Choi Ji Woo 최지우

[Felicia Soh]

Dear Fel,

You are absolutely right, she is definitely a crowd-pleaser with magnificient stunning power that really strike you real deep in your heart just by watching her performing on stage.

I remember when we attended her 2004 Asian Fans Meeting in Yong Pyong, when she appeared on stage to sing "SARANGHAMNIDA" for the first time, we were totally dumpfounded followed by the "oohs and aaahs" by her surprise gift for us. Although she was out of tune and had to rely on her 3 back-up singers......no body cares and the whole hall was applausing away while she was trying her very best to give us her very best rendition of "SARANGHAMNIDA". Most of us were soooooo touched by her effort that tears welled up in some of our eyes. THAT VERY MOMENT really strike me deeply in my heart. I totally understand and knows how it felt when i read that fans cried during her singing of "PROMISE" AND "MY MEMORY" at her concerts.

Well one thing for sure, her singing definitely improves since her last rendition of "SARANGHAMNIDA"....

Thanks Jenny for a much-detailed report of JW's rendition of "SARANGHAMNIDA" on stage during the fans-meeting in 2004. I really can't remember the tune of the song....pabohya..... By way of your writing, I am glad CJW imparted you so much "MEMORY" to share with us. I remember watching some of the clips of the fans-meet since it was posted at Starjiwoo. She gave away a muffler to each of her fans and taught you gals how to tie it the WinterSonata-way, am I right? Cha Tae-Hyun was her special guest, right? But honestly JW's presence outshone CTH, needless to say.

Oh yes.....totally agree with you that her singing ability has shown a mark of improvement .....and even if she is no BEYONCE, we know in our hearts she had stolen our "judgment".....who cares.....we adore her simply because she is B.E.S.T...... Aja! Aja! FIGHTING.....Ji Woo sshi!

[Felicia Soh]

unfortunately Felicia my dear, It's only shown once a week.....and it's hard to remember all the Shin-Ku's name...at times.. it's confusing. But with your helped and summaries you've shared with me privately...I am enjoying the drama....Kamsahamnida chingu..

Hyc,thank you for the updated news on how to order CJW's hand printing T-shirts for Breast cancer..

It's always my pleasure, Dramalover to share my craving for CJW and Yutaka in Rondo. I know it is not easy to grasp the fast-pacing storyline with so many characters being mentioned in the story. Actually, some character names are insignificant since these names were mentioned to relate the people behind a case or the accused involving Shin-Ku (mostly heard when Takumi and Isaki exchanged notes). It's so intriguing and mind boggling too.....that's the reason why you need to set your mind working while watching RONDO. Any missing link is like a missing puzzle.....piecing it back is possible......if you re-wind the scenes again!

Btw, thanks Ching for the latest update on the T-shirt.....gosh! 20 thousand won is not very cheap but for the sake of contribution for Breast Cancer Awareness/Foundation....why not, huh??

[Guest Jenny C]

Thanks Jenny for a much-detailed report of JW's rendition of "SARANGHAMNIDA" on stage during the fans-meeting in 2004. I really can't remember the tune of the song....pabohya..... By way of your writing, I am glad CJW imparted you so much "MEMORY" to share with us. I remember watching some of the clips of the fans-meet since it was posted at Starjiwoo. She gave away a muffler to each of her fans and taught you gals how to tie it the WinterSonata-way, am I right? Cha Tae-Hyun was her special guest, right? But honestly JW's presence outshone CTH, needless to say.

Oh yes.....totally agree with you that her singing ability has shown a mark of improvement .....and even if she is no BEYONCE, we know in our hearts she had stolen our "judgment".....who cares.....we adore her simply because she is B.E.S.T...... Aja! Aja! FIGHTING.....Ji Woo sshi!

Fel, you are right CTH was her special guest and she definitely outshone everybody that night even Zero.

Yes, we were given a sky blue muffler with her name on it and she taught us to tie it the Winter Sonata-way...gosh...hope i had not forgotten how to tie it the WS way.. That muffler is certainly my most priceless collection together with those unforgettable memories that we shared with her

Talking about it brings back so much memories that i wish the clock could be turn back so that u gals can join us in this unforgettable trip...

Hoping to have another opportunity for us to share our most unforgettable memories with her again!

[rubie]

Oct 24, 2006

Picture Album of Choi Ji-woo to Go Mobile

Actor Choi Ji-woo, who has enjoyed rising popularity throughout Asia as well as Japan since the release of the KBS hit drama "Winter Sonata," will see her picture album serviced in Japan through i-mode, EZweb and Yahoo mobile phones starting from Nov. 6.

This is the first mobile service that will show pictures of Choi Ji-woo including those already published in her picture album "IF"--over which Japanese portal site Excite has an exclusive sales right--as well as unreleased video footage.

Containing pictures taken in eight major cities in three nations with a budget of over 3 million dollars, "IF" caused a sensation as soon as it was released. But the book was expensive for most people to easily afford; thus, the mobile service will provide an opportunity for more people to enjoy the book.

To mark the launch of the service, a free gift featuring the Korean actress' personal autograph will be offered.

Source: KBS Global

http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/new...1674_11858.html

[Guest xuexi]

Oct 24, 2006

Picture Album of Choi Ji-woo to Go Mobile

Actor Choi Ji-woo, who has enjoyed rising popularity throughout Asia as well as Japan since the release of the KBS hit drama "Winter Sonata," will see her picture album serviced in Japan through i-mode, EZweb and Yahoo mobile phones starting from Nov. 6.

This is the first mobile service that will show pictures of Choi Ji-woo including those already published in her picture album "IF"--over which Japanese portal site Excite has an exclusive sales right--as well as unreleased video footage.

