will be published in this column next Monday.

source:

The Electric Newspaper

[rubie]

Update : Oct 25, 2005 KST 12:31

Korean Movie Tops Japanese Box Office

Tuesday, October 25, 2005 11:38:54

A South Korean film is sitting atop the Japanese box office for the first time ever.

The movie, "A Moment to Remember", starring Jung Woo-sung and Son Ye-jin, opened Saturday in Japan on 308 screens nationwide.

A Japanese film distributor, Gaga, estimates that ticket sales for the movie will eventually reach over three billion yen.

The Korean films, "April Snow" and "Joint Security Area," were both major hits in Japan, moving up to as high as No. 2 at the box office but failing to secure the top spot.

Still playing in Japanese theaters, April Snow has so far raked in 2.4 billion yen in ticket sales.

Reported by KBS World Radio

Contact the KBS News: englishweb@kbs.co.kr

Source: KBS Global

http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/newsview_sub...&key=2005102513

[Guest adikkeluangman]

'A Memory To Remember' becomes first Korean movie to top Japanese box-office

2005-10-25

The movie 'A Memory To Remember' starring Chung Woo-sung and Son Ye-jin and

directed by Lee Jae-han, became the first Korean movie to top the Japanese box

-office.

Sources say that on the weekend of Oct. 22-23 'A Memory To Remember' beat out

two other rivals, 'Corpse Bride' and 'Charlie And The Chocolate Factory' both

directed by Tim Burton.

Until now, the most successful Korean movies in Japanese theaters had been 'April

Snow' and 'Joint Security Area' both of which finished second.

'A Memory To Remember' which opened Oct. 22, is currently being shown in 308

theaters throughout Japan, some 100 fewer theaters than 'April Snow' (434

theaters). The movie's Japanese distributor, Gaga, has invested over 6 million

dollars in the movie's promotion and marketing, and says the movie is well on its

way to becoming a huge success. The facts that it stars Son Ye-jin and was a big

hit in Korea also drew attention from Japanese audiences.

Gaga expects 3 billion yen (about 27.5 billion won) in ticket sales from the

movie. 'April Snow' the most successful Korean movie by far, has taken in 2.4

billion yen (about 22 billion won).

c: KBS Global News

[Guest vignette]

I have nothing against SYJ and the movie A Moment to Remember but I have that the press releases from the distributor will be more accurate. The movie just started showing in japan but they have yet to reach the 2Million viewership of April Snow which is the TOP Korean movie record holder now in Japan.

[rubie]

I did not mean to say that rubie is wrong since she is just posting the news. I'm just expressing my unhappiness with the distributor.

I hope that clears any misunderstanding.

It's alright, I understood the confusion.

Perhaps this news update from KOFIC relates a better, well-meant and accurate report regarding the situation.

A Moment To Remember opens at #1 in Japan

John H. Lee's A Moment to Remember starring JUNG Woo-sung and SON Ye-jin has opened at #1 in Japan only the second time a Korean film has ever debuted at the top of the Japanese box office. The film has drawn wide interest in Japan both because of the Korean Wave and because the film is based on a popular Japanese TV drama.

Although exact opening figures are not available yet, the film opened on 308 screens and held off competition from Hollywood films Corpse Bride and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. To date, the only other Korean film to open at #1 in Japan was Shiri, with April Snow and JSA both opening at #2.

A Moment to Remember's distributor Gaga Communications expended a lavish $6 million marketing campaign on the film prior to its October 22 release. The company says it expects the film to ultimately gross 3 billion yen (~US$26 million). To date, the highest grossing Korean film in Japan is April Snow, which is still on release and which has totaled 2.4 billion yen.

Incidentally, both A Moment to Remember and April Snow feature the same lead actress SON Ye-jin.

A Moment to Remember was produced by Sidus Pictures and released by CJ Entertainment in Korea in late 2004, where it sold over 2.4 million tickets.

