Lee Jung-Jae 이정재 [Movie “Hunt” | Upcoming: Star Wars series “The Acolyte” (Disney+)]

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May 23, 2012

Thieves and Oldboy remake sell strongly at Cannes

By Patrick Frater filmbiz.asia

The Thieves 도둑들 (pictured) proved a steal for a number of international distributors, which acquired the big-budget heist movie from South Korea's Showbox/Mediaplex Inc 쇼박스 미디어플렉스.

The film was licensed to China's Lava Films 火山石影視文化有限責任公司, Hong Kong's Edko Films Ltd 安樂影片有限公司 and Thailand's LH Moviefusion. Lava previously marketed South Korean comedy Scandal Makers 과속스캔들 (2008) in China.

Showbox also sold recent hit Nameless Gangsters: Rules of the Time 범죄와의 전쟁 : 나쁜놈들 전성시대 to Japan's KRCG, China's BINCI Media, Hong Kong's i-Cable Communications Ltd 有線寬頻通訊有限公司, French-speaking Europe to Metropolitan Filmexport, Spain's Mediatres Estudio and the former-Soviet Union and the Baltics to Russia's Maywin Films AB.

In addition, Showbox sold A Company Man 회사원 to Japan's Pony Canyon Inc ポニーキャニオン, Indonesia's Ram Indo, Thailand's STG Multimedia, Splendid Film for German-speaking Europe and to Synergy Cinema for French-speaking Europe. The Scent 간기남 was sold to Thailand's LH Moviefusion, Hong Kong's Edko Films and Singapore's Shaw Organisation.

New US-based sales firm Good Universe sold strongly on Oldboy, the Spike LEE-directed remake of the South Korean thriller originally directed by PARK Chan-wook 박찬욱. Universal Pictures International Entertainment bought the now-in production film to the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Australia and Spain. The remake stars Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen and Sharlto Copley. Spike Lee is producer alongside Roy LEE and Doug DAVISON. Good Universe's Nathan KAHANE is an executive producer.

French sales agency, Wild Bunch licensed Cannes competition film Holy Motors (directed by Leos Carax) to Japan's Eurospace ユーロスペース. And Comstock Group コムストック・グループ and Broadmedia Studios Corporation ブロードメディア・スタジオ株式会社 co-acquired Marina de Van's psychological thriller Dark Touch for Japan.

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May 29, 2012

"The Thieves" attracts more international buyers at Cannes film fest

Reporter : Lucia Hong. Editor : Monica Suk. 10Asia

Pushing its popularity further at the Berlin International Film Festival, Korean heist feature "The Thieves" has locked more deals with firms based in Asian countries at the 65th Festival De Cannes.

On Tuesday, the pic's promoter Showbox announced that "The Thieves" was presold to eight countries in Asia -- Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong and Thailand -- even before it hits the big screen in Korea.

Showbox explained that the deals were made after the film's teaser preview and the poster revealed at the film market during the Festival De Cannes held in Cannes, France from May 16 to 27.

"We have received a number of inquiries from other countries and we're currently at the last stage of signing deals with Japan and Vietnam," a rep with Showbox said in the statement.

"The Thieves," the fourth feature by director Choi Dong-hoon from "The War of Flower" (2006) and "WOOCHI" (2009), tells the story of thieves from Korea and China that team up together to steal a 40 billion Korean won diamond locked in a special room at a casino in Macao.

The pic, featuring a star-studded cast consisted of Kim Yun-seok, Kim Hye-soo, Kim Soo-hyun and Jun Ji-hyun, is slated to open in local theaters in July 2012.

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June 12, 2012

'The Thieves' all-star cast set to steal show
By Cho Jae-eun Korea JoongAng Daily 


Stars of the new action film 'The Thieves' pose for the press yesterday at the Westin Chosun Hotel in central Seoul. From left, Oh Dal-soo, Kim Hye-sook, Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Hye-su, Kim Yoon-seok, Jeon Ji-hyun and Lee Jung-jae [NEWSIS]
The biggest names in Korean film are set to star in the upcoming summer blockbuster “The Thieves,” dubbed Korea’s “Ocean’s Eleven” with its megawatt leads featured as a gang of thieves. 