Containing pictures taken in eight major cities in three nations with a budget of over 3 million dollars, "IF" caused a sensation as soon as it was released. But the book was expensive for most people to easily afford; thus, the mobile service will provide an opportunity for more people to enjoy the book.

To mark the launch of the service, a free gift featuring the Korean actress' personal autograph will be offered.

Source: KBS Global

http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/new...1674_11858.html

Thanks, rubie for the great news! Congrats to Jiwoo-ssi, indeed her travel diary album is simply the Best!

[Guest xuexi]

KOREA’s MOST BEAUTIFUL…….

Korea’s answer to People magazine recently conducted a poll to name 50 of Korea’s most beautiful people – 25 male and 25 female. The list included the usual fair of boyband hunks, gorgeous actors and figure-perfect celebrities.

Number one for the male category went to ERIC MUN of Korea’s super-popular boyband Shinhwa, leaving no doubt that his atypical Korean looks – big almond-shaped eyes and sharp, well-defined facial features, have propelled him to the top of the list.

Actor and former model KANG DONG-WON managed second place, thanks largely to his high 186cm-tall build and his high nose. We’re guessing those expressive eyes probably stole a heart or two on the judging panel as well.

Number three went to Mr. Perfect Body and super-hunk, KWON SANG-WOO. Well, you know what they say : the way to a woman’s heart is through a super-flat stomach and drool-worthy physique.

As for the ladies, top honours went to JEON JI-HYUN of My Sassy Girl and Windstruck fame. Her girl-next-door look, proportionate figure and sexy without being overly sultry demeanor won over the judges, proving that stick-thin and sex goddess wasn’t always the way to go.

Second place raised several eyebrows when CHOI JI-WOO (of Winter Sonata and Stairway to Heaven fame) was announced, not least because the 31-year-old actress hasn’t appeared in any films or drama series lately. Well, whoever says you can’t be beautiful without working? We’re guessing her memorable role in Winter Sonatar will be enough to secure her place in ‘most beautiful’’ lists for years to come.

Meanwhile, SONG HYE-KYO crept in quietly at number three. The diminutive actress may be only 156cm tall, but that gorgeous face sure is bringing her places.

The poll reportedly follows the judgment criteria and guidelines of America’s People magazine, and is not based solely on a celebrity’s popularity at that point of time. Unlike most polls, decisions for this list were made base on physical appearance, personal grooming, public impression and personality. The eight judges had been carefully picked out from some of the most influential individuals in the Korean entertainment and film industry.

Source : Extracted from one of our (Malaysia) local celebrity magazine (HOT). I edited some of the contents to exclude a-not-so-welcoming comment made on one actor.

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Maybe some of you had already read this piece of news somewhere (different publication news) but the reason why I found it disturbing is because the writer made a falsely report on CJW's background. Really I wonder how "lately" he or she is referring to JW's non-appearance .....

Even though I was happy to read that CJW was placed 2nd, I am very doubtful on the writer’s knowledge of K-stars since the message sent out had revealed the inaccuracy of her/his reports. I tried not to sound biased but somehow when I read in between the lines, I found it contained some sarcasm (despite that the writer had worded it as "we're guessing" in the report) ~~ viewing JW as not-so-much-credit-worthiness in terms of her other highly acclaimed contributions in Korea entertainment industry other than Winter Sonata. The bottom line is that their "guessing" term used is a form of safeguarding their "image" in case of accusation for "wrong reports" but surely they could have done a thorough research and this could be avoided....a self-mockery of their own shallow knowledge while claiming it as one of the hottest gossip mag..... (revealing how unprofessional it was written...).

Helloooooo….she had her schedule tightly lined up since last year with her movie released in 2006, NOW AND FOREVER (Yeonriji) and of course the joint venture (Korea-Japan) collaboration of the TV drama, RONDO, not forgetting her minor appearance in the SHADOWLESS SWORD movie and of course numerous CFs and jetting in and out from Korea, Japan and HK during the promotional advertisement as spoke-person for Christian Dior. All her promotional work for movie, drama, TV appearances, concerts as host and guest and also the released of JW's - Diary---maybe these works shouldn't be counted .... Now, do you call these kinds of work involvement as non-working?? and all those works highlighted were after STH and EHAS.

Aigoooo…..I am so disappointed and how could one (as a reporter) with so little knowledge be in-charged of writing this article. The writer should have done some ground work-checked before she/he releases a misleading report in one of the most read gossip magazines.

P.S : I hope the above scenario on JW's work is accurately written otherwise I should be for speaking out....he!he!he!

Sorry gals if I sound so defensive or even offended ....but I need to get this piece of news out of my chest..... joongmal mianneh chingu.....

Hi Felicia, I fully support what you have commented about some reporters simply didn't do a background check before writing any report or article of the celebrities and this can be misleading to the readers who read the report ~~~~

Perhaps you should write a side column to make this observation to defend Jiwoo ~~~~

[Felicia Soh]

THE HOLE aka OLGAMI

Cast

Choi Ji-Woo as Han Su-Jin (daughter in law – DIL)

Park Yong-Woo as Lee Dong-Woo

Yun So-Jeong – Jin-Sook / Dong-Woo’s Omoni (DWO) aka the mother in law (MIL)

Director

Kim Sung-Hong

Script Writer

Yeo Hye-Yeong

Genre

Suspense and thriller

Traumatic / Psychological Thriller (my own version)

Year of Release

1997

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A foolish thought......

I was a late-comer in Soompi and when I read about my “sunbae” referring to Olgami, I concluded that the word “ogami?” …… was a Japanese word?? Of course I was wrong, a different syllable, spelt as oLgami and sincerely, I thought “the Hole” and “Olgami” was two different movies. Aigooo jinjai pabohya… Before venturing into this movie, I had read some good comments in this thread, courtesy of dear members who had shared their brief accounts with me. I’ve watched glimpses of Choi Ji-Woo performance in one of the releases on CJW-documentaries and since it was all narrated in Korean language, I never really understood her euphoric feelings when she talked about that movie. Of course, no commentaries on this movie would be complete without thanking my dearest chingu, Beary Bear. You made it possible for me to watch this great movie. Gamsahamnida chingu for your kindness.

