[News] Drama, Movies, Actors & Actresses

[Guest nep13tune]

Box Office in Seoul (Oct. 28 ~ Nov. 3, 2005)

1. The Beast and The Beauty

2. Princess Aurora

3. My Lovely Week

4. Sad Movie

5. The Legend of Zorro

6. Monster-in-Law

7. You're My Sunshine

8. The Merchant of Venice

9. The Cave

10. Welcome to Donmakgol

Souce: English.chosun.com

[Guest Syjfan]

AMTR's creating new hallyu wave in Japan

According to Japanese and Korean reports, audience of AMTR increased to 102.4% in 9 big cities for weekend 29 - 30 Oct compared to the previous weekend.

On 26 Oct (which is known as the ladies day), the number of audience for AMTR counted 105,982 and this was 20% higher than the 22nd Oct opening day of AMTR.

According to a survey done by a weekly japanese magazine 'PIA' on 3 Nov, AMTR received average score of 93.4% out of 100% for audience satisfaction and this was also no.1 for movies that were screened recently in Japan.

Source: Korea MyDaily

http://news.media.daum.net/snews/entertain.../v10702357.html

[Guest Airine Pratama]

KANG DONG WON WILL HAVE A NEW MOVIE WITH LEE NA YOUNG ... THE NEWS HAS BEEN AROUND THE NET ... THANKS TO PANG-JIJA FOR CLARIFYING ...

Can someone clarify ... I found a news but it's in Korean but i think it might said about Kang Dong Won and Lee Na Young will have a new movie together ...

The movie title is " Uri deul ui Haengbokhan Shigan " ...

이나영-강동원 '우리들의 행복한 시간'

송해성 감독 새 영화에서 호흡

이나영과 강동원이 송해성 감독의 '우리들의 행복한 시간'(제작 LJ필름ㆍ상상필름)의 남녀 주인공으로 확정됐다.

영화 '아는 여자'와 드라마 '아일랜드' 출연 이후 오랜 기간 차기작을 결정하지 못했던 이나영이 세 차례 자살을 시도할 만큼 세상에 부정적인 시선을 갖고 있는 유정 역을 연기한다. 이나영은 '아는 여자'로 청룡영화제 여우주연상을 수상한 바 있다.

영화 '형사-Duelist'에서 '슬픈 눈'으로 출연해 한 단계 올라선 연기를 선보인 강동원은 세 명을 살해한 사형수 윤수 역을 맡는다.

'우리들의 행복한 시간'은 소설가 공지영의 원작을 각색한 작품. '착한 남자'라는 가제로 영화 기획이 이뤄졌으나 원작 제목 그대로 영화화하기로 했다. 크랭크 인은 이르면 다음달, 늦어도 1월 중 시작해 4월 초 촬영을 마칠 예정이다.

'파이란', '역도산'에 이은 송해성 감독의 세번째 연출작이다.

LJ필름의 곽신애 이사는 "세상을 삐딱하게 바라보는 여자와 남자가 만나 서로의 상처를 치유하는 과정이 밀도 있게 그려질 것"이라며 "소설의 감성이 영화를 통해더 풍부하게 전해지도록 하겠다"고 전했다.

(서울=연합뉴스) 김가희 기자

source :: http://sports.hankooki.com/lpage/cinet/200...12375058470.htm

i'm not so sure about this but if someone knows Korean maybe can help with clarifying this news ... Thanks

The title is "our happy time" 우리들의 행복한 시간

It appears with young person Yun-su receiving the death sentence due to the burglar murder crime and serving time.

Our happy times ' the same name novel of the gong G young writer the movie which is the original.

Tragic love of the dead prisoner who murders three names and the woman who tried three time suicide is drawn

Special Thank : Mio,kangdongwon81.com

[Guest lee ji woo]

Middle-aged women still suffering from 'Yon-fluenza'

Just when the media hype over Japanese females' infatuation with South Korean hunk Bae Yong-jun (aka Yon-sama) seems to have peaked, Shukan Shincho (Nov 10) reports four wealthy women chartered a private plane to visit locations where the weepy TV drama "Winter Sonata" was filmed.

Citing a story appearing in the on-line version of the influential Chosun Ilbo newspaper, on Oct 25, an 8-passenger Learjet 45XR landed at Inchon International Airport. Aboard were four Japanese women, the wives of the chairman, president and major shareholders of a real estate firm identified only as the "A Group," which also operates restaurants.

"They were great fans of Mr Bae," the site reported, running a photo of the Japanese women and giving the names and ages of three of the four — which Shukan Shincho diplomatically chose not to include in its own account.

These victims of "yon-fluenza," as the phenomenon has been described, were accommodated in luxury suites at the Silla Hotel. Not long after their check-in, it was reported that the husband of one of them telephoned his wife, voicing tongue-in-cheek concerns that she might be "stolen away" from him by Bae.

"For the next three days, the women were ferried around Seoul and environs in a U.S.-made Starcraft luxury van, where they visited the shooting locales, such as the spot where Bae first kissed leading lady, Choi Ji-woo," says a Japanese journalist based in Korea.

The Japanese visitors told Chosun Ilbo's reporter that they were charmed by Bae's "warm smile" and his "impeccable manners."

Some Koreans, however, appeared to take a rather jaundiced view of the Japanese females' fascination with Bae. Among the responses posted by Korean readers was this remark: "Elder brother Yong-jun, please keep reeling in more and more money from those 'choppari' (a pejorative term for Japanese)."

How much did the ladies spend for their deluxe three-night, four-day sojourn in the Land of the Morning Calm?

"A round trip charter flight would run 2 million yen," replied a travel agent. "Luxury suites at the Silla run about 750,000 yen a night. So my guess is that the whole trip set them back about 5 million yen."

And who, Shukan Shincho wonders, wound up footing the bill?