Darcy Paquet

Source: Korean Film Council

http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/news/news_view...em=&tmp_cnt=309

[Guest vignette]

source: kbs global

Update : Oct 26, 2005 KST 11:03

Pop star Rain (Bi), reaching out beyond Asia

f you look up the word "bi" in a Korean dictionary, you will discover more than seven definitions, including ¡®a downpour falling to the earth caused by water vapors in the air cooling down,' ¡®a cleaning tool designed to clear away dust and garbage,' and a ¡®monument that is inscribed with characters and intended to commemorate great figures or achievements.' The word "bi" can be used in diverse ways depending on the sentence in which you use it, or what you intend to express. And yet another definition of "bi" just might be added to this official list of definitions soon: "the name of a pop star that swept Asia beginning in 2005."

Rain, a versatile entertainer who shined from his debut

A new male singer named Bi (Rain) captured the spotlight when he made his debut in May, 2002. Before that performance, rumors had spread amid the growing attention focused on him that he was a highly talented singer who would one day lead the Korean pop music culture, along with jokes that he would be the most sought-after prize among all the female singers. Besides the buzz, his appealingly unique name generated further interest. What was the real identity of Bi, or "Rain?" What did he look like? Bi effectively raised massive curiosity among the public even before his first show. At his debut concert, he staged a glittering performance that fully showed off his remarkable dancing and singing skills, effectively justifying all the rumors about him. Following his dazzling debut that May, he instantly joined the ranks of the best singers in Korea.

In 2003, he also tried his hand at acting by appearing in the KBS television drama "Sangdu, let's go school," and demonstrated legitimately strong potential as an actor. Another KBS drama entitled "Full House," in which he starred in 2004, proved a huge success, with viewer ratings of over 30 percent for every episode. Thus, in less than five years after his debut, Bi consolidated his position as the best singer in Korea as well as a talented actor. Now he is poised to make a foray onto the international stage in order to spread his music and realize his full vision, which extends far beyond Korea. He is focusing his first international efforts on Asia.

Bi, best Asian star of the year 2005

In 2005, Bi clinched the Best Buzz Asia from Korea at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2005. He also won the best Korean singer award 2005 at the Mandarin Music Honors in Taiwan. Having been voted as the best Asian singer by the Taiwanese media, Bi is positioning himself as one of the most admired Asian stars this year. Wherever he goes, he generates huge public interest and becomes a hot topic of conversation. His every move is monitored by the media and draws keen attention from music fans.

Bi is currently on an Asian music tour which started in Seoul and will travel to Tokyo and Hong Kong. He is creating and showcasing fresh new spectacles at every single concert, and tickets are selling out quickly as a result. His first solo concert in Japan last summer, entitled "Rainy Day Japan" and held at the Tokyo International Forum, was so popular that all the tickets were sold out 30 seconds after going on sale. And the tickets for another of his concerts in Taiwan were sold out the moment they became available. Bi continues to set records in Asia. Now planning to go beyond Japan and Hong Kong, Bi will make a foray into China by giving a concert in Beijing.

Bi's personality and charm sweeping Asia

The Japanese pronounce Bi as "Pi," and they also describe the singer with another term as well. During one of his concerts in Japan, Bi enthralled his fans with a powerful and masculine performance onstage. But when he chatted with fans after the concert, he surprised his fans by displaying a boyish and playful demeanor, earning him the label "Kawai," which means "cute" in Japanese. He is known as a powerful man onstage and a "cute" persona offstage. It is this characteristic that makes his fans crazy about him.

Bi is famous for trying his best in whatever he does. He is arguably the best dancer in the nation, because he learned to dance onstage as a backup dancer for an already-established singer before his own debut. It is hard to define his dancing with simple words because it is a mixture of so many diverse elements. He has created a whole new style of his own by integrating diverse genres of dance over the course of his long dancing career.

Singer Park Jin-young, who heads the entertainer management company to which Bi belongs, once told a radio show that "I was always wondering whether [bi] understood what I told him because he never replied even when I scolded him. One day I entered Bi's room, and ended up breaking into tears." Bi, who was then an aspiring singer, was poor at expressing his emotions verbally to his older colleague. But what Park discovered in Bi's room was a wall covered with "post-it" stickers. Every single sticker was filled with notes of what Park had told and advised him. Bi had written down every single piece of advice his older friend had given him, and had been doing his utmost to correct his mistakes and improve his skills.