Acknowledgement of Ji-Woo’s Accomplishment in "The Hole"

Choi Ji-Woo received a highly acclaimed achievement when she bagged not one but two awards for this thriller and suspense movie, The Hole, Prize of New Actress at Baeksang Art Award/Gold Prize and New Actress at 21st Golden Photography Award. Somehow I prefer to call it a traumatic / psychological thriller. In an anticipation to watch how CJW delivered a character never-been-seen-before (for my case), I raised my hopes so high…as if I have been deprived of watching her in entirely non-related-melodramatic genre roles. This feeling excites me …….

Are you afraid of your hubby’s mother.....?

Now, are you prepared to witness the most terrifying, fiery, manipulative, tempestuous, inexplicable, uncompromising and eccentric mother in law? **big sigh** was it too elaborative to describe Dong-Woo’s Omoni?? You’ll probably understand why I chose to focus her with a string of marathon-adjective. Anyway, if you think your mother-in-law is one of the most difficult or uncompromising woman you have ever met trust me, you have not been exposed to the WORST kind. Watch this movie and you’ll probably appreciate your MIL. Dong-Woo’s Omoni is not an ordinary mother-in-law, you’d shudder by looking or speaking to her and each confrontation mounted your nervous system with tension and stress, let alone living or even crouching under the same roof. Nightmare befalls the nerve-racking daughter-in-law…….

MINOR SPOILERS

Synopsis

As odd as it may sound, this story line touches on few movies that I had watched before….and I don’t know why I kept linking "The Hole" with “Fatal Attraction” and “Failure to Launch” of which was non-related and I vaguely remember related scenes of few movies which I can't recall the movie title. When I watched "You, Me and Dupree", I thought of aahh….“Three is a crowd” but then this movie was based on a comedy and romance script. Perhaps, I’ve been too laid back on catching up with movie-dome.

The storyline deals with three major role characters and they are related to each other, the mother played by Yun So-Jeong, the son played by Park Yong-Woo as Dong-Woo and an additional family member, played by Choi Ji-Woo as Su-Jin, the daughter-in-law. As in any society, mother-in-law has always been branded as someone manipulative and uncompromising, more so if she values traditional and customary practices and filial piety is paramount to them.

As you may notice, I refer to the character of mother-in-law as Dong-Woo’s Omoni rather than Jin-Sook. To me, Jin-Sook sound so distance whereas addressing her as Dong-Woo’s Omoni draw me closer to her character.

But what compels me to throw in my two cents’ worth is how differently the writer penetrates our mind with untold grandmother tales of how this one-of-a-kind mother-in-law who doesn’t have any qualms about doing something most people in her shoes would have a moral issue with and that makes her frightening……absolutely death-wish MIL.

In "The Hole", Dong-Woo’s character is every mother’s dream of an ideal son-in-law but I can’t say the same for his mother. Su-Jin (played by Choi Ji-Woo), was brought up by her brother, led a simple life and when someone like Dong-Woo who profess love to her, she was dreaming of a home filled with happiness and love. Dong-Woo were head over heels in love with the lovable and sweet natured, Su-Jin. He kept their relationship so tight-lipped that the news of his new-found love shocked his mother when he announced to her that he has found someone he loves and her soon-to-be DIL. It never occurred in Dong-Woo’s mind that his mother was unhappy and full of resentment on hearing that he wishes to marry Su-Jin. Fueling with anger, DWO slammed her fist on the mirror in disapproval of her son’s marriage. When she cried during the wedding, it was not a weeping joy but grieving tears and it was daunting to think how a mother would have reacted on her son’s wedding.

As Su-Jin’s sets her feet in her newly home, and so begins a doomed marriage. Grabbing the chance to marry someone who preaches love as pure as snow, Su-Jin needed such an assurance of a happy family to replace her pain of losing her parents since young. She trusted Dong-Woo and it all started rosy with a dream wedding, honeymoon and a heartfelt home-coming welcome showered by her mother-in-law. Everything appears normal but what seemed to be a joyous dream will turn out to be a cruel illusion.

MAJOR SPOILERS

Dong-Woo’s Omoni (DWO)

One of the most eccentric MIL is to be unveiled in front of you…..someone I think you are unlikely to meet in reality.

This is my instant response when I watched the opening scene : OMG! Am I watching a western movie?? For a second, I thought they were lovers…..you know like the character of Uhm Tae-Woong who played opposite of Go Do-Shim as lovers (vast-age differences) in Birth of A Family but….WAIT…aren’t this story based on "Mother-In-Law vs. Daughter-In-Law "?? I snapped myself back to my focus on the small screen…..Phew….Whoaaarrrr…. Never in my wildest imagination, I was witnessing one of the most caressing moments of a mother and her son ….rolling and tickling each other in bed and ended up in an-almost sitting position on top of her son’s shirtless body?? I got the impression that this MIL was like “man-hungry-matron”. Call me outrageously old-fashioned or notoriously naïve but that scene of an overly bonding relationship between a mother and son was a bit hard to digest. Just blew my mind!! I’m such a dork!! Chinese-culture!! I don’t know the reaction for some who had watched it. Coming next, I shall reveal more abnormality act from a mother to her son that may sound scary for soon-to-be bride. Maybe… it is normal…..or somewhat normal….or could be somewhat abnormal…I am at lost to place my bet…..watch it to determine your own verdict.

