Hwang Jung-Min 황정민 [Upcoming Movies: “12.12: The Day”, “Mission Cross”, “Veteran 2”, “Hope”]

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November 13, 2011

Stars Who Have the Fame and No Anti-fans

Source: Nate by: SP0NJiE soompi.com

It is easy for anti-fans to show their hate with today’s technology, especially with the popularity of social networking services (SNS). Although stars would all agree that attracting anti-fans is not the best skill to have up their sleeves, there is a saying for stars who have yet to shine in the entertainment world: “Having at least anti-fans is evidence that you are being noticed.” However there are stars that earn much love while still not having any anti-fans. It is curious how these public figures can attract so many fans while keeping away the “common” anti-fans.

Actors Jang Dong Gun and MC Yoo Jae Suk are a few of the stars that fit into this category. With the appearance of a marble statue, Jang Dong Gun earns his popularity from putting his best effort into his acting rather than trying to take advantage of his good looking face. His lack of scandals and marrying the woman he's known since 1998 (Go So Young) gave him a responsible image.

Yoo Jae Suk is famous for being Korea’s representative of having zero anti-fans. His character and skills helped him keep this spot for over 10 years. Not only do his skills on shows attract fans, but also his everyday actions as an average Korean citizen.

Aside from these two, Song Kang Ho and Hwang Jung Min are other actors who also give their best, and are known for having no anti-fans.

“4th Dimension” actresses Choi Kang Hee and Gong Hyo Jin’s lovable characters also make them immune from anti-fans’ hatred. Choi Kang Hee always gives 120% on her roles and continuously participates in community volunteering. Fans recently discovered that she was secretly helping an orphanage. Gong Hyo Jin expressed her independent and lovely charm through the drama “Best Love” as well.

A new rising star that fits into this category is Yoo Seung Ho. His fame began after the film “The Way Home” but it gradually increased as he expanded his acting career as a young adult. His “little So Ji Sub” image adds to the reason why he does not have any anti-fans, but his acting in films and dramas are the main cause for attracting fans.

Park Ha Sun, who is currently starring in “High Kick 3: The Short Legs Strike Back,” is also joining this elite group. The actress appealed with an elegant image as Queen Inhyeon in drama “Dong Yi” and was cast as a chic businesswoman in the film “The Most Beautiful Goodbye.” She is portraying her clumsy character well on “High Kick 3” with several scenes where she trips, falls, and dresses up as a silly clown.

A celebrity official stated, “There is a huge difference between being popular and having no anti-fans. Having no anti-fans whatsoever shows that fans can trust the star, rather than how well the star is known. That is why stars that continue to stay put where they are and carry on giving their best effort have a higher chance of having zero anti-fans. For example, Moon Hee Jun’s anti-fans disappeared after he came back from the military, while Ok Joo Hyun’s decreased after her appearance on “I Am A Singer.” Stars have to be especially careful in the current age with SNS being highly popular.”

Can you think of any other celebrities who can join this short list?

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November 24, 2011

Kim Jeong-eun takes pictures with Hwang Jeong-min

Source: Nate via hancinema.net

Actress Kim Jeong-eun took pictures with actor Hwang Jeong-min.

She posted these pictures on her Twitter on the 24th saying, "Myeong-joon and Jin-jae in Romania".

The two are posing together in the picture and another one shows them concentrating on something else, looking friendly.

She wrote, "Myeong-joon and Jin-jae stupid couple" under a picture of her and him with funny faces and fingers up their nose.

Those who have seen this say, "It's been a while", "You two are doing a drama together. I am looking forward to it!", "The picture of you picking your nose is very impressive", "You guys looks close" and more.

Meanwhile, they are currently filming the drama "Hanbando - Drama" which will be broadcasted early next year on the new general service channel, Chosun TV.

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November 26, 2011

'The Unjust' Wins Top Honors at Blue Dragon Film Awards

CJ E&M enewsWorld Lee, InKyung

Film The Unjust won big at the 32nd Blue Dragon Film Awards, which was held at Kyunghee University’s Great Peace Palace in Seoul on November 25, taking home three awards for Best Film, Best Screenplay and Best Director. The film’s director and big winner of the night, Ryu Seung Hwan, was unable to attend the ceremony because he is currently on location overseas for his film Berlin. His wife and production company CEO Kang Hye Jung accepted the award on Ryu’s behalf.

