Im Si Wan 임시완

[rubie]

December 26, 2017

 

Best Korean movies of 2017

 

By Rumy Doo The Korea Herald

  
Another year has come to a wrap up the Korean film industry. 

 

Genres continue to be limited to political thrillers and crime flicks, and the scarcity of female roles persists. Despite the relative lack of diversity, however, 2017 turned out to be a year that offered several pleasant, unexpected surprises for moviegoers. Quieter, more pensive films excelled this year, offering insight into humanity and the everyday. 

 

Okja
Adventure, fantasy 
Directed by Bong Joon-ho 
Distributed by Netflix, Next Entertainment World

 

“Okja” is a film full of heart, an optimistic story that also peers into some of the most twisted aspects of a social order mankind has created for themselves. 

 

Vegetarians and environmentalists hailed the film as an effective campaign tool against the mass-production of meat, and though it makes an excellent case, the film is much more than an advocate for green eating. It speaks of universal issues such as the need for empathy, the inevitable pang of growing up and facing a vicious world, the inhumane order of capitalism and the terrible consequences that one person’s envy can cause. 

 

At once a coming-of-age tale, satire and good old-fashioned adventure ride, led by the indefatigable young heroine Mija (Ahn Seo-hyun), “Okja” once again proves director Bong’s unique sensitivity and intellect. It includes picturesque Korean landscapes, large-scale yet detailed chase scenes, a richly layered story and an equally diverse cast. 

 

The Fortress
Historical drama
Directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk 
Distributed by CJ Entertainment 

 

In Korea, dozens of period pieces are made every year for both film and television, but “The Fortress” is that rare example of a historical drama that appreciates history in all its complexity. 

 

It also invites viewers to ponder philosophical issues through characters who seem to adhere to a higher moral standard than the modern bureaucrat. 

 

The year is 1636. The location, Namhansanseong, a mountain fortress southeast of Seoul. Joseon’s King Injo (Park Hae-il), his advisers and people are trapped within its walls in the freezing winter, unable to escape from or fight against a Chinese invasion. 

 

At the center of the film lies the ideological struggle that ensues as the king’s two highest advisors -- Choi Myung-gil (Lee Byung-hun) and Kim Sang-hun (Kim Yoon-seok) -- fiercely debate on the course of action to take. Choi opts to surrender, arguing that life and survival precede lofty ideals, while Kim, staunchly believing that the only meaningful life is one with honor and dignity, argues Joseon should fight even if it means death. 

 

The film’s debate mirrors the philosophical tension that was pervasive throughout the Joseon era; some scholars today argue that it was Joseon’s excessive emphasis on form and formality that led to its demise. In the film, both arguments, meanwhile, pale when compared to the brutal reality of people dying from frostbite and starvation.  

 

The Running Actress
Drama, comedy
Directed by Moon So-ri 
Distributed by Metaplay

 

Humorous, intelligent and reflective, this is a gem of a film and the directorial feature debut of acclaimed actress Moon So-ri, known for films such as “Oasis.” Moon, who penned, directed and starred in the film, tells a semi-autobiographical three-part story about the daily life of an actress, which usually begins and ends in a breakdown in her van. 

 

Moon struggles with the gap between the cachet people place on actresses -- “You must not eat (cheap) food like this!” -- and the painfully menial, often demeaning, details of her actual daily routine. With a livelihood that relies so heavily on “personal charm” and “beauty,” the actress perennially wavers between confidence in her skills, the courage to ask for better roles and intense insecurity. The film ends with a stirring contemplation on art and life. 

 

The First Lap
Drama
Directed by Kim Dae-hwan 
Distributed by Indieplug 

 

With his sophomore feature, Kim Dae-hwan proves once again that he has a keen eye for capturing the real Korean family. His debut work “End of Winter” observed how deep-seated resentments begin manifesting themselves after a family is snowed in in their hometown. 

 

“The First Lap” focuses on a young couple as they attempt to navigate adult life, meet each other’s families and evade, for as long as possible, that daunting institution of marriage for fear of turning out like their respective parents. In two achingly naturalistic performances that were in large part adlibbed, according to director Kim, Jo Hyun-chul and Kim Sae-byuk bring to life a thoroughly average millennial Korean couple and all their blunders. 

 

The Merciless
Crime, action
Directed by Byun Sung-hyun
Distributed by CJ Entertainment 

 

Director Byun made an explosive debut with the stylish noir “The Merciless,” which was invited to Cannes Film Festival’s midnight screenings in May. 