Despite her outwardly normal appearance, she is actually a possessive and deceitful mother-in-law. Her outward appearance betrays a deep-rooted insecurity, neurotic, needy and clingy – the nightmarish relationship of a mother and son. Dong-Woo’s Omoni life revolves solely around her son and was too dependent on DW to accompany her everywhere….. like any couple who would fix date for the weekend. Obviously, she was obsessed with him and it was disturbing to watch the way she conversed with her son (behaving more like lovers). I wonder whether she was previously trapped inside a loveless marriage and as a result, she took her own son whom she had raised for 30 years as someone she can safely love. DW was her Prince Charming! Could it be that her self-destructiveness borne out with her years of being a widower causes her abnormality? Gosh….perhaps I need to attend a psychology class or consult a psychiatrist. I am dumbfounded.

Her character is very unpredictable…she behaves so lovingly and an impression given as a perfect MIL in front of her son’s presence and turned villain when she is exposed to Su-Jin, alone in the house. She is creepily scary with her fierce looking face and the hostile attitude towards Su-Jin. She unleashes the full fury of her burying from the pain of losing her son and engaged in subtly veiled insults as she bashes Su-Jin. She blames Su-Jin for everything that she LOST. She loses love, attention, weekends outing, “passionate” wake-up call, bathing/scrubbing him…(yup, she still bathes him)…urgh….that was so disgusting. The more Su-Jin influences Dong-Woo, the more vindictive she turns out to be. She constantly conspires to make life hell for Su-Jin.

I was able to feel her pain and each time she inflicted pain on Su-Jin, she needs to play an orchestrated classical music to mend her soul-less heart which was ripped off by Su-Jin. The music relieves her pain and her sanity is waning off as she planned to oust her out of their lives. As much as I hated her for causing misery to Su-Jin, I was betrayed by how pitiful she looked as …someone who inflicted self-destructive grievances to gain her son’s trust as being the victim of bickering between the two women in his life. She had plunged into a verge of self-inflicted-psychotic-disorder!!! Still, I wonder the shroud of mystery surrounding her weird character.

If CJW gets the recognition for her portrayal as the battered daughter-in-law, then her mother-in-law should be applauded for her role as an "obsessive-possessive-turned-sicko" mother-in-law. Both actresses performance were outstanding playing down their role characters as if they were instinctual actress.

Han Su-Jin

The girl-next-door, a dream wife and daughter-in-law

Su-Jin diligently performs her role as a respectful and obedient daughter-in-law, who desperately wanted to take charge of her husband’s daily chores and the household as well. She is a perfect role model of a DIL and an adorable wife. Despite carrying out her dutiful roles, nothing she does seem to please or satisfy her temperamental mother-in-law and in the course of putting up with her unpredictable emotions, it had caused some strain on the relationship of the newly wed couple.

Su-Jin silently harbors the hope that her mother-in-law will soon recover from adjusting to life with her existence or from an unwilling detachment of her son. Maybe she needs time …but as days goes by nothing seem to change and each day she uncovered frightening motives. As hard as she fought her confusing mind to understand the rationality of her mother-in-law’s outrageous behavior, she failed in all her attempts.

Consequently, the DIL & MIL relationship had deteriorated to a stage that Su-Jin realizes that she has to take charge and seek Dong-Woo’s help. They were planning to ignore her domineering control, stirring a storming-effect on DW’s Omoni~~ to return to sanity. However, as revengeful as she can be, it sent out a wrong message with an adverse-effect. The plan backfired and it sets the beginning of an even deadlier game plotted by her MIL. DWO retaliated and vowed to make Su-Jin’s regret for brain-washing her son against her.

The drama further thickens when DW’s Omoni resorted to cause bodily harm and using a psychological effect on Su-Jin in her desperate move to warn her in one of the most terrifying scenes as she was dragged from her room to the bathroom. Her MIL pulled her hair and plunged her face on a bath-tub filled with water and drowning poor Su-Jin. Her force was too strong and finally Su-Jin succumbed to her. She was constantly lifting up and dunking her head on the water…. synchronizing her moves as she yelled at her. She blamed her for stirring her into a rage and accusing her in pretending as an angel in front of her son. She was terrorized by her MIL who accused her of planning to separate the mother-son relationship. “You think you can defeat me…and if you do it again the next time, I am going to kill you??” she slammed Su-Jin with such cruel and threatening words. Su-Jin suddenly sees her life as thin as a paper and violently being terrorized. It all started with steady stream of insults, taunted and offensive remarks followed by physical violent ---- deepening their relationship into a rivalry.

Where do you draw the line…?? When Su-Jin feels that the line has been crossed, she takes action. That was her last straw when MIL tried to drown her in the bath-tub. She had pushed JS to the limit and NOW she took the conflict between her and MIL as largely a question of “survival”. Bottom line…..when survival is at stake, I think people will do what they have to do and that applies to everyone at her position.

Lee Dong-Woo

Mommy’s boy

Dong-Woo had an innate charm that is hard to resist and he got an amazing natural energy that he exudes immediately he walks into the house. He makes me feel good as his presence at home gave me a chance to witness some make-believe happy-family moments, in exchanged of an agonizing moods penetrated by his obsessive mum during day-breaks. It just puts me at peace……and a call for time-break …a much needed brain-recharged for my next round of nightmares.

Unknown to the circumstances evolves around the relationship between his mother and wife, Dong-Woo thought he was the luckiest guy, marrying a beautiful wife, adding a new member to a loving home filled with happiness which whom he had shared his entire life with his mother. He felt he was the happiest man on earth ……blissfully married to Su-Jin and a mother who gave him unconditional love. What else can a guy ask for? A home nestled with so much love, warmth and happiness, so it seems to be in Dong-Woo’s eyes.