Kang said to applause, “I am opposed to everything unjust in the world, like the proposed enforcement of the Korea-U.S. FTA (Free Trade Agreement) on November 22.” The Unjust was released in October of last year, and it was highly acclaimed for both its box office success and cinematic quality, drawing roughly three million moviegoers to theaters. It was also recognized at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Park Hae Il of War of the Arrows and Kim Ha Neul of Blind won the Best Actor and Best Actress Awards, respectively. Park and Kim were awarded the Best Actor and Best Actress Awards at the 48th Daejong Film Festival in October as well.

“I’m so happy. I started acting at a really young age, and I think I’ve been able to come this far because I was lucky enough to have come across many great projects,” said Kim upon receiving her award. “I’ve been nominated a few times for a Blue Dragon Award because of those works, and I was always envious of the actors on stage as I watched from my seat.”

Lee Je Hoon of Bleak Night and Moon Chae Won of War of the Arrows each took home a Best New Actor and Best New Actress Award, respectively.

For the complete list of the night’s winners, see below:

Best Film: The Unjust

Best Director: Ryu Seung Wan, The Unjust

Best Actor: Park Hae Il, War of the Arrows

Best Actress: Kim Ha Neul, Blind

Best Supporting Actor: Ryu Seung Ryong, War of the Arrows

Best Supporting Actress: Kim Su Mi I Love You

Best New Actor: Lee Je Hoon, Bleak Night

Best New Actress: Moon Chae Won War of the Arrows

Best New Director: Yoon Sung Hyun Bleak Night

Best Cinematography: Kim Woo Hyung, The Front Line

Best Lighting: Hwang Soon Wook, Hwanghae

Best Original Score: Mowg, The Crucible

Best Art Direction: Ryu Sung Hee, The Front Line

Technical Award: Oh Se Young, War of the Arrows

Best Original Screenplay: Park Hoon Jung, The Unjust

Best Short Film: Yang Hyo Joo, Broken Night

Popularity Award: Go Soo, Gong Yoo, Choi Kang Hee, Kim Hye Soo

Popular Film Award: War of the Arrows

Photo credit: Kim Byung Gwan

[mameayw]

Hanbando (Korean Peninsula) teaser

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbVvDGp30U4

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Thanks mameayw for posting the Hanbando drama updates, appreciate the sharing!

November 29, 2011

Hwang Jeong-min is Uhm Jung-hwa and Kim Jeong-eun's man

Source: Nate via hancinema.net

Actor Hwang Jeong-min is about to take over movies and dramas at the same time.

Hwang Jeong-min is currently all over Korea and overseas as the main character of the TV Chosun drama "Hanbando - Drama". This drama with Kim Jeong-eun, Jo Seong-ha, Lee Soon-jae, producer Lee Hyeong-min and writer Yoon Seon-joo has Hwang Jeong-min taking on the role of Seo Myeong-joon, who goes from scientist to President and unifies the Korean peninsula -- Hanbando.

When debates regarding unification and the development of alternative energy sources by both the North and South Koreas begins accelerating, Kim Jeong-eun takes on the role of first lady Rim Jin-jae. She shares love and romance evenly in this divided reality.

In the movies, Hwang Jeong-min is Uhm Jung-hwa's man. This is their third collaboration since "My Lovely Week" and "Five Senses of Eros". In reality, the two are close friends and their movie "Dancing Queen" has been confirmed to be released next January.

"Dancing Queen" is about the wife of Mayor of Seoul becoming a dancing queen. Hwang Jeong-min is the Seoul City Mayoral candidate and Uhm Jung-hwa is the wife who becomes a dancer/singer by accident. The two are good enough at what they do to be able to pull off whatever role is given to them, and this builds expectations. The dynamic double-sided life is not the only thing that's interesting -- the fancy staging and lighting should be very entertaining as well.

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December 1, 2011

Dramas on way with four new channels

jTBC, TV Chosun, MBN, Channel A’s initial line-up unveiled

By Jean Oh (oh_jean@heraldm.com) koreaherald.com

Four new general programming channels ― jTBC, TV Chosun, MBN and Channel A ― were launched Thursday, and their upcoming dramas are not far behind.