It can be said that this latent passion for excellence is what made Bi what he is today. And Bi has great potential for further development because he always tries his best to sharpen his current skills through ceaseless practice. He is truly a believer in the saying, "Opportunity visits those who make great efforts." There is no doubt that Bi will reach beyond Asia to become a global star someday because of his enormous talent and tireless work ethic.

Profile of Bi

Name: Bi (Real name: Chung Ji-hoon)

Date of birth: June 25, 1982.

Physical stats: 184 cm in height, 74 kg in weight

Education: Post modern music department, Kyung Hee University

Hobby: Movies, music, collecting shoes and clothes

Special skills: Sing, dancing, acting

Career highlights

Honorary goodwill ambassador for the City of Los Angeles in 2004

Goodwill ambassador for Community Chest Korea in 2004

Cyber goodwill ambassador for fair elections in 2004

Goodwill ambassador for teenagers' book reading campaign n 2004

Honorary goodwill ambassador for the British tourism promotion agency in April 2004

Awards

Most popular singer award of the MTV Asia Aid 2005

MTV Video Music Awards Japan in 2005

Best Buzz Asia from Korea award 2005

Most popular Korean singer of the Mandarin Music Honors 2005

BYJ, the first Korean actor to hold press conference in People's Grand Hall in China

[star News]10/25/05 18:38

The "Korean Current star' BYJ will visit Beijing, China for his first official visit with 2 nights & 3 days' schedule.

BYJ wil visit on November 11 for promotion in time for the Chinese opening of the film 'Oe Chool(April Snow)' by invitation from film distributor Hwasha(華影 and Jjoongbo Media.

BYJ's first Chinese visit in this time is due to enthusiastic requests from his fans who had signature drive in entire China, and Director Hur Jinho plans to accompany him.

BYJ will arrive at Beijing on 11 and stay there for 2 nights and 3 days and plans to do official schedule such as press conferences & interviews with media, special screening, and stage greeting in major theaters.

In particular, the distributor, taking into consideration of explosive interest and expectation from press for BYJ's first visit to China, plans suddenly to hold the press conference scheduled on 11 at the People's Grand Hall in Beijing for the first time for Korean actor.

Also, considering the symbolism as a representative actor in Asia, they are making preparation to greet BYJ with courtesy at the level of state guests.

BYJ's agency, BOF told, "We are glad as the Asian promotion tour of the 'Oe Chool(April Snow)' continues on to China following (that of) Taiwan & Japan. Due to positive requests for visit from the Chinese distributor since loong time ago and in order to return favors to expectation from fan family, we decided BYJ's visit," and "As much as this is the first visit to China, we will put efforts to do as many schedules as maximally possible although it is a brief trip."

Reported by Lee Kyuchang,ryan@mtstarnews.com,star@mtstarnews.com

Copyright ⓒ Money Today Star News

Posted Today, 9:41 am

[Guest adikkeluangman]

Bae Yong-jun to hold first movie promotion in China

2005-10-26

Following his exploding popularity in Japan, actor Bae Yong-jun,

nicknamed 'Yonsama' in Japan, is now set to take China by storm as well. Bae will

make his first official visit to China on Nov. 11 along with director Heo Jin-ho to

promote the movie 'April Snow' prior to its opening in that country.

Bae was invited to China by Huaxia, the local distributor of 'April Snow' and Jungbo

Media. During his three-day visit, the actor will hold a press conference and a

special movie preview, and make appearances in front of audiences at major

Chinese theaters.

Given the skyrocketing interest in the actor's first visit to the country, Huaxia will

organize Bae's press conference at the Beijing Great Hall of the People, where

actress Kim Hee-sun and the Hong Kong actor Jackie Chan held a press

conference recently. It is quite unprecedented for a Korean actor to hold a solo

press conference at that hall.

Bae's agency, BOF, said on Oct. 25 that the actor decided to visit China in

response to Huaxia's longtime requests and a signature-collecting campaign held

by 10,000 of Bae's fans asking the actor to visit their country.