Su-Jin’s voices her concerns at her husband but was consistently ignored, since DW was oblivious of the home-affairs, he couldn’t understand why Su-Jin was constantly picking on his mother? Dong-Woo had no idea of the crisis brewing between SJ and his mum until it was too late. Her overly prying mother was taking control over the newly wed but DW was unable to detect his mother’s little gestures of jealousy, attention-craving and most disturbingly wanting to continue being passionate with him. She refused to accept changes in her daily chores.....

This loving couple is so pitiful and I can only see them like they were married without the benefits of being married. You get what I mean…… DW’s Omoni was everywhere in their lives…from morning to dusk…..even during intimacy. Oh…please mommy dearest, give them a break…they are after-all newly weds and what do you expect from them…sleep?? You had a fair chance of your son’s love and with an additional daughter-in-law to love you, what else do you want??? Poor Dong-Woo who had to give in every time his mums knocked on his door….. looking so forlorn as an obeying child.

Blissfully unaware of the pain that Su-Jin had to endure, he hates to admit that his mother has gone overboard with her obsession of attention+love-craving. DWO felt deprived by her son whom had for the first time in his life was under the influenced of his wife.

Su-Jin’s wail fall on death ears until it’s too late but it was also a turning point in DW’s life when he discovered how pathetically and psychologically sick his mother had turned out, he was suffocated by his mother words when he queried his mother, “Why did you agree on my marriage?” Similarly to how you’d react if I don’t buy you your favorite toys, I consented to your marriage, she replied. She thought Su-Jin was one of his play-things. Now that you know how troublesome marriage is and how stressful it is for you to stand in-between us, could we please get on with our normal lives, she told DW. Is that all you can say?? Dong-Woo asked in disappointment. That was it....I am leaving.....

Credit to Main Cast

Yun So-Jeong as Dong-Woo’s Omoni aka MIL

I have no details of the actress who played a flighty mother-in-law but she is so convincing in her role that she made me despise her instantly. Her facial expressions were so perfectly transcend out into her role character and it was not easy job to perform various emotion which changes like a chameleon. She is the MIL you love to hate.

In my opinion, YSJ is highly successful for always vying for attention and she gets my vote for playing the most convincing and emotional brittle woman, to be exact a villainess, MIL. To be honest, her character was painted with varied and diversified emotions and expressions, a much heavier role than CJW. Every detail of her character is cleverly delivered out through her facial expressions, subtle yet defining and those varying moods, blatant and pretentious actions.

I have mixed feelings on this abusive MIL and I silently harbor the hope that she considers getting a toy-boy over her son. She has insatiable hunger for love and attention and it drove her to behave outrageously as an eccentric MIL, so conniving and scheming. She thought she is GOD of the family and Su-Jin should be at her mercy at all times.

She has some kind of overpowering effect on me and I am totally drawn to her character. There’s a scene I found most daunting, the part when she threatened to kill herself by slashing her wrist in front of her son was appallingly shocking. She had gone insane the minute her son decided to leave her and I think life is meaningless to her since DW no longer wishes to stay with her. When DW died, three quarter of her soul died with him but before she can fully join him, she wanted a quarter of her soul to remain in order to take revenge on Su-Jin.

I was full of sympathy in her capacity as a mother (the scene where she captured and gagged SJ in the basement) when she was in the midst of beating SJ, she suddenly stopped when she claimed that DW had called out for her. “I am leaving you here while I go upstairs to accompany my son to sleep”, she said. She played that scene so remarkably good and her facial expressions were so perfectly portrayed. When Su-Jin was captured in the basement, she confessed that the room is full of DW’s toys and since you are one of his toys, you should be staying here, DWO said to Su-Jin. Such creepy feelings …. goose-pimples forming too. SJ realized that her MIL had sunken into a worst psychotic disorder.

At the end of the arduous shoot, I wonder whether YSJ got herself transformed into a different role character as quickly as possibly (a comedy??), a nice reprieve from this horrific film because I felt there was a lot of darkness in the character as DW’s Omoni. Just curious how actors recover from such a dark experience.

Choi Ji-Woo as Han Su-Jin aka DIL

Choi Ji-Woo really nailed her character, a radically different role and it was a kind of challenges that she relishes. From all her choice movies she had picked, I think "The Hole" is one of the most challenging roles she had played. I presume she must have felt good about rising to the challenge.

She is so demurely pretty and innocent looking with her straight long hair and how does she maintain her youth….she is almost the same as I see her today? Except her make-up was different then…you know those days, they love to apply full-lipped lipstick making it contrastingly sexy?? She looked stunning in her wedding dress and Dong-Woo awesomely matched JW too. Oh…she did cut her hair shorter after she got married. Well, what is new in Korean movie/drama!

CJW was completely consumed by fear playing Su-Jin, a passionate person who later developed into a strong-minded character and it makes us empathetic towards her character. It was a serious, challenging role character and it’s also a way for CJW to exposing a different side of her talent. I find it odd to relate to a role that she played in her earlier debut as an actress since I had written so much on her current or rather latest achievements. Like in a movie or drama, I had to switch my mind on “flash-back” to imagine her stance as a new actress instead as someone who is already a highly acclaimed actress. I hope it make sense ….

Physically exhausted and emotionally drained from her MIL’s constant bashing, torturing and harassment which soon escalated to violence. SJ was breathless to within an inch of her life, leaving her alone to compose the frightening death-defying moment in her life. She crawled back to her room in drenched-wet clothing, locked herself and re-examine her position as a wife and DIL before she made a drastic decision to leave the house. Ji-Woo did a splendid job in the bathroom scene --- plunging/dunking/drowning scenes. She was tremendously excellent in executing these scenarios especially when she finally broke away from the water…..her body leaning against the wall, gasping for air, breathing and almost choking with water and her hand gesture makes it more convincing as someone trying to seek help…..her acting was so real and I think she got the vote from the judges for performing such a brilliant act. She finally found the strength to dig herself out of the deep, dark hole.