November 4, 2005

source: Japan Today

[Guest Hae_Won]

A news article about "Jewel in the Palace" in the Philippines...

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GMA premieres 'Jewel in the Palace'

Viewers must mark their calendars as GMA Network premieres "Jewel in the Palace," Korea's highest rating show which also became a hit all over Asia, on Nov. 7, Monday, in GMAs primetime block. One of the grandest and most majestic series that Korea ever produced will soon be sweeping the country off its feet.

"Jewel in the Palace" (a.k.a. Dae Jang Geum or The Great Jang Geum) was the No. 1 Drama of Korea for 2004, joining topraters "Full House" and "Stairway to Heaven" in the top 10. It acquired an amazing rating of 55% in Korea, becoming the most popular Korean TV drama of all time and setting the new highs in television ratings in Korea. It also proved to be a big hit in other Asian countries, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Vietnam, since its release last year. It became No. 1 in Hong Kong with about 90% of the TV viewers tuning in. In fact, there was even a sudden boom of Korean restaurants in Hong Kong. It also topped the ratings chart in 31 cities across mainland China, and is generating a Korean boom in economic, social, and cultural fields. Its reign even went beyond Asia, as it also became No. 1 in San Francisco.

Pretty soon, "Jewel in the Palace" will be taking the Philippines by storm. Great story-telling, a wonderful cast, visual effects, and the "frequent IronCheflike" cooking sequences have made it one of the most popular shows in Korea soap opera history, and will surely endear it to Pinoy Koreanovela fans. Thanks to this drama, Korean court cuisine has become immensely popular and sales of hanbok (traditional clothing) and traditional herbal medicine have skyrocketed in places like Taipei. Due to its popularity, some taping sites were even converted into tourist spots. A Dae Jang Geum theme park was opened in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province in December 2004 and has been transformed into a major tourist attraction averaging 800 visitors a day. The drama was getting great ratings in Asia that broadcasting rights were sold to different countries in Europe and the Middle East, with telecasts expected to start later this year. One of the countries that will air it is Iran.

The greatest Asian phenomenon is the best story ever told. This grand drama tells of the compelling true story of a court lady in the Royal Kitchen who rose above conspiracies and intrigues and turned out to be the first female physician in the Royal Palace of Korea. Everything will begin with a prophecy about three women, which will definitely hook viewers to the story: "The first woman: You will kill her, but it was not your will. The second woman: You will save her but she will die because of you. The third woman: You will die because of her, but she will be destined to save others." To whom this prophecy is made and whether it will be fulfilled is something that viewers should watch out for. Making the drama even more heartrending is the powerful theme song "Pangarap na Bituin," performed beautifully by Faith Cuneta.

"Jewel in the Palace" will air weeknights on GMA Telebabad.

Source: MANILA BULLETIN

Entertainment, N-4

Sunday, November 6, 2005

Transcribed by: Da A of starkoreans

[shirley]

2005년 11월 1일 (화) 07:10

http://news.media.daum.net/snews/entertain.../v10650282.html

Last year Blue Dragon Awards winner for best actor Jang Dong Gun and best actress LEe Na young and winner of best new comer Jae HEe and So Ae will attend the hand printing cermony for the opening of the activities for this year 26th blue Dragon Awards.

the 26th Blue Dragon Awards will be held on the 29 Nov 2005

Other activities for the Awards include the auction of props used in movies and also autographed movies posters

The auction will commence on 7 Nov Till 25 Nov on the website http://onket.daum.net/

.and the items for auction include the suit and shirt wore by Lee Byung Hun in A bittersweet Life (with blood stains still intact ) and the flower print shirt wore by Kim Raw Won in Mr. Socrates , the bright colour sportswear wore by the cast in movie Mapodo and also autographed movie poster such as Marathon

http://chinese.chosun.com/site/data/html_d...1106000011.html

[Guest CindyW88]

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11/4/05 – Lee Seung Yun (이승연) will act in the drama “Love and Ambition (사랑과 야망)” scheduled to be aired by SBS in January of 2006. This drama is a remake and the main cast includeds Han Go Eun, Jo Min Gi, and Lee Hoon (한고은, 조민기, 이훈). She plays the role Hye Joo (혜주) who is a friend of the heroine Kim Mi Ja (김미자) played by Han Go Eun. Hye Joo is a famouse clothes designer and she promotes Mi Ja, who comes to Seoul from countryside, to a movie star. LSY’s latest project was the movie “Empty House (빈집)” of 2004.

http://www.chosun.com/se/news/200511/200511040084.html

http://sports.hankooki.com/lpage/entv/2005...10120558390.htm

11/3/05 -- Lee Na Young and Kang Dong Won will lead the movie “Our Happy Time (우리들의 행복한 시간)”. The movie portrays a tragic love story between a man who killed three people and a woman who attempted to commit suicide three times. The story is adapted from the novel written by author Gong Ji Young (공지영).

KDW plays the role Yoon Soo (윤수) who is forced to murder people under tragic environment. LNY plays the role Yoo Jung (유정) who got deep wounds during adolescence and then closes the door of her heart. The director is Song Hae Sung (송해성) who won “The Best Director of Blue Dragon Award” of 2001 for his movie “Failan (파이란, 白蘭)”. With good original screenplay as well as good director and lead actor and actress all being the winners of “The Blue Dragon Award”, this movie has great synergy effect. The debut of this movie is around Harvest Moon Day (추석) of 2006.

http://www.chosun.com/se/news/200511/200511030182.html

http://news.goodday.co.kr/2005/11/03/20051...415342100.shtml

11/3/05 – Lee Da Hae, Lee Dong Wook (이다해, 이동욱), Eric’s girlfriend Park Si Yun (박시연), and Lee Joon Gi (이준기) will costar in the Wednesday-Thursday drama “My Girl (마이걸)” scheduled to be aired by SBS on 12/14 following the final episode of “Miracle-Needed Love”. This romantic comedy is directed by Jun Gi Sang (전기상) whose last drama was “Sassy Girl Choon Hyang”.