'April Snow' had drawn two million viewers in Japan as of Oct. 24, taking in 25

billion won in ticket sales and setting a box-office record among Korean movies

shown in Japan.

The movie's investor and distributor, Showeast, reported on Oct. 25 that it had

notified its Chinese counterpart of its plan to open 'April Snow' in China on the

largest scale ever in the history of Korean movies.

"The exact figures are unavailable yet, but we expect 'April Snow' to break the

record of 'Windstruck' starring Chun Ji-hyun. Plus, Bae's visit to China will also

contribute to the movie's box-office performance," said a person from Showeast.

c: KBS Global News

[tracycutie]

^at least BOTH of Son Ye Jin's movies are a big hit in Japan...so happy for her...

[rubie]

10-26-2005

Rain Plays Fighter in New Drama

By Han Eun-jung

Staff Reporter

Pop singer Rain in a promotional photo

for his new television drama, “I Chukilnomui Sarang”

Pop singer Rain still devotes most of his time touring, stirring the hearts of young girls and women all across Asia. But in recent years, he has also been showing off his other talent ㅡ acting.

Following his well-received performances in 2003’s “Sangdu, Let’s Go to School” and last year’s “Full House,” Rain is now presenting his much anticipated third drama.

In “I Chukilnomui Sarang,” the soon-topremiere weeknight soap, Rain plays Kang Bok-ku, a mixed martial arts fighter who falls in love with Eun-sok, the woman who left his brother in ruins. Actress Shin Min-a plays Eun-sok. An English title for the drama has yet to be decided, but the Korean one loosely translates to “This Damned Love.”

But despite the fact that the 20-minute clip unveiled at a press conference held in Seoul on Tuesday had those present raving, Rain couldn’t have been more modest.

Rain said that while as a singer he is able to see results he can be happy with if he works at singing and dancing, its not necessarily the same with acting. “Vocal control is something that can be learned to some extent, but it’s not the same as expressing emotions, making acting all the more difficult,” he said. In contrast to Rain’s self-deprecating remarks, Lee Kyung-hee, the drama’s writer, referred to Rain as an actor who acts from the heart and asked audiences to let go of any bias they may have towards singer-turned-actors.

“You’ll come to know that we have a jewel of an actor on our hands,” she said. Lee, who also worked with Rain in “Sang-du, Let’s Go to School,” was also behind one of last year’s most popular drama’s “I’m Sorry, I Love You.”

Showing up at the Tuesday event looking leaner than his usual self, Rain said the weight loss was part of the preparation for his character.

“I was afraid my muscles would hamper me so I took up doing 2,000 reps of jump rope a day and stuck to a diet of chicken breast and mackerel,” he said. He is also said to have trained two to six hours a day at an action school and as a result lost 7 kilograms.

“But despite all that I still got injured, one injury for every shoot that involved action scenes,” he said.

“After we wrap up shooting I want to check into a hospital,” he added laughing. Rain went on to speaking of his hopes of one day making it on to the big screen. “I hope to mature as an actor and one day shoot a film with a respected director,” he said.

He added that he is currently learning Japanese, English and Chinese so that he go out onto the international stage and make his country proud.

“I’m going to do the best I can and see how far I can go by the time I’m 30,” But the journalists present that day were surprised when the heartthrob continued, saying that after that he intends to run his own business, although he didn’t mention what kind.

“It’s a hope of mine that after 30 I will live a new life,” he said adding that he reads management and marketing books every chance he gets.

“I Chukilnomui Sarang” will air at 9:50 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays on KBS 2. The first of 16 episodes will be broadcast Oct. 31.

ejh09@koreatimes.co.kr

10-26-2005 20:28

Source: The Korea Times

http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/culture/20...20255711690.htm

[rubie]

Updated Oct.26,2005 17:24 KST

'Dongmakgol' Up Against Record Oscar Competition

The hit movie “Welcome to Dongmakgol” by Park Gwang-hyeon, selected as Korea’s entry for the 78th Academy Awards, will compete with movies from a record 58 countries in the Foreign Language Film category.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Tuesday a record 58 countries have submitted films for consideration in the category. Only one movie from each country can be recommended.