What is ultimately so uplifting about the story is Su-Jin’s instinct and courage to challenge her MIL. It’s her strong will character and her willingness to take it all the way that draws me to her side. I was glad to see her involved in a much character development and (if you had seen JW mostly in her rehashing characters), please indulge yourself with her character in this movie. It was one of those meaty and memorable roles which I believed she was proud “The Hole” played an integral part of her career advancement. Bagging two awards consecutively was indeed one of the most fulfilling achievements CJW had received. She has moved one notch up and in pursuit of her career advancement we knew today she had entered a new chapter in her life. CJW was only 22 years-old when she received two highly acclaimed awards and had tasted success at such a young age.

Hey…I just noticed Ji-Woo has some kind of affinity with guys bearing her last name- Woo, Dong-Woo’s real name is Park Yong-Woo and as fate would have it, 6 years later, she did a drama with another Woo, Kwon Sang-Woo in Stairway to Heaven. Will she ever end up in reality with those “Woos” she had collaborated with or a new Woo???..errr …. John Woo?? Just kidding! Abracadabra….your guess is as good as mine!!

I hope JW will secure more substantial acting roles after her last movie, Now and Forever. Sometimes I wonder whether it is possible to re-launch this movie again at theatre or even in the small screen because I felt many had not seen another side of her versatility as an actress. She definitely deserves recognition with a profile that spanned from her earlier debut and somehow we often overlooked in crediting her for carrying out a heavier role.

We await with breath that is bated for more exciting news of CJW to come…….

Park Yong-Woo as Lee Dong-Woo

As this is my first experience watching PYW in his role as the unassuming, charismatic, easy-going and loving husband, I think I begin to find him appealing and interesting since I recently found myself checking on him and explored his profile. His warm smile was one of his most attractive characteristic in him and that goes without saying that he has good-looks too!!

I was surprised to read that his “warm smile” is his trademark but his latest look in his new movie, Beautiful Sunday, I witnessed another side of him and he earned my respect for his working attitude. Such a passionate and professional actor he is that I am planning to watch his other movies. Amazingly, when I added or rather subtracted his age when he did The Hole, he was 26 years old and now at age 35, he looked so downright manly and attractive. Mmmmph …getting interested in this namja. I wonder whether he is married (his profile indicated bachelor...just worried....no latest updates)...or whether CJW still keep in touch with him…Ok! Ok…….just a wishful thinking! Let me get back to reality and to delve on his role character as Lee Dong-Woo instead of Park Yong-Woo.

To be fair, he is almost everyone’s dream guy who had a decent job and a nice home. Money wise, not any issue, well not filthy rich but a well-respectably pay, I guess. However, if you believe your hubby dearest could rescue you when you “fall down the rabbit-hole into mother&wife-tussle-land”, trust me, you’ll be extremely disappointed. Your crying will probably flood the whole house like Alice in Wonderland when she fell into the rabbit hole. DW simply couldn’t bring himself to disappoint his mother…to him, his mum is adorably fun, open and loving person.

His screen presence is most deliriously welcoming as he is the only male character in this movie. Dong-Woo is a man who is deeply in touch with his own feelings and passion but he was over-powered by his manipulative mum whom he had failed to recognize her overly possessiveness. He was torn between his mother and wife and as he was being too traumatized by his motherly love that he did not notice anything amiss…..even when Su-Jin’s basking in misery.

DW struggles with “mommy dearest” with his beloved wife and often than not it was a common scene when a husband is put to task to determine which side he is in during a confrontation. As much as he dots on his beloved mother, he was willing to sacrifice his mother for his wife. His mother penchant for son’s love was a reflection of her insecurities and her unwillingness to accept household changes, brought DW to a predicament and alas, he went along with Su-Jin’s idea to stir sense into his mother.

I can’t find any flaws in his acting and as much as I wanted to evaluate his actions in bed, I get caught in darkness. Believe me! he must have enjoyed the bed scenes with JW the most and I am pretty sure that goes with the smooching scenes. Of course I don’t need to go into details what newly wed couple would be busy indulging, right? Just too bad….they got distracted while in the act, thanks to “mommy jealous” who loves nothing more than to give them a screeching halt. Aigooooo…..this is the exact opposite of what I would have expected from “Goong” scenes!!

Most Compelling Adventure……

I was pleasantly shocked that this story with less than 2-hour of screening time can spice up a MIL + DIL relationship from moderately heart-rending to a traumatic heart-pain and exploded to a tragically heart-palpitating and finally a heart-wrenching departure……my least expectation of how traumatic and nerve-racking this story moves me but as compelling as it may sound absurd, it sure draws the viewers to their seat. This story manages to enthrall the audience with its attention to detail and excellent supportive cast drawing an unconventional and psychological thrilling plot that will blow your minds off. It was really a heavy film.

A story full of emotional charged with lots of trauma and delivered by three main cast who gave the characters full of depth and you’ll be spellbound by the good acting and there’s only one male species character that you get to drool. This film delved deeply into an emotional turmoil and upheaval threesome’s life.

While "The Hole" is fictional, I believe it is inspired by real-life experiences and there are issues of actions and responses that are part of human nature. I have doubts about the seriousness and substance of one’s life, the luxurious of a comfort zone that we often take things for granted. I tried to escape the comfortable lethargy that seems to exercise such a powerful hold on me…and of this movie, it has such an impact! I was bewildered --- as soon as I think I’ve got myself pigeon-holed, they are going to surprise me!! Maybe, it is only me that felt that way...... revealing a conservative side of me.