Lee Da Hae plays the role Joo Yoo Rin (주유린) who is an imposter proficient in English, Chinese, and Japanese. Lee Dong Wook plays the role Sul Gong Chan (설공찬) who is the second generation of the owner of a big corportation. His grandfather requests him and Yoo Rin become brother and sister abided by a contract. Park Si Yun plays the role Kim Se Hyun (김세현) who grew up in a rich family and dreams to become a tennis star with the nickname “Sharapova of Korea (한국의 샤라포바)”. Her charm and intelligence attract many men. She and Yoo Rin have cutthroat competitions. Lee Joon Gi plays the playboy role Suh Jung Woo (서정우).

http://www.mydaily.co.kr/news/read.html?Ne...511031100540100

http://news.goodday.co.kr/2005/11/03/20051...127242100.shtml

http://www.mydaily.co.kr/news/read.html?Ne...511031120430100

http://www.mydaily.co.kr/news/read.html?Ne...511031109080100

http://www.chosun.com/se/news/200511/200511040143.html

http://sports.hankooki.com/lpage/entv/2005...12264958390.htm

TV Rating (10/31/05 – 11/6/05)

1. Rosy Life (KBS2) -- 40.0%

2. Goodbye to Sadness (KBS2) -- 29.5%

3. Lover in Prague (SBS) -- 27.1%

4. Peculiar Man, Eccentric Woman (KBS1) -- 26.8%

5. GAG Concert (KBS2) -- 20.5%

6. Happy Together-Friends (KBS2) -- 19.5%

7. The Sky (SBS) -- 19.4%

8. Good Sunday Show (SBS) -- 18.9%

9. KBS New 9 (KBS1) -- 18.8%

10. Sponge (KBS2) – 17.2%

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

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[rubie]

November 06, 2005

Korean Weekly News - 11/6

TOP MOVIE NEWS

Good news for Korean films! CJ CGV released figures regarding statistics in the month of October, and compared to the same time last year, things have considerably improved. Total viewership up to October was 118,704,738, up 1.6% from 2004's 116,882,322. The catalysts of such increase were this Summer's big box office hits, like Park Chan-Wook's 친절한 금자씨 (Sympathy For Lady Vengeance) and the 8 Million tickets seller 웰컴 투 동막골 (Welcome To Dongmakgol), up to the big melodrama hits which broke records recently. It's also the fourth consecutive month with more than 10,000,000 viewers, a trend which is expected to continue until the end of the year, when big blockbusters like 태풍 (Typhoon), 야수 (Running Wild) and 청연 (Blue Sparrow) will hit theaters. It looks like 2004's 135,166,175 admissions will not be a tough figure to broke this year, which would make 2005 the 9th consecutive year with a growth in admissions. Of course the numbers recorded in the 60s will be very hard to repeat, as there are many more sources of entertainment nowadays, but nearly 140 Million admissions is certainly an impressive number.

Looking in depth at October, total viewership was 10,638,631, a 34.7% increase from last year. Even better, new records were broken when it came to domestic films. Korean films had a market share of 75.9% nationwide (73.9% in Seoul) last October, thanks to the success of melodramas like 내 생애 가장 아름다운 일주일 (All For Love) and 너는 내 운명 (You Are My Sunshine). The market share for the year is 59.3% nationwide (55% in Seoul), another important sign of the strength Korean films are enjoying at home. As for distributors, CJ Entertainment returned on top this month (44.9%) thanks to the success of its two melodramas 'You Are My Sunshine' and 'All For Love', while Showbox - which dominated the summer with 'Welcome To Dongmakgol' and 가문의 위기 (Marrying The Mafia 2) - slipped to second place with 18.9%. The success outside Seoul of films like 새드무비 (Sad Movie) and 강력3반 (Never To Lose) helped Lotte Cinema enter the big name at No. 3. Warner Brothers in 4th place and Cinema Service with the 5th close the ranking.

OTHER MOVIE NEWS

Sung Ji-Roo is getting his first ever leading role, after two decades of supporting work. He will star in Oh Gi-Hyun's 손님은 왕이다 (The Customer is Always Right), which started shooting last October 9. To play the role - a barber - Sung lost 12 Kg, joining greats like Seol Kyung-Gu in losing (or gaining) a significant amount of weight for an important role. The noir, up for release next February, completed its excellent cast with Sung Hyun-Ah, Myung Gye-Nam and Lee Seon-Gyun. Along with Kang Hye-Jung and Jo Seung-Woo's 도마뱀 (Lizard), this is the first project of the new Cinema Service, led by President Kim In-Soo and Vice Presidents Kim Sang-Jin and Jang Yoon-Hyun.

--

The casting for Im Kwon-Taek's new project 천년학 (Thousand Year Crane) was recently announced, with some surprises. Im' 100th film will bring back one of Im's favorite actresses, Oh Jung-Hye from 서편제 (Sopyonje). The 1993 film was the first ever Korean film to sell 1 Million tickets, and also held the record for longest theater run. After that film, Oh became a pretty famous figure in the industry, for receiving important awards after just a few years of experience, and always choosing interesting projects. Although she hasn't been very active in the last few years, it's nice to see Im and Oh work together again, after their experiences in 'Sopyonje', 태백산맥 (The Taebaek Mountains) and 축제 (Festival). Recently, Oh has been teaching at Wooseok University, and hosting various Radio and TV programs. The role of her brother will go to theater actor Kim Young-Min, who is quite respected in his field, but has so far only appeared in films with small roles, particularly in Kim Ki-Duk's 봄 여름 가을 겨울 그리고 봄 (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring) and 수취인불명 (Address Unknown).