The fantasy movie about the Korean War is set in the peaceful yet mysterious mountain village of Dongmakgol, where news that the war has broken out has not reached. Soldiers from South and North Korea and the U.S. who happen to meet there by chance start to open their hearts to each other influenced by the innocent villagers. Since its release on Aug. 3, the movie has drawn 7.97 million viewers and is expected to break the 8 million barrier soon.

The War epic “Taegukgi’’ directed by Kang Je-gyu ranked first in the list of Korea’s all-time blockbusters with 11.74 million movie goers, followed by “Silmido” -- a film depicting an abortive scheme to assassinate North Korea's leader in the late 1960s directed by Kang Woo-suk -- with 11.08 million, and “Friends” by Kwak Kyung-taek with 8.18 million.

So far no Korean film has been nominated for an Oscar. The decision on the five nominees will be made on Jan. 31, and the 78th Academy Awards will be presented on March 5 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.

(englishnews@chosun.com )

Source: Digital Chosunilbo

http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/new...0510260012.html

[Guest lee ji woo]

'Welcome to Dongmakgol' Draws 5 Million Viewers

A fantasy movie about the Korean War is not only setting box office records for the year but also accomplishing the difficult task of reaching out to all age groups. Between its release on Aug. 4 and Friday, “Welcome to Dongmakgol” drew some five million viewers nationwide, taking only four weeks to break this year’s record, which it took “Running Boy” eight weeks to set.

The success is all the more remarkable since “Dongmakgol” is an odd tale about the war set in the virtual space of the title and makes do without top stars, featuring instead an accomplished ensemble cast. The exceptionally broad viewer spectrum ranges from teenagers to those in their 60s.

On Thursday, poised to record their 5 millionth viewer, director Park Gwang-hyeon and three leading actors Shin Ha-gyun, Chung Jae-young and Lim Ha-ryong got together to toast their success.

“I got phone calls from lots of people lately. I am invited to TV shows. I’m often told I'm a good actor,” Lim Ha-ryong says. “I haven’t been this happy since I was a newcomer.” Shin Ha-gyun says children now recognize him in restaurants even though he never starred in any movie for kids. Chung Jae-young adds, “I was especially happy to hear elderly people of the same age as my mother flocking to the theater.

Park Gwang-hyeon, 34, is a former director of commercials. He still seems still baffled to have made the big time with his debut feature. “As a first-time director, I was on pins and needles. The budget was tremendous, and 80 percent of the cast and production staff were obscure first-timers. I couldn’t sleep till my film captured 3 million viewers,” Park says. “I also cast unknown actors as villagers so I could lead viewers into a fantasy world in due course without causing any prejudice.”

The makers deny that the film peddles a pro-North Korean and anti-U.S. ideology. A U.S. soldier, Smith, plays an important part as a friend, and it’s clear from the movie that the North Korean regime started the war, the cast says. “I’d like to explain to everyone who misunderstands me that I don’t dislike the U.S. and that my film is neither ideological nor political,” Park says. “On the contrary, some people are complaining that an American appears in a movie promoting Korean unification, but my film isn’t for Korean unification. I hope people see it as a film aiming to console innocent people. I’m a novice director, I do have my limitations.” The atmosphere became a little tense, but Chung Jae-young put an end to the debate by saying, “All these controversies are raging, but that’s because the film is successful. So I appreciate the constructive criticism.”