 

The value of this film lies in its style -- its bold, vintage colors, the meticulous arrangement of the buildings and people -- and how it follows the emotions of its two lead characters, the seemingly hardened gangster Han Jae-ho (Sol Kyung-gu) and reckless young delinquent Jo Hyun-soo (Im Si-wan). Their relationship evolves to become deeper than a bromance and more calculated than a romance.  

 

The film’s box office numbers, meanwhile, received a blow due to public outrage at director Byun’s sexual tweets about his actors, for which the director subsequently apologized. 

Distinctly ‘Korean’ films that soothed the souls of Koreans

"A Taxi Driver" (Showbox)

 

“A Taxi Driver,” directed by Jang Hoon, became the 11th most-viewed Korean film of all time. Through the movie, we see that through the efforts of one taxi driver -- played by the always enjoyable Song Kang-ho -- and a relentless German journalist, Korea’s May 18 Democratic Uprising, where hundreds were killed while protesting the military government, became known to the world.

"I Can Speak" (Lotte Entertainment)

 

“I Can Speak,” directed by Kim Hyeon-suk, also deals with Korea’s lingering pain from history. The elderly Na Ok-boon (Na Moon-hee) is a neighborhood busybody who pesters civil servant Park Min-jae (Lee Je-hoon) for English lessons. It turns out that Na was forced into military sexual slavery in her youth by the Japanese. By learning English, she exposes Japan’s crimes on the international stage. 

 

Spectacular computer graphics 

"The Battleship Island" (CJ Entertainment)

 

Ryoo Seung-wan’s “The Battleship Island” recreated almost in its entirety Japan’s Hashima Island, where Korean people were forced into slave labor by the Japanese, both using a set and through computer graphics. The film shows large-scale explosions in the narrow underground coal mines, Korean laborers’ decrepit living conditions and a rebellion that breaks out among the workers. 

"Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds" (Lotte Entertainment)

 

Kim Yong-hwa’s “Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds” offered another example of sheer scale and spectacle. It created a vast fantasy world of the afterlife, from the burning hell of lava to sprawling deserts and towering waterfalls. The graphics were undertaken by Kim’s Dexter Studios, one of Asia’s leading motion picture production studios.    

 

Daring films that attempted to transcend genre 

"Real" (CJ Entertainment)

 

Director Lee Sa-rang’s “Real,” starring Kim Soo-hyun, caused a small sensation when it was released in June. With blaring electronic visuals (so much red lighting), a plot that attempted to intertwine the present, the past, the psyche, and reality, and explicit sex scenes, the film was incomprehensible and utterly new -- though perhaps not in the best way. It is worth noting for its courage to break all rules.

"Glass Garden" (Little Big Pictures)

 

Shin Su-won’s “Glass Garden” features a scientist (Moon Geun-young) who isolates herself in the forest to research blood. She discovers a way to create “green blood” by infusing blood with chloroplasts, and dreams of one day turning into a tree. The novelty of the premise led the film to open this year’s Busan International Film Festival.   

 

By Rumy Doo (doo@heraldcorp.com) 

[sky5joyous]

Sorry, I haven't the translation : they tell Kang Sora gave its opinion about his concern (I think about acting and maybe the life because of his enlistment) to Siwan,  he thought her opinion was good and he chose "her" agency. I think her philosophy of life and her perception of the acting are the reasons of his presence in "her" agency, Plum Actors. 

If a person can translate the end of this video (3.00 - end), I will be happy... 

 

              

[willenette]

DRAMAFEVER MOVIE NIGHT: One-Line, starring Im Si Wan and Jin Goo

 

 

When a young hustler (Im Si Wan of Misaeng) joins an expert fraudster (Jin Goo of Descendants of the Sun) in a big heist, he finds himself in over his head. Tonight's DramaFever Movie Night is the 2017 hit One-Line.

 

Synopsis

College student Min Jae (Im Si Wan, Incomplete Life: Misaeng) is a small-time swindler. He meets forger Suk Goo (Jin Goo,

 

Descendants of the Sun), who is a more higher-end thief. Min Jae robs some of Suk Goo’s money and soon finds himself at the mercy of Ji Won (Park Byung Eun, Queen of Mystery), Suk Goo’s vicious enforcer. Suk Goo has an eye for talent. Instead of punishing the young crook, he decides to enlist Min Jae into his fraud syndicate. They work well together, but rifts soon develop between Suk Goo and Ji Won. Min Jae gets caught in the middle. With the law on their tail and distrust between them, the three men soon learn that the difference between friend and enemy is just one, thin line. One-Line is directed by Yang Kyung Mo.