Kim Hye-su, Kim Yoon-seok, Lee Jung-jae, Jeon Ji-hyun and Kim Soo-hyun, as well as Hong Kong stars Angelica Lee and Simon Yam, make up the all-star ensemble in this heist movie directed by critically praised director Choi Dong-hun of “Tazza: The High Rollers” (2006) and “The Big Swindle” (2004). 
The thought of directing this group of high-profile actors and actresses was “really scary,” confessed the director.

“At the beginning, I was worried whether Kim Hye-su and Jeon Ji-hyun might get into a fight or something,” joked Choi, during the press conference for the film yesterday at the Westin Chosun Hotel in central Seoul, adding that in the end the two leading actresses got along well and supported each other. 

“Even during filming, I couldn’t take my eyes off the monitor because of the charisma of all these actors.” 

On comparisons with “Ocean’s Eleven,” the director said he never went into production consciously thinking about the hit Hollywood film.

“I think the film, more than ‘Ocean’s Eleven,’ is closer to ‘Tazza’ and ‘The Big Swindle.’ Maybe there are similarities in that both films [‘The Thieves’ and ‘Ocean’s Eleven’] are about stealing, but the action featured in our film is invested with more emotion,” said Choi.

“When I saw ‘Ocean’s Eleven,’ the gang seemed really compatible and harmonious, but in ‘The Thieves,’ we are all over the place, all with our own faults,” said Kim Yoon-seok, who plays the head thief, Macao Park, in the new action blockbuster. 

“But I think that you will see through the friendships and love in the film, our unique emotional developments will show through.” 

 A still image from the new film 'The Thieves' Provided by 1st Look

Director Choi’s fourth feature film is set in Macau, as a group of Korean thieves are called out by legendary thief Macao Park to the region to steal a rare blue diamond worth $20 million. The gang works with a group of Hong Kong thieves, all with their own secrets and ambitions regarding the project. 

Veteran actress Kim Hye-su said that the shooting of one trying scene in the film, where she is featured under water trapped in a car, tested her patience and determination as an actress.

“When the director called for one more take, I could sense a touching passion in his voice, so I did one more,” said the actress, who also starred in the “Tazza: The High Rollers” along with her co-star Kim Yoon-seok.

“When I was watching myself on the monitor afterward, I started questioning why, as an actress, I had to endure such hardship - for what? The director, the audience or for the sake of the film?” she said.

“It was a moment when I questioned what films are to me.” 

The film also marked the return of Hallyu star Jeon Ji-hyun to the big screen, as a rope-walking thief in the film, after her recent wedding. Her love interest in “The Thieves” is fellow thief, Jampano, played by up-and-coming actor Kim Soo-hyun, who catapulted into stardom with his role in the MBC historical drama “The Moon that Embraces the Sun” this year. 

“My kiss scene with Jeon Ji-hyun was easy because I was able to get immersed in the scene easily with her presence,” said the young actor, looking a bit flushed. 

When asked if he is anxious about the film’s July 25th opening, which will be in theaters with Hollywood blockbusters including “The Dark Knight Rises,” director Choi joked, “I see Batman in my sleep these days.”

“But more than anything, I wish that through the film, more people outside Korea will be able to get to know these great actors.”

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Source: innolife.net

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class="content-title" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 1px 1px 0px; visibility: visible; "Kim Hye Soo and Lee Jung Jae in Sexy Photo Shoot for “Vogue Korea”jnkm June 21, 2012

As they face the opening of the highly anticipated film, “The Thieves,” actors Kim Hye Sooand Lee Jung Jae took part in a sexy photo shoot for “Vogue Korea.”

This photo shoot was revealed on June 21 and can be found in the July edition. The concept of the photo shoot is “Dangerous Partners,” and features dramatic and visually artistic cuts of the two actors.

During the interview that followed, Kim Hye Soo stated, “When it comes to everydayness, I’m very weak – that is my complex. I live an everyday life. I just don’t like my everyday to be revealed to the public – that’s where we don’t agree.” She expressed her brave and confident thoughts on the general public.

Lee Jung Jae shared, “Living as Pop-eye in the film was so much fun. It was the most perfect, and near-fantastic chemistry – a happy ensemble,” as he referred to filming “The Thieves.”