Since the cable-satellite-IPTV channels ― headed by JoongAng Ilbo, Chosun Ilbo, Dong-A Ilbo and Maeil Business Newspaper ― nabbed much-coveted licenses late last year there has been much speculation as to who will put out the most-watched series.

Because the company racked up experience in television over 30 years ago with its now-defunct channel TBC, jTBC may initially appear to have a certain advantages over its rivals.

Then, again, TBC happened before cable and the Internet sprang onto the scene. In short, it happened before Korean audiences were given easy access to a diverse selection of series, before the Korean Wave turned Asia and beyond into potential viewing territory.

This is a different game, with a new set of popular genres.

Recently, crime procedurals, action blockbusters and unabashed explorations of the single woman’s psyche have multiplied across the board, signaling a trend toward bolder and more forthcoming fare.

However, instead of putting out bigger and more-in-your face series, the four look like they are going to stick to the less gory, less racy genres for now and focus on enlisting high profile talent.

Here’s a preview of what’s to come.

Grub

It is hard to pinpoint when gastronomic-heavy dramas first sprang on the scene, but among the most iconic is MBC’s “Coffee Prince.”

“Coffee Prince” demonstrated how gastronomy can set the stage for a gaggle of male eye candy, and Channel A looks ready to do something to a similar effect with its upcoming “Chonggaknae Vegetables Store.”

Drawing inspiration from the real-life grocery chain of the same name, the series revolves around the story of protagonist Han Tae-yang and his produce venture. A clutch of good-looking boys will be joining in on the fun.

Meanwhile, jTBC is spinning out a tale of those emotionally invested in a Korean restaurant famed for its kimchi. “Prince of the Legend” star Song Il-gook and “Giant” actress Park Jin-hee are starring as the leads in the upcoming “Balhyo Family.”

Romance

High profile “Worlds Within” scriptwriter Noh Hee-kyung weaves a melodramatic romance with upcoming jTBC series “Padam Padam.”

“ATHENA: Goddess of War” actor Jung Woo-sung and “Detective K” actress Han Ji-min are playing the leads who become unlikely lovers.

In contrast, Channel A’s “Color of Woman” will explore two female prototypes ― the alpha girl (played by “Goodbye Solo” actress Yoon So-yi) and the femme fatale (played by “Daemul” actress Lee Soo-kyung) ― in a decidedly feminine romance set in a cosmetics firm.

Family Saga

Veteran actor Choi Bul-am (left) and actress Yoo Ho-jung (far right) star in Channel A’s family drama “Gombaeryung, Heaven’s Garden.” (Channel A)

Veteran actor Choi Bul-am fronts Channel A’s “Gombaeryung, Heaven’s Garden” as a father living in the countryside who takes in his daughter, played by “Lady Next Door” actress Yoo Ho-jung, and her children after her husband’s business fails and she is forced to leave him.

Idols

MBN is taking a youthful tack with two upcoming series: “What’s Up” and “Vampire Idol.”

The cast of MBN’s musical-heavy collegiate series “What’s Up” strikes a pose. (MBN)

Ever since “What’s Up” started filming last July, viewers may have been wondering when the musical-based collegiate series would hit the small screen. The drama, which was written by “Hourglass” scriptwriter Song Ji-na and features boy band Big Bang member Dae-sung, will finally be unveiled.

In addition to “What’s Up,” MBN is also airing a sitcom about a boy band of vampires (seriously). Z:EA member Kwang Hee and Girl’s Day member Minah will be starring in “Vampire Idol.”

The Epic

High profile stars Hwang Jung-min (left) and Kim Jung-eun attend a script reading for the upcoming TV Chosun series “Hanbando.” (TV Chosun)

TV Chosun is tackling the blockbuster genre with “Hanbando,” a politically-charged romance featuring veteran actor Hwang Jung-min as the South Korean scientist who falls for actress Kim Jung-eun’s North Korean protagonist.

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December 6, 2011

Stars Attend Yoo Ji Tae and Kim Hyo Jin's Wedding

by: jnkm soompi mainsite

Mega stars Yoo Ji Tae and Kim Hyo Jin's wedding took place on December 2 at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul. After five years of dating, the two have finally tied the knot.