 

Trailer

 

 

 

 

Posters

 

 

Watch Now

https://www.dramafever.com/news/dramafever-movie-night-one-line-starring-im-si-wan-and-jin-goo/

 

[willenette]

On 1/15/2018 at 7:14 AM, sky5joyous said:

Sorry, I haven't the translation : they tell Kang Sora gave its opinion about his concern (I think about acting and maybe the life because of his enlistment) to Siwan,  he thought her opinion was good and he chose "her" agency. I think her philosophy of life and her perception of the acting are the reasons of his presence in "her" agency, Plum Actors. 

If a person can translate the end of this video (3.00 - end), I will be happy...          

 

Hi sky5joyous, thanks for sharing the clip + the partial translation.......... Since you mentioned about her, I want to share something about their drama together :

 

 

7 Hero-Centric Korean Dramas That Give Inspiring Life Lessons

 

 

Korean Dramas not only take you to myriad of places, they also let you meet fictional heroes who can teach you a thing or two about life.

As most enthusiasts would have been typically drawn to Korean dramas because of the saccharine rom-coms, others might have seen memorable stories, which left a deep impression in their hearts.

 

Over the years, viewers’ taste in watching Korean dramas would have expounded to lean on more serious themed dramas while still enjoying the light ones. It is given since audiences tend to outgrow the refreshing ones as they gain more experiences in life.

 

Let’s look back on some notable Korean dramas with memorable heroes, who stand out with their superb character portrayals.

1. Misaeng

“On career goals”

photocredit: tvN

 

Misaeng leads you to a pensive mood to ponder on forgotten dreams, life regrets and what-nows. It highlights the pure emotions felt by salaried employees struggling everyday to get their job done.

 

Im Shi Wan becomes the non-top-university educated poster boy, who braves the odds as an intern to a big conglomerate company, Jang Geu Rae. He shows the heartbreaking downside of a typical salary man realm, who continuously perseveres to work on opportunities given to him to compensate from his educational background that does not appeal much in South Korea’s corporate world.

 

It is hard these days to find a human TV drama that follows the fundamentals of how and why storytelling emerges to inspire people.

 

We frequently see stories to escape from the problems which we are facing, so sitting down upfront a courageous and flaw-filled TV presentation chronicling what is true and happening, what we hide to people relying on us, and what we don’t want to admit to ourselves because of too much pride will make you understand that career goals need not be happening in an instant and all at the same time.

 

 

 

source : HelloKPop

[willenette]

*** I hope they can ship worldwide. I want this. 

 

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USB of "The King Loves" BTS clips to be made available for purchase

 

 

 

OMO. DREAM COME TRUE!!! A USB containing 200 minutes of The King Loves BTS/making clips will be made available in February. Pre-orders start from January 29. It will feature the three leads and will showcase the chemistry they had behind the scenes. OMO!!!!!!!! I so need to get this. I hope there will be more than just what was released during the screening of the drama. AHHHHHHH. I need more Rinsan!!! Or well, actually, I mean I want more Yoona and Hong Jong Hyun. Best OTP couple ever. The only couple I ship soooooo bad in real life.

 

I’ve provided the link to the website which announced the news. I hope this isn’t the only way to buy the USB… hoping they will sell it at more accessible websites. If any of you guys discover more info about purchasing this item, do post the info in this thread. I’ll definitely translate the Yoona-HJH bits if I can get my hands on this. Got a feeling this piece of news will excite Rinsan fans more…because of the hard-core Yoona-HJH shippers. Haha. Darn. I have to get this.

 

 

Link to website here…

 

 

source : https://breathlesssurvival.wordpress.com/2018/01/19/usb-of-the-king-loves-bts-clips-to-be-made-available-for-purchase/

[willenette]

Taecyeon, Beenzino, and Im Siwan To Participate In 2018 PyeongChang Olympics Events

 

 

2PM’s Taecyeon, Beenzino, and Im Siwan, who are currently soldiers fulfilling their mandatory military services, will be participating in events for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.

 

According to the Ministry of National Defense, Taecyeon will be emceeing concerts at the Gangneung Art Center on February 14 and 15. Along with his fellow 9th Armed Forces Division soldiers, he will also be taking part in the opening ceremony of a cultural performance while wearing various animal masks. Taecyeon also plans to join 2PM members as the whole group will be performing at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics Headliner show. Im Siwan, who is currently serving in the 25th division, will also be participating in the concert on February 15.