Director of “The Thieves,” Choi Dong Hoon praised Kim Hye Soo, calling her the “AsianMonica Bellucci.” He continued, “She is such a beautiful person that I wanted to create a great character for her.” On Lee Jung Jae, director Choi commented, “From the first day he acted on set as Pop-eye, I couldn’t forget him. It felt like he was an actor, who was born for my scenario.”

Check out these steamy photos below:

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June 22, 2012
A-list Korean actors gears up to bring new film noir action picEditor : Monica Suk. 10Asia

Will star-filled ensemble cast, a new film noir action has kicked off its shooting.
Starring Lee Jung-jae, Choi Min-sik and Hwang Jung-min, “New World” (translated title) began its shooting on June 16, the film’s distributor NEW said in a press release Friday.
“With the awesome screenplay and outstanding actors and staffs, I think we’re off to a good start,” Hwang said in the statement, expressing his thoughts about the first shooting.
“It’s been nervous to star in the film with actors whom I’ve always wanted to work with. I can’t wait to see how this movie will turn out,” Lee added.
Directed by Park Hoon-jung of the Korean crime pic “The Unjust” (2010), the officials hinted about the upcoming film by describing the characters that the actors will play.
While Lee portrays detective Ja-sung who disguises himself as a member of the largest and most influential gang group in Korea, Choi is to play Ja-sung’s senior detective Kang. 
Hwang, meanwhile, is to depict Jung Chung, the second highest-ranking boss in the gang. Without knowing that Ja-sung is actually a detective, Jung Chung experiences loyalty, betrayal and conspiracy.
As the movie is still at the early production stage, the officials said that they have yet to announce the film's premiere date. 

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July 8, 2012
Kim Dong Wan Wants to be a Real ActorFull original article at enewsWorld or EverythingLBH.com 

Which actor do you want to be like?
“Lee Byung Hun sunbaenim and Lee Jung Jae sunbaenim. I loved Lee Byung Hun sunbaenim’s Addicted and Bungee Jumping of Their Own. As for Lee Jung Jae sunbaenim, I liked Present.”

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July 11, 2012
Star-studded 'Thieves' takes different route from 'Ocean'By Kwaak Je-yup The Korea Times
A scene from “The Thieves” shows, from left, the characters Johnny (Derek Tsang), Popeye (Lee Jung-jae), Zampano (Kim Su-hyun), Yenicall (Jun Ji-hyun), Pepsi (Kim Hye-soo), Macau Park (Kim Yun-seok), Julie (Angelica Lee Sin-Jie), Chewed Gum (Kim Hae-sook), Andrew (Oh Dal-soo) and Chen (Simon Yam Tat-Wah). The $120-million burglary-themed blockbuster by director Choi Dong-hoon is slated to open on July 25 in theaters nationwide. / Courtesy of Showbox/Mediaplex
A bunch of thieves collaborating to steal a rare diamond from the gambling capital of the world? Sounds suspiciously like Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s series.
The similarity does not stop there: Choi Dong-hoon’s latest film “The Thieves,” which opens on July 25, also has an all-star cast packed with some of the most bankable actors in Korean cinema, comparable to George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Julia Robert in “Ocean’s Eleven.”
But that’s about it. “Thieves” is not a fun-filled and stylized celebration of high-skilled, high-tech burglary like the American franchise; it is fundamentally a cynical portrait of avaricious human nature with sporadic comedic moments for side entertainment.
The quality of the screened version comes somewhat short of his previous hits like “Woochi” (2009), “Tazza: the High Rollers” (2006) and “The Big Swindle” (2004) — its enormous scale makes the work a little spotty on several occasions — but “Thieves” has a lot to like, even outside the mouthwatering multinational star-studded cast.
Choi’s screenplay, for the most part, keeps the audience guessing until the end; it is never clear who will win from this deal. 
There are 10 thieves, Korean and Chinese, teaming up in Macau to take on the biggest heist of their lives. But everyone has his/her own agenda. Almost everyone betrays each other at some point. One is even a detective trying to arrest the biggest criminal in Hong Kong who is also the diamond’s owner.
Choi’s comment at the post-screening press conference Tuesday revealed his priority: “This is a movie that can kill a director. It’s a movie where I must make sure that every actor shines.”
And that preoccupation certainly shows in every scene, to the work’s detriment. 
By tiptoeing around the stars’ egos, he has made sure every actor gets their time to shine, but the overall quality of the work suffers from this loss of focus. The 135-minute running time drags on because of this need of “fair” distribution of spotlight. 
Until some of them are actually eliminated by death or arrest, the movie fails to find a real direction.
Not that any of the actors perform poorly; without their presence, the movie would fall apart entirely. 
All of them have done more than a passable job here, especially veterans Kim Yun-seok, Kim Hye-soo, Simon Yam Tat-Wah and Kim Hae-sook standing out as mastermind Macau Park, his former lover Pepsi, head of the Chinese team Chen and his partner Chewed Gum, respectively. 
Malaysian-born Chinese actress Angelica Lee Sin-Jie also manages to keep the attention on her against her rather underdeveloped role.
They all have something in common: they are given real story arcs, which make them easily relatable. They act tough but are vulnerable to love and family. Other characters are given nothing comparable. Why have they become thieves in the first place? And why do they have awkward-sounding nicknames and call each other by them — when their Chinese counterparts do not? There is no explanation.
The biggest waste of talent befalls Jun Ji-hyun (a.k.a. Gianna Jun, who became the country’s most popular actress with “My Sassy Girl” in 2001). She makes a triumphant return to form after years of missed opportunities here and abroad, holding her ground against the biggest stars with her natural delivery, sometimes coming close to stealing some scenes. 
The press reception was the warmest to her, too. She was subjected to the biggest number of questions at the press conference, sidelining other big names seated next to her. 
But her character Yenicall lacks depth. Who is she? Why does she steal? Why does she keep rebuffing the advances of Zampano (Kim Su-hyun, Korea’s answer to Taylor Lautner)? Without any answers, her value is mostly comic relief, although a very fine one.
Lee Jung-jae in the role of Popeye is another victim of this spotty screenplay. He starts strong when the spotlight is given to him early on but falls flat as soon as his rival Macau Park makes his entrance. His presence almost becomes trivial after, and his jealousy towards him is unconvincing. 
It is to be seen how the last-minute editing will change the film, but even tweaks to the strange sound effects and cliched music choices will not save it. The characters have no motivation other than money, and we will just have to accept that theft is a perfectly normal career option if given a chance. 
“The Thieves” opens on July 25 in theaters nationwide. Runs for 135 minutes. Rated 15 and over. Distributed by Showbox/Mediaplex.