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After Lee Chang-Dong's 오아시스 (Oasis), and the smash hit 말아톤 (Marathon), a third film dealing with handicaps is approaching Chungmuro. Cranking in last October 29th in a small village near Namhae (South Gyungsang Province), Director Kwon Soo-Kyung's 맨발의 기봉씨 (Barefoot Ki-Bong) is a human drama about a seven year old kid with aging problems. Based on a story featured on the popular KBS documentary 인간극장 (Human Theater), the film will star Shin Hyun-Joon as the Ki-Bong of the title, with Kim Soo-Mi playing his mother. Also, Im Ha-Ryong will play Ki-Bong's trainer, who helps him learn how to run. For the role, Shin cut his hair, and even lost 10 Kg, something similar to what Jo Seung-Woo did for 'Marathon.'

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미스터 소크라테스 (Mr. Socrates) has become the recipient of one of the strangest records in Korean film History. There isn't a single female character in the film. There's a few extras and really minor characters, but not a single woman with a line of dialogue. Choi Jin-Won [Director and Writer of the film] said: "Since I don't know women really well, I wanted to tell a man's story." But it could have been different: people on the set joked that the atmosphere without women was a little too downbeat, so they wanted to get some female characters in anyway. But at the end, Producer Choi Yong-Gi said that since it was a world the director didn't know about, he would have preferred to go as planned, without women, lest it all became an exercise in awkward moments. So here's our new, unpleasant little record: no women on screen. I'm sure someone will take the joke, and do the other way around. Maybe a parody of 실미도 (Silmido) with all women...

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Although we talked about it a little on the first part of our '2006 Korean Cinema Preview', more info has leaked about Song Hae-Sung's next project 우리들의 행복한 시간 (Our Happy Times). For starters, Kang Dong-Won and Lee Na-Young have been cast as the leads. This creates a peculiar connection between the two and Director Song: they've all won something important at the Blue Dragon Awards: Song won best Director in 2001 for 파이란 (Failan), Lee won for 아는 여자 (Someone Special), and Kang Dong-Won won Most Popular Award (along with 3 other actors) in 2004. This is the first film in a year for Lee, who continued doing her extremely popular CFs and a TV Drama. And for Kang Dong-Won it will be another chance to shed his 'pretty boy' image after Lee Myung-Se's 형사 (Duelist). The film will start shooting next January, for a Chuseok 2006 release.

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Taking the 2005 box office by storm with 웰컴 투 동막골 (Welcome To Dongmakgol) and its 8 Million tickets sold, and with his latest film 나의 결혼원정기 (Wedding Campaign) about to debut in theaters, Jung Jae-Young announced his next project. He's been cast in Song Chang-Soo's 지하대장군 (The Great General Underground). As some of you might know, the traditional Korean totem pole (장승) is made of a couple: 천하대장군 (The Great Male General in The Sky) and 지하대장군 (the Great Female General Underground) of the title. Those totems were used in the past to protect villagers, usually positioned at the entrance or other strategic places. The film tells the story of a young boy who goes around snatching graves trying to find the image of Buddha. Jung's partner in crime will be Lee Gi-Young, a longtime veteran of films and TV Dramas, who regained a little popularity after his role in 말아톤 (Marathon) as Jo Seung-Woo's coach. For the role, Jung lost 10Kg and changed his hairdo. The human drama started shooting last October 27 in Kyungbok, and will debut Next January.

TV DRAMA NEWS

Thanks to the popularity of his latest TV Drama 패션 70s (Fashion 70s), Cheon Jung-Myung is starting to get noticed for something more than his looks. If Jung Jae-Eun's 태풍태양 (The Aggressives) wasn't enough to showcase his raw talent, the young star will get another chance starring in 굿바이 솔로 (Goodbye Solo). How, you might ask? Through writer Noh Hee-Kyung's ability in creating memorable characters out of ordinary situations.

The new Drama, directed by PD Gi Min-Soo, is expected to go on air next Spring. Noh is one of the most respected (and talented) TV Drama writers in the country. Although a lot of her earlier works were more 'Mania' Dramas loved by netizens and generally scoring lower ratings, she's always been praised for writing realistic Dramas based on a simple rule: start with a simple situation, and let the - often harsh - reality of things and not the need to create excitement guide the proceedings.

Dramas like 거짓말 (Lie), 바보 같은 사랑 (Foolish Love) and 고독 (Solitude) amplify that modus operandi to new heights. But it was with 2003's memorable 꽃보다 아름다워 (Prettier Than Flowers) that Noh was accepted by the public as well as the critics. The show, a glorious portrait of the many emotional layers that make up the word 'family', brought back the amazing talents of veteran Go Doo-Shim to the forefront once again, and even showed Kim Heung-Soo (previously hiding his untapped potential in ordinary Dramas) in a new light, displaying some of the talent which would later emerge in today's Dramas.

This is the first big work for Noh in two years, a 'Love Actually'-like melodrama with a potentially excellent cast: the aforementioned Cheon, talented young Yoon So-Yi from 무영검 (Shadowless Sword), Historical Drama regular Lee Jae-Ryong, veterans Bae Jong-Ok and Na Moon-Hee. Cheon will be involved in a love triangle with Yoon and Kim Min-Hee, Lee Jung-Jae's girlfriend, the only negative regarding the cast. Cheon is currently filming his next project on the big screen, 강적 (The Great Rival) with Park Joong-Hoon.