 

Beenzino will be performing on February 18 in the second half of the 2018 PyeongChang Culture Olympics concert with his fellow Illionaire Records artists Dok2 and The Quiett. The rapper, along with his labelmates, will also be participating in the PyeongChang Plaza on February 13 and 21.

 

The three celebrities are not the first to actively serve in the military while also carrying out events for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Ji Chang Wook also previously appeared in a promotional video.

 

Taecyeon previously gave up his green card in the United States and enlisted in the military last September. He was then assigned to the 9th Armed Forces Division in Gyeonggi Province as an assistant military instructor. Im Siwan enlisted last July and was assigned to the 25th division as an assistant instructor for new recruits, while Beenzino enlisted in the military last May.

 

 

Source (1) / soompi news

[willenette]

*** I'm happy that ISW will be standing alongside Taecyeon on February 15. Can't wait! Siwan looks so good even in military uniform.

[willenette]

*** I was able to watch "the Merciless" - I find the movie good. Excellent stunts and effects, the fights & car crashes are eye-catching. It  offers nothing new to the table plot-wise, but it is undeniably a well-directed, visually stunning movie with strong acting neatly packaged into a slick crime film. Some of the action is shot in innovative ways (there are some well-choreographed cinematography moves). I do have a crackle when ISW is onscreen. He effortlessly switches between his cop and criminal personas. The movie is not perfect but “The Merciless” is well-executed.

[willenette]

February 22, 2018

 

 

Im Siwan & Taecyeon became docents at PyeongChang Olympics!

 

Singer and actor Im Siwan and 2PM's Taecyeon, who are both serving in the military, turned into docents. A docent is a person who leads guided tours through a museum or art gallery.

 

 

On February 22, the official Instagram account of 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics shared a picture and wrote, 'In the Culture ICT Hall of PyeongChang Olympic Plaza, you can meet many exhibits of artist Nam June Paik including 'Turtle'. Special docents joined us to help people understand the exhibits.'

 

The picture shows Im Siwan introducing an exhibit. Im Siwan will serve as docent on February 24. 2PM's Taecyeon will be docent on the 22nd and 23rd.

 

Meanwhile, Im Siwan enlisted in the military on July 11 of last year. He will be discharged in April 2019.

 

 

 

[Image source: PyeongChang Winter Olympics Instagram]

credit : KBS Global

[sky5joyous]

  

[sky5joyous]

                 

[willenette]

21 Gorgeous Korean Guys Who Will Make You Damn Thirsty

 

5. Im Siwan

 

 

 

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source : koreaboo

[willenette]

8 Great K-Dramas To Check Out When You’re Not In The Mood For Romance

 

 

Let’s be honest, many of us turn to Korean dramas for the romance; it’s a staple that dominates the themes and narratives of a majority of shows. There are back hugs, piggy backs, Kabedon, and love confessions! What’s not to love?

 

But sometimes you might not be in the mood for romance. Either you’ve had your fill, you’re going through a break up and can’t stand the thought of watching a fictional love blossom, or maybe you just want to watch something different and take a dip into another genre. If that’s the case, check out these eight really good dramas that don’t have any romance (or maybe have a bit but not too much)!

 

“Incomplete Life (Misaeng)”

 

 

In “Incomplete Life,” Im Siwan plays Jang Geu Rae, a young and pure minded man with little real life experience. The ex-baduk player is thrown into the world of corporate business, and struggles with all the obstacles of fitting in socially and getting by in the office.

 

This drama takes its time to purposefully build up every character (good and bad) to show their every pitfall, struggle, moment of desperation, and eventually triumph. Even seemingly irredeemable characters are shown with such depth that their development is rewarding to watch.

 

The focus of this drama is its realism and moments we can all relate to; feeling like an outsider, struggling with self worth, and trying to appeal to the people we look up to and feeling their struggles as deeply as our own. It’s a truly heart-wrenching narrative with equally emotional performances from all the cast.

 

Catch the first episode: 

 

 

Watch Now

 

 

(skipped unrelated.....)

 

 

credit : soompi news

[willenette]

9 Korean Celebs With The Highest Korean SAT Scores Ever Recorded

 

Some have it all: the looks, the fame, and the brains! These are 9 Korean celebrities scored the highest Korean SAT scores ever, and their intelligence isn’t the only attractive parts about them.

 

 

6. Lim Siwan

ZE:A member and actor, Lim Siwan, went to the prestigious Busan Institute of Science and Technology. He scored 450 out of 500 in his entrance exams and scored 850 for his TOEIC exam!

 

 

 

(skipped unrelated.....)