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July 23, 2012
'Actor and director are like husband and wife'Choi Dong-hoon on making 10 stars shine in 'Thieves,' opening Thursday
By Kwaak Je-yup The Korea Times
Director Choi Dong-hoon poses at an interview in this July 18 photo. He returns to the box office Thursday with crime drama “The Thieves,” starring some of the most bankable actors in Korean and Hong Kong Cinema, including Kim Yun-seok, Kim Hye-soo, Jun Ji-hyun, Simon Yam Tat-Wah, Lee Jung-jae and Kim Su-hyun, among others. / Yonhap
Unlike in Hollywood, there are few full-time screenwriters left in Korean cinema. Successful ones have moved to more lucrative TV dramas and soap operas, and movies are now written and brought to life by the hands of the director.
It should come as no surprise, then, that the results have been mixed. Some films of late have had painfully unbelievable lines, while others seemed to have managed just fine.
Director Choi Dong-hoon, whose new movie “The Thieves” opens on Thursday, falls in the latter category. His last two films attracted more than 6 million people each and he is regarded by screen actors, critics and audiences alike as someone who can truly bring characters to life.
Writing and shooting the crime drama involving a theft of a rare diamond in Macau, he had to deal with no less than ten parts but took the industry by surprise when he successfully filled most of them with the hottest stars from here and Hong Kong, including Kim Yun-seok, Kim Hye-soo, Jun Ji-hyun, Simon Yam Tat-Wah, Lee Jung-jae and Kim Su-hyun. He must be doing something right to get such big names to sign on.
“It’s like a husband and a wife, the relationship between the director and an actor,” he said in an interview on Thursday. “There are intimate details no one else knows.”
From left, actors Kim Hye-soo, Lee Jung-jae, Oh Dal-soo and Jun Ji-hyun in a scene from “The Thieves.” The film opens Thursday in theaters nationwide./ Courtesy of Showbox/Mediaplex
That theory shows in his continuing (professional) relationships with Kim Yun-seok and Kim Hye-soo, who star in the new film as mastermind Macau Park and his on-and-off girlfriend Pepsi, respectively. The latter starred in Choi’s 2006 hit “Tazza: the Higher Rollers,” another gambling and crime drama, and the former having worked with the director four times in a row, from thriller “The Big Swindle” (2004) to action comedy “Woochi” (2009) and now on “The Thieves.”
The media buzz around the new film has concentrated much on the technical aspects — climbing buildings on wires, shoots in Macau and Hong Kong and of course, the marquee names — but Choi spent most of the hour talking about the characters, from development to interpretation. He seemed completely satisfied with each and every one and the actors who played them. His words on the cast were not obligatory compliments but reflections of his affection.
“Never did it occur to me that they needed to be handled in a certain way. It’s just that the screenplay must be fully understood... We talk. Slowly infect them with my thoughts, mixing the individual with the movie’s tone and manner.”
The best example of this at work is with the women. Defying expectations that a theft-themed film would be led by male characters, magic is witnessed more often around the female thieves, played by Kim Hae-sook, Kim Hye-soo, Jun and Angelica Lee Sin-Jie. Nimbly delving into their vulnerabilities, hopes and dreams, Choi achieves a rare feat in male-dominated Korean cinema, where women are too often sidelined as the sexpot, the femme fatale or the unattractive comic relief.
“I think I have, personally and writing-wise too, a strong feminine side, like a talkative ajumma (middle-aged woman). Female characters are always a challenge but a kind of an unknown, too. If you can create great women, wouldn’t that make you a great director? I find myself fixing and fixing, thinking about how my mother would talk.”
Choi has reiterated over the past years that he wants to work with Korean cinema’s most respected actor of the moment, Ha Jeong-woo, and he said it again during the interview. His mind seemed to wander a little, already dreaming about the next project and characters.
“The Thieves” opens in theaters nationwide on Thursday.