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Once known as the 'Kingdom of TV Dramas', MBC is facing a huge crisis, with none of their latest TV Drama featuring in the Weekly Top 20 for almost a month. After the monster success of 내 이름은 김삼순 (My Lovely Sam-Soon), the station has struggled to hold any solid viewership, despite presenting quality shows like the Historical Drama 신돈 (Shin Don). But trying to forget all that, MBC presented its lineup for the beginning of next year, and it looks quite interesting. Four projects were singled out: January will feature a new Miniseries starring Eric Moon and Eom Tae-Woong entitled 늑대 (Wolf), produced by PD Park Hong-Gyun; then it will be time for what looks to be a huge hit: the adaptation of ultra-popular manhwa 궁 (Palace), starring Yoon Eun-Hye and a host of other teen stars. The show will be Hwang In-Roi's first TV Drama after directing several films in the 90s.

March will see the long awaited return to the small screen of writer In Jung-Ok (one of the best in the country), in combination with PD Pyo Min-Soo, in a so far title-less drama with superstar Go Hyun-Jung and others, including Choi Kang-Hee. The show will be produced by Kim Jong-Hak, responsible for some of the best Korean TV Dramas of all Time, including 모래시계 (The Sandglass) and 여명의 눈동자 (Eyes of Dawn). Finally PD Park Sung-Soo, director of shows like 네 멋대로 해라 (Ruler of Your Own World), will team up with writer Kim Gyu-Wan for a new Drama.

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Setting new records in Japan with her melodramas 외출 (April Snow) and 내 머리속의 지우개 (A Moment Ro Remember), Son Ye-Jin chose her next project on the small screen. It will be 연애시대 (The Age of Love), written by Park Young-Seon and directed by Han Ji-Seung. The Drama, expected to air early next year, will star Son as divorced swimmer in her 20s, with Gam Woo-Sung playing her ex-husband. The 16 Episodes Drama marks the TV Drama debut of director Han Ji-Seung, responsible for melodramas like 찜 (Tie a Yellow Ribbon) and 하루 (A Day). Production company Yellow Film announced the budget will be 3.5 Billion Won, and they plan to go into shooting next January, right after they complete casting some theater actors, for a March broadcast.

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After starring in the cult sitcom 안녕, 프란체스카 (Hello, Francesca), and starting the shoot for her latest film 국경의 남쪽 (South of The Border), Shim Hye-Jin has been cast as the lead in another TV Drama. She will star in the SBS Drama 그 여자 (That Woman), written by So Hyun-Kyung and directed by Lee Hyun-Jik. The show, which will start at the end of the current Friday Drama 다이아몬드의 눈물 (Tears of Diamond), also stars Jang Dong-Jik from the hugely popular KBS Drama 장밋빛 인생 (Life in Pink) and Hwang In-Young, and will start broadcasting on December 9. Shim has also been added to the cast of the MBC Drama 궁 (Palace), debuting early next year.

--

The embarrassing ratings of his latest TV Drama 가을 소나기 (Autumn Shower) have made Oh Ji-Ho's career hit a minor slump, but he will try to rebound back into popular Dramas, as he's been cast in the upcoming KBS Weekend Drama 인생이여 고마워요 (Thank You, Life), which will start next January. The show is directed by Kim Sung-Geun and written by Park Eun-Ryung, also responsible for one of Oh's latest Dramas 두번째 프러포즈 (The Second Proposal), which did quite well last year.

TV DRAMA WRAPUP

After Rain (ohh... sorry, Jung Ji-Hoon)'s latest Drama 이 죽일놈의 사랑 (A Love To Kill) started a bit low on the ratings chart - although it's probably a Diesel, and will recoup later - one of the most interesting new dramas which will start broadcasting soon is MBC's 달콤한 스파이 (Sweet Spy). The show - formerly titled just 'Spy' - replaced its main lead, going from veteran Hwang Shin-Hye to young and talented Nam Sang-Mi, whose latest film - another police drama - 강력3반 (Never To Lose) became a minor success story after selling 1 Million tickets, helped by a surge in tickets sold outside the capital.

When you say TV Dramas, a kind of axiom always emerges. Is it set in a hospital? Then it's about hospital workers dating each other. Set in a school? Students date each other. And so, connecting the dots, if it's a Police Drama... policemen date each other, right? No, at least that's what the producers of the show say. The show, written by Lee Seon-Mi and Kim Gi-Ho, promises to become Korea's own C.S.I. Sort of... Our lead, the lovely Nam Sang-Mi, plays Soon Ae, who went to Police Academy to become a policewoman, after losing her husband a few months after marriage. Sure, she starts off as someone who breaks up fights between married couples, who tends to little petty accidents and the like. But she hopes to one day become a serious detective, someone who can make it big. But then one day she does end up in a special division, unexpectedly.

The cast is quite solid. Nam Sang-Mi might have entered the industry because of her great looks (she was an Internet 얼짱 - Coolest Face), but she's developed tremendously in the last two years, and she does seem to have talent for this thing called acting. Yoo Seon, who plays the elite policewoman Eun-Joo, has been improving as well, lately making an impressive turn in the flawed but interesting horror flick 가발 (The Wig). Lee Ju-Hyeon has been starring in Dramas since the mid 90s - even going as far as 첫사랑 (First Love) in 96, still the top rated Korean TV Dramas of all time, recording over 68% ratings back then - and although he never left much of an impression, he's quite a solid actor. Then there's Dennis O'Neill, a Korean-American actor who seems to be second Daniel Henney, hearing the hype he's been receiving. Plus there's Sung Eun, former adult video star who in two months went from pop starlet to interesting actress (she looks like a decent actress from what I've seen). Finally, veterans like Choi Buram (in his first villain role) make up a very appealing salad dressing.

Will the popular writer duo of Lee Seon-Mi and Kim Gi-Ho (a couple in real life) go back to their usual romantic comedy styled shows, like their latest 신입사원 (Super Rookie), or offer something a little meatier? And with no huge stars, will this Drama continue the impressive drought in viewership the 'Drama Kingdom' MBC is recently facing? The show, produced by Go Dong-Seon, will air its first episode tomorrow. You can check it's official website here.