 

 

source : koreaboo

[sky5joyous]

                                                                                    

[willenette]

14 hours ago, sky5joyous said:

                                                                                    

 

Hi sky5joyous, thanks for sharing this picture. How I missed Siwan! It says that this was during the Ground Army Festival. 

[willenette]

Koreans Vote On Which Singers They Think Are The Best At Acting

 

 

The Korean public has voiced their thoughts on the best singer-turned-actors!

 

Online survey company PMI recently conducted a survey asking, “Among all the singer-turned-actors, who do you think is the best at acting?” 2,400 respondents of both genders from the ages of 20-50 years old participated in the survey.

 

Im Siwan took the top place among male singers with 24.5 percent of the votes, while IU won first place for female singers with 21.7 percent of the votes.

 

Im Siwan is a member of ZE:A, and made his acting debut in 2012 through the drama “The Moon Embracing the Sun.” He now has a variety of productions under his belt including “Incomplete Life,” “The King Loves,” “The Attorney,” “The Merciless,” and more.

 

IU made her acting debut through the drama “Dream High” in 2011. She went on to star in “You’re the Best, Lee Soon Shin,” “Producer,” and more. She is currently starring as the main lead Lee Ji An in tvN’s “My Ahjussi.”

Additionally, Lee Seung Gi and Apink’s Jung Eun Ji took second place with 18.4 percent and 14.3 percent of the votes, respectively.

Lee Seung Gi boasts an impressive career as both a singer and actor. He first debuted as a singer in 2004, and then started his acting career through the sitcom “Nonstop 5” in the same year. He has since gone on to star as the lead in 10 dramas and two movies.

Apink’s Jung Eun Ji starred as the main lead in “Reply 1997” in 2012, before going on to act in “That Winter, The Wind Blows,” “Untouchable,” and more.

Finally, Seo In Guk placed third for males with 12.1 percent of the votes, while Girl’s Day’s Hyeri came in third for females with 11.8 percent of the votes.

The winner of the first season of “Superstar K,” Seo In Guk has found success with his acting career after starring as the lead in the drama “Reply 1997” and then the movie “No Breathing.”

Hyeri made her acting debut through the drama “Tasty Life” in 2012, and gained great attention with her role in “Reply 1988” in 2016. She will be making her debut on the big screen later this year through the movie “Monstrum” (working title).

Who is your personal pick for the best singer-turned-actor?

 

 

 

Source (1) / soompi news

[willenette]

13 High School Characters Who Were Played By MUCH Older Actors

These actors don’t seem to age.

 

 

3. Im Si Wan

 

 

While Im Si Wan may have been 24 at the time, he didn’t look out of place with his younger Moon Embracing The Sun castmates.

 

 

At the same age, he played a very convincing student in Man From The Equator.

 

 

(skipped unrelated.....)

 

 

source : koreaboo

[willenette]

[Lily's Take] Im Si-wan Supports Park Hyung-sik From the Military

 

 

Even though Im Si-wan is away diligently serving his country, his caring and thoughtful nature still stands strong.

 

On May 28^th, actor Park Hyung-sik posted several photos on his official Instagram account featuring himself in front of a coffee truck sent by actor Im Si-wan. The caption on the post says, "My dear Corporal Im who made me start filming with teary eyes with his comments… I hope you will return soon with good health. Thank you, I love you!"

 

 

In the pictures Park Hyung-sik posted, Im Si-wan's choice of picture on the banner of the coffee truck is making everyone laugh. The banner's image is a screenshot of Im Si-wan's messages to Park Hyung-sik and the three messages read: "Hey, Hyung-sik, the 070 number is from me, so make sure to answer it, okay?", "Hyung-sik…?", and "Hope you have a great time shooting the drama today, hyung-sik!".

 

As the small number 1 next to his message indicates that Park Hyung-sik hasn't been reading his messages is a funny sight, though we all are feeling sorry for Im Si-wan.

 

It is great to see the two continuing their friendship even after their group, 'ZE:A' went their separate ways few years ago.

 

 

 

By. Lily Lee

credit : Hancinema

 

[willenette]

10 Male Idols Who Confessed They’re Into Foreign Women

These stars are into women from other countries!

 

 

3. Siwan (ZE:A)

 

 

ZE:A‘s Siwan is another idol who chose Amanda Seyfried as his ideal type. During an interview on radio program “Lee Sora’s Music Plaza,” he stated that he saw Amanda Seyfried signing an autograph for a fan, and that image was beautiful in his eyes.

 

 

 

(skipped unrelated.....)

 

 

source : koreaboo