In all honesty, I got nervous watching the nerve-racking scenes and the tragic characters of mother and son who struggled in their own battle. I described this movie as “thought provoking”, mystery, thriller not the usual thrill but someone that will traumatize you playing with psychological-effect.

I don’t view ending as an important factor to judge its overall performances but since I had already touched many aspects of this movie in my commentaries, I believe many must have already knew how the ending will turn out.

This verse will reveal its precise ending scenario…….

(Spreading ashes on the sea….....

Action by Su-Jin...mixing both ashes….as one.....blending their love…..)

Hope they won’t end up as mother and son in their next life

I hope they’ll find happiness forever

It’s too cruel to separate them

Their strong love for each other brings them so much pain

There’s nothing wrong with mother’s love

In the end, it’s his mother who followed him

Whereas I’m still alive

I am feeling guilty now ……..

Credit to the People Behind the Scenes – Production/Technical Team

Touching on Storyline, OST, Technicality, Costume and Cinematography

"The Hole" is definitely worth a watch but just don’t expect too much in terms of high-tech productions as this movie is produced with a low-budget (my observation) as there is only one major setting (basically at the same house) and very minimal outdoor scenes. The cast was not dressed glamorously except for the wedding gowns. DW's Omoni was often seen dressed-up to match the ocassion and appeared looking very modern and English-inspired. In fact, this is one movie which concentrates the storyline based on three role characters and one minor role character, Su-Jin’s best friend. With all these tucked as one movie, I doubt it was a lavish production.

It was 9 years ago when they did this movie and in my opinion, it was such a great film and found it interesting that the writer explored the meta-psychological within the suspense and thriller genre and the thematic elements I thought were fascinating. I am impressed that they were capable to produce such an exemplary “somewhat-controversial” storyline kind of movie for audience (somehow it has a touch of western-style). I am not going to emphasize on “controversy” part because it could be my personal views since some may disagree with me as this story is all about a psychotic mother-in-law.

I don’t know whether there was an OST-released that came along with this movie but I noticed they played some western classical songs in some of the scenes. The sound-effect, honestly, was not up to standard but the music chosen was not a bad choice and effectively drumming on my ears when it was played during those thrilling scenes. The music-effect was instilling a westernized-feel and I applaud them for taking chances to explore since it did put us in the right mood while watching the most heart-thudding scenes.

I must admit there was none awesome cinematography to boast in this movie. Barely left with a choice, I shall only delve into what I remember and like most, the exterior part of the house – the garden was very inspiring and invigorating with all the lovely greenery bushy trees, surrounded with well-trimmed bonzai. So captivating, peaceful and nestled in a corner is a garden table and chairs to indulge your tea-session. Frankly, there’s not much of a choice to compare in my comment since the house is the only scene made out in the entire storyline. Sadly, the interior was the exact opposite of the exterior, not inspiring but instigating, not invigorating but exhaustive, not captivating but disgusting and no peace but war….yup…such a bad "feng-shui"!! Believe it or not, that could have been the result of a tragic ending.

~~THE END~~

[Felicia Soh]

Thanks Rubie for posting the article on "Picture Album of Choi Ji-woo to Go Mobile". Wondering how I can get it downloaded?? Anyway, to avoid making a fool of myself with real stupid questions, I think I should just check it out at Excite!!

Xuexi, I have thought of it and I guess it is high time to response to their publication. I just hope that they'd be more sensitive with regards to celebs' updated news and their profiles. I am aware gossip mags don't really have a moral issue on such kind of publication because that's their main topic...juicy hot gossips!!

[Guest dramalover]

Felicia my dear...you've done it again..I can't seems to find this drama in my country at all.But with your detailed summaries and reviews...it feels like I am watching HSJ on my tv screen being beaten and gagged by her horrible MIL ...kamsahamnida chingu for sharing..

Oct 24, 2006

Picture Album of Choi Ji-woo to Go Mobile

Actor Choi Ji-woo, who has enjoyed rising popularity throughout Asia as well as Japan since the release of the KBS hit drama "Winter Sonata," will see her picture album serviced in Japan through i-mode, EZweb and Yahoo mobile phones starting from Nov. 6.

Source: KBS Global

http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/new...1674_11858.html

Thanks rubie for the updated news of our Princess..

[Felicia Soh]

Felicia my dear...you've done it again..I can't seems to find this drama in my country at all.But with your detailed summaries and reviews...it feels like I am watching HSJ on my tv screen being beaten and gagged by her horrible MIL ...kamsahamnida chingu for sharing..

I hope I didn’t scare you, Dramalover with all my detailed accounts of the eccentric MIL but all the same I hope after reading some part of my posting (if not all) many of JW fans will be interested to watch it. Sincerely, I hope I did not send out a negative message across while posting such a LWP commentaries (it’s probably my trademark...sorry!).

If anyone is interested to purchase this movie, here’s one of the links (as recommended by BB) :-

http://shop.hkdvdstore.com/product_info.ph...oducts_id/25860

[Guest Hyc]

Oct 24, 2006

Picture Album of Choi Ji-woo to Go Mobile

Starjiwoo

YTN 25/10/06

mms://mmc.daumcast.net/tvnews/ytnstar/200610/25/200610251309300989_s.wmv

[Guest inez]

Cool review again by Fel..

thanks so much babe!

[Guest ellabel]

Wasnt able to go to soompi for a few days... Glad it's back.

Felicia dear, I'm so amazed, actually the word should be awed by your writing skills... you will really give the professional critics/movie reviewers a run for their money. I saw Olgami a long time ago. It's a regular suspense thriller involving the relationship between M-I-L and D-I-L but I admired CJW's acting here considering she's relatively a neophyte in the industry then. I will need more time to read and digest your article tho. (need to work, chingu)

Just like xuexi, i agree with your observations on the irresponsible reporting of some media men and I think it would be a good idea if you will let the mag publisher/editor about their infraction/lapses.