TV DRAMA RATINGS

10/30~11/5

01. 40.7% - 장밋빛 인생 (Life In Pink) - Wed/Thu Drama - KBS2

02. 31.1% - 슬픔이여 안녕 (Goodbye To Sadness) - Weekend Drama - KBS2

03. 30.2% - 프라하의 연인 (Lovers in Prague) - Special Project - SBS

04. 28.4% - 별난여자 별난남자 (Weird Man, Weird Woman) - Daily Drama - KBS1

05. 18.3% - 하늘이시여 (Dear Heaven) - Weekend Drama - SBS

06. 16.4% - 이 죽일놈의 사랑 (A Love To Kill) - Miniseries - KBS2

07. 16.4% - 서동요 (The Ballad of Seo Dong) - Historical Drama - SBS

08. 14.8% - 고향역 (Hometown Station) - TV Novel - KBS1

09. 14.6% - 들꽃 (Wild Flower) - Daily Morning Drama - SBS

10. 13.1% - 다이아몬드 의눈물 (Tears of Diamond) - Friday Drama - SBS

Sources

Cine21 -Film2.0 - nKino - Star News - Yahoo Korea - Chosun Ilbo

CREDITS:

» Posted by X at November 6, 2005 12:13 AM

@

http://www.twitchfilm.net/archives/004059.html

[rubie]

Actress Wins Award at Bulgarian Festival

Monday, November 7, 2005 16:09:24

Actress Bae Jong-ok on Saturday won the best actress award at the Bulgarian Golden Chest Festival for her role in the KBS TV drama, "The House Where I Lived."

Launched in 1968, the Golden Chest is one of Europe's most prestigious TV festivals.

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=2005110728

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

Updated Nov.7,2005 19:28 KST

Bae Yong-joon Conquers China

One of South Korea’s most successful pop culture exports, the actor Bae Yong-joon, is now poised to take Chinese mainland by storm.

Already affectionately known as Yonsama to his legion of Japanese fans, Bae is to arrive in Beijing on Friday to launch his new film "April Snow", which is scheduled for release in 20 cities.

Following a press conference for the Chinese media that is also tipped to attract some 50 Japanese media outlets on Friday, Bae will attend a premiere with the film's director Hur Jin-ho on Saturday.

For Bae's Chinese fans, who have so far only seen him in TV dramas such as the smash hit "Winter Sonata", that is the first time they will be able to see him in the flesh. The 500 tickets for the event are sold out, but fans from all over China are reportedly flocking to Beijing in the hope of catching just a glimpse of Bae; they are to be joined by a traveling contingent of some 4,000 fanatic and loyal devotees from Japan.

In a recent survey by China's Sina Entertainment, 50 percent of respondents said Bae was their favorite Korean actor, cementing his position as the leading Korean wave star in Asia.

(englishnews@chosun.com )

Source: Digital Chosunilbo

http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/new...0511070018.html

[Guest Syjfan]

AMTR still going strong in Japan box office

Japan Box Office 5 - 6 Nov 2005

1. ALWAYS -Sunset on Third Street- (Debut first week)

2. A Moment to Remember, (3rd week)

3. The Brothers Grimm (Debut first week)

4. Spring Snow (2nd week)

5. Tim Burton's Corpse Bride (3rd week)

6. Charlie and the chocolate Factory (9th week)

7. Abudeka (3rd week)

8. Mobile Suit Z Gundam 2 -Lovers- (2nd week)

9. TAKESHIS’ (Debut first week)

10. Saw 2 (2nd week)

According to Gaga, AMTR has already attracted 1 million viewers to-date and ticket sales for the movie reached 1.3 billion yen.

The movie is still going strong. Japanese box office reports revealed that the box office of AMTR for weekend 5 - 6 Nov was at 97% of the previous weekend of 31 Oct - 1 Nov. This was the third week of screening and the box office of second week 30 Oct - 1 Nov was 102% of the first weekend. Hence, the box office has not dropped at all.

Still staying higher than Corpse Bride and Spring Snow which debuted the same time or later Staying higher than The Brothers Grimm even on debut .

So far, the two highest grossing Korean movies in terms of Japanese box office are (1) April Snow at 2.4 billion yen (maybe higher as it is still screening) and (2) Windstruck at 2 billion yen. If the momentum of AMTR is sustained at this rate, AMTR will join them soon.

[rubie]

Update : Nov 8, 2005 KST 14:38

Won Bin to hold benefit photo exhibition in Japan

Actor Won Bin will visit Japan on Nov. 10 to participate in a photo exhibition prior to joining the military on Nov. 29. The exhibition will be held Nov. 11-20 at the Sunshine Center in Tokyo.

Whenever he had free time since last summer, Won has had his photos taken by photographer Kwon Young-ho. More than 70 photographs will be showcased at the exhibition, focusing on the actor’s childhood memories. They were taken in Jeongseon, Gangwon Province, Won’s hometown.

Some pictures show Won’s favorite fishing site where he used to fish as a child, while others feature nearby forests where he liked to play with his friends.

Won’s agency, Dreameast, said that unlike his other photo albums, which feature the actor in all his polished charm, Won's latest album features his most cherished childhood memories.

Won will donate all proceeds from the exhibition to student scholarships in Korea and Japan. In addition to Tokyo, the exhibition will also be held in other Japanese cities after Nov. 20. A DVD version of the showcased photos is currently in the works.

A person from Won’s agency said that Won produced this album because he wanted to do something meaningful to repay his fans for their love and support before joining the military.