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July 24, 2012
Song Kang-ho, Lee Jeong-jae, Kim Hye-soo and Jo Jeong-seokStarNews via hancinema.net

Director Han Jae-rim's new movie "Fortune" has a cast so amazing it's almost the new "The Good, the Bad, the Weird".
According to the movie industry on the 25th, Song Kang-ho, Lee Jeong-jae, Kim Hye-soo and Jo Jeong-seok have confirmed to star in the new Chosun movie "Fortune".
"Fortune" is based on the early Chosun times when General Sooyang and Kim Jong-seok fought for power, about the best physiogomist there was. It is directed by Han Jae-rim and Song Kang-ho confirmed to star in the movie first.
Song Kang-ho takes on the role of the best physiogonomist of the Chosun times and Lee Jeong-jae is General Sooyang, attempting at his first historical. Kim Hye-soo is a gisaeng.
Song Kang-ho confirmed starring in "Snow Piercer" before this and Lee Jeong-jae starred in "New World" with Choi Min-sik and Hwang Jeong-min.
Lee Jeong-jae and Kim Hye-soo are working together once again after "The Thieves".
Jo Jeong-seok is Song Kang-ho's brother-in-law.
"Fortune" will start filming at the end of August.

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July 26, 2012
"The Thieves" records 2nd biggest opening of all-time in KoreaReporter: Lee Hye Ji Editor: Monica Suk 10Kstar
“The Thieves,” one of the most-anticipated films this year, has recorded the second best opening in Korean film history.
“The Thieves” attracted 436,622 moviegoers on the day of its release on Wednesday, stealing the top seed from five-day-reigning “Dark Night Rise” at local box office's daily chart, according to Korea Box office Information System (KOBIS)'s website Thursday.
This is the second highest single day opening of all-time after “The Host” opened with 449,500 tickets sold in 2006.
The former No. 2 was “D-War," 2007 Korean fantasy film produced by Shim Hyung-rae, slid down to the third place, putting an end to its five-years honor.
“Deranged,” which had the best opening record of the year until Tuesday, stopped at pulling in 190,952 audiences on its release date.
The action drama pic “The Thieves” tells the story about a group of ten thieves from different backgrounds who have teamed up to steal a diamond hidden inside a casino located in Macao.
Helmed by famed director Choi Dong-hoon, top Korean actors joined the Korean version of “Ocean's Eleven,” such as Kim Yoon-seok, Kim Hye-soo, Lee Jung-jae, Jun Ji-hyun, and Kim Soo-hyun.