Thanks Ching and rubie for the updated news on Jiwoo.

[Felicia Soh]

Thank you my dear friends, Ella, Inez, Dramalover, Grace and everyone for taking your precious time to read my lengthy train of thought on the movie, The Hole. One of my sincerest intentions is to inspire more people to consider watching an older movie of CJW. It may not be easily available but I hope fans of CJW will not give up the hope to watch a thriller and suspense movie of Ji-Woo.

I am aware that some people have a wrong impression of CJW's track record. Perhaps, it could be due to non-accessible news of her previous achievements which misled some viewers. Sadly, many only remember JW in her maudlin, tear-jerker roles and not someone who is capable to undertake a much heavier and meaty role.

If viewers can't shift their attention to her other roles (rather than stamping her with a life-time stigma as the girl who stole BYJ's heart in Winter Sonata), then no matter how hard CJW work towards her contribution to the film industry, reservations from certain group of people will always be viewed as a hindrance to her career advancement. Not that I am trying to strip her off as the actress who stormed or swept HALLYU WAVE to many shores but at times, carrying that "title" could be a burden~~~ so difficult to break-away as if she had only achieved fame due to WS. Just my thoughts....

[Guest Jenny C]

Thank you my dear friends, Ella, Inez, Dramalover, Grace and everyone for taking your precious time to read my lengthy train of thought on the movie, The Hole. One of my sincerest intentions is to inspire more people to consider watching an older movie of CJW. It may not be easily available but I hope fans of CJW will not give up the hope to watch a thriller and suspense movie of Ji-Woo.

I am aware that some people have a wrong impression of CJW's track record. Perhaps, it could be due to non-accessible news of her previous achievements which misled some viewers. Sadly, many only remember JW in her maudlin, tear-jerker roles and not someone who is capable to undertake a much heavier and meaty role.

If viewers can't shift their attention to her other roles (rather than stamping her with a life-time stigma as the girl who stole BYJ's heart in Winter Sonata), then no matter how hard CJW work towards her contribution to the film industry, reservations from certain group of people will always be viewed as a hindrance to her career advancement. Not that I am trying to strip her off as the actress who stormed or swept HALLYU WAVE to many shores but at times, carrying that "title" could be a burden~~~ so difficult to break-away as if she had only achieved fame due to WS. Just my thoughts....

Fel, you totally leave me speechless with your indept analysis of CJW best movie so far ......wow.....

I was so thrilled when i managed to grab hold of this movie early this year through yesasia that i had been reviewing it again and again. Thoroughly enjoyed CJW acting in this movie....

It is now out of stocks/production at Yesasia but thanks to our dear friend BB for providing the link, those who miss out on this movie should take this opportunity to grab it before the stocks are out......

[Guest Hyc]

Jiwoo's Japan Vana Mineral Water ad

http://www.vana.ternet.co.jp/

[Guest dramalover]

Jiwoo's Japan Vana Mineral Water ad

Thanks Hyc for updating us with her new CF captures..She is

stunningly beautiful...

I hope news of her upcomming project will come soon...

[Guest ellabel]

Thank you my dear friends, Ella, Inez, Dramalover, Grace and everyone for taking your precious time to read my lengthy train of thought on the movie, The Hole. One of my sincerest intentions is to inspire more people to consider watching an older movie of CJW. It may not be easily available but I hope fans of CJW will not give up the hope to watch a thriller and suspense movie of Ji-Woo.

I am aware that some people have a wrong impression of CJW's track record. Perhaps, it could be due to non-accessible news of her previous achievements which misled some viewers. Sadly, many only remember JW in her maudlin, tear-jerker roles and not someone who is capable to undertake a much heavier and meaty role.

If viewers can't shift their attention to her other roles (rather than stamping her with a life-time stigma as the girl who stole BYJ's heart in Winter Sonata), then no matter how hard CJW work towards her contribution to the film industry, reservations from certain group of people will always be viewed as a hindrance to her career advancement. Not that I am trying to strip her off as the actress who stormed or swept HALLYU WAVE to many shores but at times, carrying that "title" could be a burden~~~ so difficult to break-away as if she had only achieved fame due to WS. Just my thoughts....

Let's face it her role as Yu jin catapulted Jiwoo to where she is now... being the first and lone Hallyu wave actress in Japan... All thanks to WS and the amazing chemsitry betwee her and BYJ. Most viewers remember her in her melodramatic roles in BD, WS and STH. But, it's not too late to reinvent herself and try other roles in film or drama.

After I watched her in these dramas and got impressed, i took the time to look out for her old works.... just like what i did with LBH and KSW. I admired her acting prowess and got curious and interested to see her other works to see how versatile and consistent she is as an actress. Her old movies are not all good but Olgami is one of the few that i really like.

Her climb to the top was slow but sure and I think she is a better actress now than before (not that I'm saying she was not good then). Just like wine, CJW gets better and richer with age.

[Guest xuexi]

Jiwoo's Japan Vana Mineral Water ad

Many thanks, Hyc for posting JW's latest CF .... She looked so refreshingly beautiful in this mineral water ad -that's why Japan Vana co. engaged her to be the endorser!!

Always enjoy reading the pholosphical thots and exchanges by Felicia, ella and many other admirers of princess CJW !!!!

Happy weekend to all of you

[wrblee]

็็I agree with Felicia coz I did watched THE HOLE last month This movie scare me of wedding to a man who got MIL like this. If I was Su Jin, I couldn't be patient as her for sure!

I think the most scary scene is the openning scene and the scene of taking bath of Su Jin's husband with his mother

Well, I think this movie is worth for watching, you can see Jiwoo in different role from WLS, STH, YRJ.