On Nov. 11, Won will launch the exhibition, release the new DVD and hold a press conference

Source: KBS Global

http://english.kbs.co.kr/mcontents/enterta...6848_11692.html

[rubie]

Updated Nov.8,2005 19:06 KST

'Corpse Bride' in Surprise Korean Box Office Triumph

A Hollywood film has surprised the local film industry by topping the local box office last week for the first time in almost four months. "Corpse Bride," an animation by Tim Burton, garnered 69,410 viewers in Seoul last weekend, leaving local production "The Beast and The Beauty" behind with 67,120, according to film investment company IMPictures. "Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit", another animation, ranked third with 53,780, followed by two other Korean movies -- "Princess Aurora" with 50,270 and "I Love You, Mal-sun" with 41,780.

That the success of a foreign movie should be news at all shows the power of Korean films at home. Their box-office success has been unstoppable since late July, with "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" starting a relay race among Korean movies from "Welcome to Dongmakgol", via "Marrying the Mafia 2", "You're My Sunshine" and "Sad Movie" to "The Beast and The Beauty". "Welcome to Dongmakgol" had drawn more than 8 million viewers as of at the end of October during its three months in the theaters.

Importers of Hollywood movies are now so used to the strong performance of Korean movies that they take their success for granted. "It is now common to release Hollywood movies, even blockbusters, so they don't coincide with the release of Korean blockbusters," says Nam Yoon-sook, an executive at Warner Brothers Korea, which distributes "Corpse Bride."

(englishnews@chosun.com )

Source: Digital Chosunilbo

http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/new...0511080015.html

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

Pantech inks deal with pop star

Nov. 8, SEOUL, South Korea -- Mobile phone maker Pantech Co. said Nov. 8 it has signed a two-year contract with local pop star Rain. Under the contract, Rain will appear in Pantech's advertisements during the period. (Yonhap)

Source: Yonhap News

http://bbs.yonhapnews.co.kr/board/0218000000.asp

[Guest Syjfan]

Updated Nov.8,2005 19:06 KST

'Corpse Bride' in Surprise Korean Box Office Triumph

A Hollywood film has surprised the local film industry by topping the local box office last week for the first time in almost four months. "Corpse Bride," an animation by Tim Burton, garnered 69,410 viewers in Seoul last weekend, leaving local production "The Beast and The Beauty" behind with 67,120, according to film investment company IMPictures. "Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit", another animation, ranked third with 53,780, followed by two other Korean movies -- "Princess Aurora" with 50,270 and "I Love You, Mal-sun" with 41,780.

That the success of a foreign movie should be news at all shows the power of Korean films at home. Their box-office success has been unstoppable since late July, with "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" starting a relay race among Korean movies from "Welcome to Dongmakgol", via "Marrying the Mafia 2", "You're My Sunshine" and "Sad Movie" to "The Beast and The Beauty". "Welcome to Dongmakgol" had drawn more than 8 million viewers as of at the end of October during its three months in the theaters.

Importers of Hollywood movies are now so used to the strong performance of Korean movies that they take their success for granted. "It is now common to release Hollywood movies, even blockbusters, so they don't coincide with the release of Korean blockbusters," says Nam Yoon-sook, an executive at Warner Brothers Korea, which distributes "Corpse Bride."

(englishnews@chosun.com )

Source: Digital Chosunilbo

http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/new...0511080015.html

A Moment To Remember tamed Corpse Bride in Japan

On the other hand, AMTR has beaten Corpse Bride on Japanese Turf. Both debutted on 22 Oct 2005 and AMTR was no .1 with Corpse Bride at no.2

Fast forward 3 weeks to 5-6 Nov weekend, AMTR is still at no. 2 with Corpse Bride at no. 5. So far AMTR has attracted more than 1 million Japanese movie goers and collected box office sales of 1.3 billion and AMTR is still going strong. It is so strong that AMTR's box office in the 3rd weekend is still almost 90% of the first weekend.

[Guest Airine Pratama]

Updated Nov.8,2005 19:06 KST

Pantech inks deal with pop star

Nov. 8, SEOUL, South Korea -- Mobile phone maker Pantech Co. said Nov. 8 it has signed a two-year contract with local pop star Rain. Under the contract, Rain will appear in Pantech's advertisements during the period. (Yonhap)

Source: Yonhap News

http://bbs.yonhapnews.co.kr/board/0218000000.asp

Pantech?

Kang Dong Won also one of Pantech's model ... I want to see them both together in Pantech CFs ...

[Guest Priscilla]

Picture Posted by Liezle on BYJ's Quilt, captured from BOF's site.

SO JI SUB, following after the ‘The Steps of Yonsama’

[sPORTS KOREA November 9th, 2005]

*Posted by ykiwith @cafe.daum.net/sojs

So Ji Sub the actor, after signing a striking contract with Bae Yong Joon’s management agency BOF, is shaking the position of “The Hallyu King.”

So Ji Sub has just finalized the signing of a striking contract with the management agency BOF for 3 years and 6 months, preparing together with Bae Yong Joon, a “Joint Hallyu Attack.” Technically, So Ji Sub has transferred to this management for the following 3 years and a half, but he is practically serving as a public officer. He will be more actively involved with BOF after his dismissal at the end of next year.

One of the managers of BOF mentioned that “Although So Ji Sub is serving as a public officer right now, his star power is so great we signed an early contract to be prepared in advance.” “He won’t be involved in any promotional activities while serving the country. He will start his activities by the end of next year.”

It has not been revealed exactly how much So Ji Sub was offered during the contract deal. Through the success of the drama “Sorry I Love You” So Ji Sub has garnered not only many Korean fans, but also he has secured the affection of many fans all over Asia. For this reason, it is estimated that his contract deal must be above the 500 million Won. However, since he is presently serving the country, he is not allowed to work, so the amount mentioned during the contract deal won’t take into effect until the end of next year.