(englishnews@chosun.com)

[Guest CindyW88]

-------------

10/25/05 -- KBS2 Monday-Tuesday drama “A Love to Kill (이 죽일 놈의 사랑)” will be aired on 10/31. Bi plays the role Kang Bok Goo (강복구) who gets close to the heroine Cha Eun Suk (차은석, played by Shin Min Ah) in order to “revenge” for his elder brother. His elder brother fell down from the guardrail of his house, lost his consciousness, and turned into a human vegetable. The incident happened after Eun Suk broke up with his elder brother. Eun Suk suddenly becomes a star entertainer after she led a project. Bok Goo changes his job from a K-1 fighter to as Eun Suk’s manager. As time goes by, Bok Goo is attracted by Eun Suk’s innocence. He is agonized by struggling between love and revenge. Bi comments, “Although Bok Goo is not a good man, he knows his situation. Actually, he is a poor and desperate person.” Shin Min Ah states, “Eun Suk follows her own sentiment to act and talk. I’d like to portray a innocent love via this drama.”

http://www.chosun.com/se/news/200510/200510250371.html

http://news.goodday.co.kr/2005/10/25/20051...546112100.shtml

10/24/05 -- Kang Ji Hwan (강지환, 26) is selected to costar with Go Hyun Jung in the Wednesday-Thursday drama scheduled to be aired by MBC in January of 2006. He plays the role Bok Duk Goo (복덕구) who is a bum and likes his female friend’s elder sister played by Go Hyun Jung. His female friend is played by Choi Kang Hee. The drama is produced by star PD Pyo Min Soo (표민수) and the script writer In Jung Wook (인정옥). The other main male actor will be announced around mid November. KJH’s previous drama was “Tough Geum Soon (굳세어라 금순아)" aired by MBC.

http://www.mydaily.co.kr/news/read.html?Ne...510241424280100

10/24/05 – The filming of Jo In Sung’s new movie “Mean Streets (비열한 거리)” was started on 10/2 at a police station located at Choongmooro (충무로). JIS plays the role Byung Doo (병두) who is a hoodlum having to make a living to support his mother and two younger brothers. He grasps the lifetime opportunity when Chairman Hwang asks him to get rid of the prosecutor who has been harassing Chairman Hwang. However, he accidentally makes a mistake that brings him huge crises. The director Yoo Ha (유하) would like to truly present the mean reality of human being’s desires as well as the relationship between society and gang organizations. Yoo Ha’s previous work was “Spirit of Jeet Keun Do (말죽거리 잔혹사)” of 2004. “Mean Streets” is scheduled to be debuted in the spring of 2006.

http://www.chosun.com/se/news/200510/200510240260.html

-------------

[Guest yeohweping]

Kim Jae Won and Yoon Tae-Young will be playing K-1 Fighters in a 2006 drama.

Unlike Bi's drama which he will only be a fighter in the first few eps, Kim Jae-Won'll be a K1 fighter through out the drama. The station who will be broadcasting at the moment is still unknown..

[Guest Vivian83]

Jang Dong-gun to appear on cover of Time magazine

Top actor Jang Dong-gun has been selected as the most celebrated Korean star. An interview with Jang will be published as the cover story of the upcoming issue of the Asian edition of Time magazine, due for release in mid-November, and his picture will appear on the cover.

“It is the first time a Korean actor will appear on the cover of Time. It means that Jang has gained recognition as a top Korean actor,” said a person from Jang’s agency.

The cover story will also feature other prominent Korean figures widely acclaimed for their achievements, such as Professor Hwang Woo-suk, who drew the international spotlight for his epoch-making embryonic stem cell research, as well as Seoul Mayor Lee Myung-bak and Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon.

Jang is described in the story as a talented actor and box-office star known for his role in the movie “Taegeugki,” which was the first domestically produced movie to top the box-office in Korea. He has also emerged as the most watched actor not only in Asia but in the global movie market as well, with his upcoming movies “Typhoon” and “The Promise” expected to draw a total of 10 million viewers when they open this December and January, 2006, respectively.

Time’s interview with Jang will cover his life as an actor and his successful efforts to establish a presence in the global movie market. Jang’s agency said that in his interview, the actor will talk not only about his career but also about the development of the Korean movie industry, its position in the global market, and his role as a member of the movie industry.

The interview schedule was set during the magazine cover photo shoot that was held Oct. 25 at a cafe in Gangnam, Seoul. The photo features Jang with long hair combed down, a gentle smile, and a piercing yet charming look in his eyes.

Source : http://english.kbs.co.kr/mcontents/enterta...5851_11692.html

KBS Global news