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July 25, 2012
ChosunIlbo l   innolife.net

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July 27, 2012
The Thieves sets new box office recordby javabeans dramabeans.com

So, apparently summer + blockbuster + multiple A-list stars + caper + action = hit movie. WHO KNEW?
The Thieves opened on Thursday, July 25, and quickly racked up the ticket admittances, setting a new all-time box office record: its 436,628 ticket sales in Day 1 is the top Korean film opening ever, solidly taking over the distinction from the previous top film, 2006′s sci-fi-thriller The Host, which had 395,951 admittances on its first day.
(By the way, who else finds South Korea’s method of counting ticket admittances vastly more useful in calculating box office records, rather than sheer money grossed? Because I seem to recall a day when ticket prices didn’t cost more than minimum wage, or sometimes double, and it’s a lot more straightforward to count how many times the movie was seen when you’re talking about all-time biggest movies. But sigh. I guess the bottom line is always about money in the end.)
The Thieves—starring a bevy of big stars like Lee Jung-jae, Kim Hye-soo, Kim Yoon-seok, Jeon Ji-hyun, and Kim Soo-hyun—sold out from the first morning screenings on opening day and benefited from word of mouth, according to distributor Showbox. It hit the 1 million sales mark on Day 3 and is well on its way to being one of the year’s biggest hits.
To compare The Thieves’ opening day sales with other movies in the 1 million club, we have Haeundae with 177,000, The Good, The Bad, The Weird with 386,880, and D-War at 387,468. Looking at 2012 alone, the previous top opener was Deranged, the Kim Myung-min disaster-thriller about hairworms (the movie’s literal Korean title) that infect people and cause them to drown themselves. It opened with 190,000 tickets.
On its second day, it beat out Dark Knight Rises (which opened on the 19th), which sold 167,313 tickets for a total of 3,365,299 overall. The Thieves drew 410,192 ticketholders that day for a total of 862,663 admittances total.
July 27 was Day 3, and the film stayed in No. 1 position with 492,701 ticket sales, hitting a total of 1,355,342.
I don’t expect The Thieves to reinvent the wheel or pull out something daring and unexpected—it’s a heist movie with big stars. A blockbuster primed for summertime entertainment. And I’m cool with that, because who doesn’t love a good fast caper? I just hope it delivers on its promise of zippy, Ocean’s Eleven-inspired fun.
Via My Daily, Joy News