What made BOF set their minds on recruiting So Ji Sub was his star power and his many potentials. His real birthday being November 4th, there was a ‘private’ birthday party held for him on the 6th, at the University of Kwang Woon, Seoul. Counting the 300 foreign fans, there were over 1,300 people who attended that birthday party. Even though he is inactive in the entertainment business for now, he has many Koreans, and even non-Koreans, whose loud support for him does not seem to die down.

So Ji Sub will be sharing the same management company with Bae Yong Joon, forecasting that after 2006, the Japanese market will flourish even more. Starting on March, So Ji Sub’s best work “Sorry I Love You” will be aired in Japan, raising the people’s expectations for the birth of a So Ji Sub syndrome, following after “Yonsama Bae Yong Joon’s footsteps.” BOF has announced that since So Ji Sub’s presently drafted and unable to self-promote, starting next year, the agency will start promoting him through the publication of books and through other medias.

Reporter Go Kyu Dae enter@sportshankook.co.kr

*Translated by Priscilla

[Guest inez]

Picture Posted by Liezle on BYJ's Quilt, captured from BOF's site.

SO JI SUB, following after the ‘The Steps of Yonsama’

[sPORTS KOREA November 9th, 2005]

*Posted by ykiwith @cafe.daum.net/sojs

So Ji Sub the actor, after signing a striking contract with Bae Yong Joon’s management agency BOF, is shaking the position of “The Hallyu King.”

Wow..!! The future's so bright for Sexy Jisub!!!

So happy for him!!

[rubie]

Updated Nov.9,2005 18:52 KST

Front - Nov. 10, 2005

Actor Jang Dong-kun on the cover of U.S. current affairs magazine Time's latest Asia edition. Timed to coincide with the APEC summit on Nov. 18-19, the magazine featured a Korea cover story under the title 'Reinventing Korea,' which says, "From movies to music to groundbreaking science, the nation is riding a new wave of creativity."

Source: Digital Chosunilbo (Today in Photos)

http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/new...0511090004.html

[Guest June]

^ wow...he looks awesome!!!

[rubie]

11-09-2005

More Than a Pretty Face

Good Acting Proves More Important Than Being Traditionally 'Handsome'

By Kim Tae-jong

Staff Reporter

Local actor Jung Jae-young made his cinematic debut with the 1996 comedy film ``The Adventures of Mrs. Park.’’ He had such a minor role that if you blinked, you would have missed him. With his much-too-plain appearance, many thought him unsuited to play the leading character in a movie.

Jung continued to act in many films, but was barely noticed by moviegoers. Almost 10 years later, the 35-year-old is now one of the most welcomed actors in Chungmuro, the Korean equivalent of Hollywood, after this year’s biggest hit film ``Welcome to Dongmakgol.’’

``When I made my debut, people said I had too plain a face (to be a successful actor),’’ Jung said in a recent interview with local newspaper Chosun Ilbo. ``But now they say that I can play various roles because of my normal appearance.’’

After the success of ``Welcome to Dongmakgol,’’ where he plays a tough yet warm-hearted North Korean soldier, he is now waiting for the release of his 19th film ``Wedding Campaign,’’ in which he will take on another completely different character _ a shy 38-year-old farmer who has never had a girlfriend.

The turning point of Jung’s career came after he starred in last year’s blockbuster ``Silmido,’’ in which he plays one of the prisoners who were secretly trained for a deadly mission to assassinate North Korea's leader in the late 1960s.

It was a supporting role but he put on an impressive performance, which helped him capture the leading role in the romantic comedy ``Someone Special.’’

Jung began his career as a stage actor after graduating from a college. Now, it seems that the long wait has finally paid off, but he didn’t just wait for the opportunity to come to him.

Behind the perfect portrayals of all the different characters, he takes a long time to prepare to show what is hidden behind his plain appearance.

In the ``dark period,’’ as he recalls, when he was eager to act but no one seemed to need him, he set up a video camera in front of him and played various roles, which helped him develop a diversity of emotions for different characters.

However, Jung is not the only actor proving that good acting is more important than good looks.

Jung Jae-young

Hwang Jung-min

Behind the success of latest two romantic movies ``You’re My Sunshine’’ and ``All for Love’’ stands Hwang Jung-min, who also went through the period of playing minor characters in films.

Debuting in the 2001 comedy film ``Waikiki Brothers,’’ Hwang has starred in a total of 10 movies playing various roles, including a kind and thoughtful man in ``YMCA Baseball Team,’’ a homeless person in ``Road Movie,’’ a mean lawyer in ``A Good Lawyer’s Wife’’ and a gangster in ``A Bittersweet Life.’’

Given that five of his 10 films were screened this year, it is no doubt that he’s enjoying the best time of his acting career.

Hwang may be far from the conventional handsome actor admired by teenage girls, but what helps him bring the variety of characters alive is the years of acting experience gained as a stage actor _ all boosted by a passion for acting.

As ``You’re My Sunshine’’ is based on a true story of a man who fell in love with a woman who later found out she had AIDS, he gained 15 kilograms then lost 7 kilograms in 10 days in order to realistically portray a person overwhelmed by grief and sorrow.

``It’s not a big deal to gain and lose weight. What I care is whether my acting was good,’’ Hwang told reporters in a news conference after the screening of ``You’re My Sunshine.’’

e3dward@koreatimes.co.kr

11-09-2005 20:11

Source: The Korea Times

http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/culture/20...20091911690.htm

[rubie]

S. Korea-Japan Film Festival to Open Friday

Thursday, November 10, 2005 09:18:56

A festival of South Korean and Japanese movies will open in Japan on Friday for a three-week run as part of various projects marking the Korea-Japan Friendship Year 2005.

Organizers of the event said Thursday that around 30 Korean movies starring major Korean stars such as Bae Yong-joon, Choi Ji-woo and Chang Dong-kun, are to be shown at an event hall in Tokyo and theaters in Saitama Prefecture.

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=2005111011