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July 29, 2012
'I'm more motivated than ever'Actor Lee Jung-jae talks about his acting career, being single
By Claire Lee The Korea Herald
Actor Lee Jung-jae was not used to playing “unattractive” characters, until he was given the role of a jealous thief in his latest film “The Thieves.”
“Director Choi Dong-hun asked me to be as unattractive and foolish as possible for the role,” Lee told the Korea Herald in an interview on Thursday.
“So I asked him: if you want this guy to be so unattractive, why did you cast an (attractive) actor like me? But as I got to know more about the character, I developed a lot of attachment to him. I don’t think the audience would hate the guy although he is a villain. It’s his flaws that really humanize him.”
Actor Lee Jung-jae poses for a photo prior to an interview with The Korea Herald on Thursday. (Chung Hee-cho/The Korea Herald)
The star-studded heist film directed by Choi Dong-hun has been a sensational hit since its release last week. It topped the box office chart on the day of its opening, beating Christopher Nolan’s Hollywood blockbuster “The Dark Knight Rises.” The film also drew more than two million viewers in just four days after the release, becoming the third Korean film to have done so after Bong Joon-ho’s 2006 disaster flick “The Host” and Shim Hyung-rae’s 2007 fantasy action film “D-War.”
In the movie, Lee plays Popeye, a base, jealous thief who gets involved in a project to steal a diamond worth $20 million in Macau ― along with nine other Chinese and Korean professional criminals. Among the 10 characters in the film ― played by some of the most celebrated stars including Kim Hye-soo, Jun Ji-hyun, and Kim Yun-suk ― Lee’s is perhaps the most unlikable; the thief who betrays his own colleague using low tricks and lies. The villain, however, lacks intelligence and tact, which ironically drew him to the character, says Lee.
“I can’t say I’ve always enjoyed acting,” says the actor.
“But nowadays I’ve really become interested in giving more nuanced and realistic portrayals of my characters, including Popeye. I would like to star in as many movies as possible. I’m more motivated than ever.”
The 39-year-old made his debut in 1993, after working as a fashion model for a number of years. He has starred in films of various genres. Some of his more successful works include his 1998 romance “An Affair”; 1999 drama “City of the Rising Sun”; and 2005 action “Typhoon.” 
Yet the actor chose his 2008 period comedy “The Accidental Gangster and the Mistaken Courtesan,” which did not do well at the box office, as one of the most memorable films. 
“A lot of people asked me why I even chose to star in the film,” says the actor. 
“But no actor actually chooses a film thinking this one will not succeed. I had a lot of faith in the script, and everyone in the crew worked very hard. But things did not work out very well, starting from the pre-production period. And it really affected the final product. I’m still fond of the film because I know it could’ve been better and I am still convinced that the script is great.”
Lee is currently shooting a noir thriller titled “A New World,” with heavyweight actors Hwang Jeong-min (The Unjust, You Are My Sunshine) and Choi Min-sik (Old Boy, I Saw the Devil).
“It’s been really busy working with the two biggies on the scene,” Lee says. 
“But I don’t think of it as a competition. It’s more important to have a good work chemistry with them and, ultimately, make a good film.”
Lee says a recent encounter with one of his fans in a restaurant inspired him to play as many roles as he can.
“She was a middle-aged server in a restaurant,” Lee says. “She told me, ‘I spend so much time watching TV while working. But I hardly get to see your face. You need to get out there and do more work.’ What she told me really hit me. It definitely motivated me more.”
The actor, who openly dated actress Kim Min-hee from 2003 to 2006 and has been rumored to be romantically linked with Lim Sae-ryung, the ex-wife of Samsung Group heir apparent Lee Jae-yong, has been telling the media that he is happy being single. 
The actor says he enjoys art exhibitions, ballet performances and music concerts when he’s off work, and often hangs out with his best friend, actor Jung Woo-sung ― who is also single. 
Asked to comment on the famous line from the much-talked about TV show “A Gentleman’s Dignity,” which tells the life and friendship of four successful single men in their 40s, Lee gives an honest answer. In the show, one of the characters at one point says he isn’t interested in getting married mainly because “he does not want to share his hard-earned money with his wife and children.”
“Yes, I’ve certainly thought of it that way (about marriage),” says Lee.
“But doesn’t every man think that way at some point in their lives? I’m sure they do!”

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July 30, 2012       'Thieves' breaks record with 2.9 mil.By Kwaak Je-yup The Korea Times

The crime drama “The Thieves” has posted the best opening in Korean cinema history, its studio Showbox Mediaplex announced on Monday.
Opened Wednesday, director Choi Dong-hoon’s latest film attracted close to 2.9 million moviegoers over five days, equivalent to more than 20.7 billion won in ticket sales.
This bests the previous week’s opening of “The Dark Knight Rises,” the final installment of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, which lured 2.4 million people, or 17.9 billion won in revenue, in four days.
The latest trend in the Korean cinema industry is to pull up the opening day to at least Thursday, with more studios moving the date even further up for blockbusters.
Comparing just the three-day weekend figures, Korea Film Council’s official tally shows that “The Dark Knight Rises” actually beat “The Thieves” in sales by about 100 million won (14.8 billion to 14.7 billion). 
But given that the homegrown feature managed to beat the American hero flick in headcount — the latter narrowly missed the 2 million mark while the former edged slightly past it — the higher sales figure for the latest Batman franchise reflects the more expensive ticket price for IMAX cinemas. The seats for the special-format screen are reported to have sold out in advance for three weeks since the July 19 opening.
Projections for this week are mixed, given that “The Dark Knight Rises” has garnered more favorable reviews among critics and Netizens. With millions of students and workers on vacation and no major release slated for this week, the battle for the box office throne may come as a surprise.

[rubie]

July 31, 2012
Lee Jung-jae and Kim Hye-soo, costars again?by girlfriday dramabeans.com
Well when you’ve got a good thing going I guess no one wants to see it end. Recent box office hit The Thieves costars Kim Hye-soo and Lee Jung-jae look like they’re headed for film number two as a combo pack, this time in the Joseon-era historical epic The Face Reader.

The film stars Song Kang-ho as a Joseon-era physiognomist/phrenologist, a reader of faces to tell people’s fortunes and characteristics. Is there a historical seer/mystic/pseudoscience trend going on lately, or is it just me? Lee Jung-jae has been offered the role of Prince Suyang, aka second son of King Sejong the Great, and central figure in a ruthless coup d’état to become King Sejo of Joseon. His greatest rival, General Kim Jongseo, has yet to be cast. But the film will focus on their epic battle as Suyang takes over the government by force.
But the central figure in this retelling is the face reader, who will guide the fortunes of future kings. Kim Hye-soo has been offered the role of a gisaeng, which would normally be below her pay grade, but this seems to be the kind of tale that will focus on the pivotal nobodies that the history books would have left out. Song Kang-ho signed on early, as he has worked with writer/director Han Jae-rim, of Elegant World (aka The Show Must Go On), The Purpose of Love, and Natural City before.

Lee Jung-jae and Kim Hye-soo have yet to sign contracts, but reports are favorable. And one of my favorites, scene-stealer Jo Jung-seok (The King 2 Hearts, Introduction to Architecture) has signed on to play Song Kang-ho’s brother-in-law in the film. I hope he’s at least an apprentice, junior face reader extraordinaire, because it would be great to watch him play off of someone with as much presence as Song Kang-ho.
The Face Reader plans to begin shooting by the end of August for a release next year.
Via Star News

[rubie]

August 1, 2012

'The Thieves' a hit at local box office
YonhapNews

SEOUL, Aug. 1 (Yonhap) -- The Korean heist film "The Thieves" continued its local box office reign in its second week after taking in an opening week record as many holidaymakers seek to escape hot summer weather at cool theaters.

   The movie, starring top actors and actresses Jun Ji-hyun, Kim Hye-soo, Kim Yun-seok and Lee Jung-jae, broke the 3 million mark in audience number on Monday, the sixth day since its release, drawing 3.35 million viewers.

   It drew nearly 500,000 moviegoers across the country on that day alone, according to official box-office tallies, meaning many of the viewers are those on summer vacation.
   


The films is drawing moviegoers at a faster pace than director Bong Jun-ho's box-office hit "The Host "(2006) and "D-War" (2007), a sci-fi monster flick by director Shim Hyeong-rae, which drew 3.19 million and 3.09 million, respectively, during the first six days of opening.

   "The Thieves," if this trend continues, is expected to easily break the 5 million mark within this week.

   During the same period, the movie raked in more than 50 percent of local box revenues, beating the Hollywood blockbuster "The Dark Knight Rises."

   "The ticket sales for 'The Thieves' is showing a rare pattern, drawing larger audiences each day as time goes by," an official at the movie's distributor Showbox said.

   Directed by Choe Dong-hoon, known for "Tazza: the High Rollers" and "The Big Swindle," "The Thieves" is about 10 South Korean and Chinese thieves teaming up to steal a valuable diamond necklace at a Macao casino.

[rubie]

July 30, 2012
Movie "Thieves" Attracts over 2 Million ViewersKBS Global
The recent movie "Thieves", directed by Choi Dong-hoon, is dominating the box office. Already over 2 million movie-goers have visited the theatres to watch it.
According to the Korean Film Council on July 30th, "Thieves" brought in an additional 751,039 people on the 29th, 759,626 people on the 28th, and 493,567 people on the 27th, bringing the total number of viewers to about 2 million viewers. That means that after premieringon the 25th, within just five days, a total of 2.86 million people have already seen the flick. This puts the movie proudly at first place in ticket sales. It even seems mighty possible that it will hit the 3 million mark within six days.
"Thieves" is about a group of 10 Korean and Chinese thieves that are after the "Tear Of The Sun" diamond. It boasts an A-list cast: Kim Yoon-suk, Kim Hye-soo, Jeon Ji-hyun, Lee Jung-jae, Kim Soo-hyun, and Kim Hae-sook.
In second place at the box office on the 29th was the Hollywood blockbuster "The Dark Knight Rises". So far, 4.25 million peole have watched the hit movie. Third place went to "Ice Age 4: Continental Drift", for drawing in a total of about 470,000 people so far. Horror film "Scary Story" was at fourth place for the 141,000 people it garnered. "Detective Conan: 11th Striker" was at fifth place.