Because both the bride and the groom are so well-known in the entertainment industry, their wedding showed off a dazzling guest list of top celebrities. Stars such as SNSD's Sooyoung, Super Junior's Choi Siwon, Moon Geun Young, Tablo and Kang Hye Jung, Jung Woo Sung, Han Hyo Joo, Go Soo, Ha Ji Won, Song Yoon Ah, Bae Seul Ki, Cha Yae Ryun, Yoo Hae Jin, Bae Soo Bin, Lee Chun Hee and a lot more attended to celebrate and support the couple.

Check out some of the photos below! (please refer the original link)

SNSD's Sooyoung chose to wear tight, gray skinny jeans to emphasize her long, shapely legs. She enhanced her feminine image with a simple black, short peacoat with a belt tied around her waist.

Choi Siwon is looking dapper in that gorgeous 3-piece suit!

Moon Geun Young sports a stylish boyfriend blazer with cropped sleeves, a black miniskirt and killer ankle boots.

Perhaps it's true when they say that lovers grow to resemble one another! Tablo and his wife, Kang Hye Jung give off identical smiles and waves. Both are also sporting semi-formal blazers and circle-rimmed specs.

Jung Woo Sung gives an intense gaze as he mixes up tones of gray and black to give off a simple but fashionable look.

Han Hyo Joo gives off an icy charm in an all black ensemble with a gray scarf warmly wrapped around her neck.

Go Soo looks like he is giving a forced smile but he still looks handsome in his simple black suit. He added the final touch of a white pocket square to complete his look.

The beautiful Ha Ji Won also chooses the color black, giving off a sexy and chic image.

Han Hye Jin chose a cream-colored a-line coat for a cute and feminine look.

Park Jung Ah dresses up in an all-black outfit and sports a chic shortcut that shows off her feminine charms.

The bride specially requested for Bada to sing the congratulatory song for the wedding. Bada chose a short, black minidress with a lace fringe at the hem and layers it with a black and white striped coat.

Look who it is! It's Bae Seul Ki, also dressed up in a simple, black and white outfit.

Lee Chun Hee mixes up different tones of gray for a clean-cut and simple look.

Cha Tae Hyun wishes the couple a long and happy marriage as he sports a fitted suit with matching tie and pocket square.

Kim So Yeon fiercely looks over at the cameras in her all black ensemble. Check out her leopard print heels.

Hwang Jung Min opts for the classic black suit.

Unlike most of the guests, Lee Yoon Ji decides to go with color - she sports a bold, red high-waist skirt with a black and gold top and matching heels.

The leading man for "Brains," Shin Ha Kyun makes the right choice by pairing his navy suit with classic brown shoes.

Song Yoon Ah breaks the rules and wears a white wrap dress that hugs her curves - she looks great for her age!

Au contraire to Jo Dong Hyuk's facial expression, he brightens up his black suit with a exotic, colorful tie and pocket square.

It's a rare public appearance by Kim Jung Hwa, who chose to dress up in bright, flashy colors to brighten up the crowd!

Can you say aww? Jinusean's Sean shows up with his two sons - all of them look quite dashing!

Uhm Ji Won goes for the "Cheongdam-dong daughter-in-law" (meaning a rich housewife) look in her white blouse, soft pink pencil skirt and white fur coat. She finishes the look with big pearls and a semi-retro bob hairstyle.

Park Jong Hoon comes to congratulate his juniors on their marriage.

Lee Ah Hyun pairs a conservative navy dress with a flashy orange bag.

One of the brides closest friends, Yang Mi Ra stays low-key in this black and white outfit.

You wouldn't say much just by looking at So Yoo Jin's upper half of the body but once you peer down - bam! Look at those metallic leopard print skinny pants!

Cha Yae Ryun stays classy and feminine in tan-colored pants, a double-breasted gray long coat and black booties.

Ahn Sung Ki has still got it! He appropriately dresses for a December wedding by accessorizing his suit with a warm scarf.

Ryu Hyun Kyung goes for a nude-toned outfit with black walker boots.

Han Jung Soo admits that while he is happy for the couple, he is jealous of his buddy Yoo Ji Tae since he is still single. He sports a navy suit with a fashionable purple tie.

Director Song Il Gon poses with actor Bae Soo Bin.

The beautiful newlyweds!

The bride and groom share their first kiss as husband and wife.

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December 8, 2011

Lee Hyo-ri and Gill make cameo appearances in new film

By Sung So-young koreajoongangdaily.com

Sexy diva Lee Hyo-ri and rapper Gill have made cameo appearances in a new film titled “Dancing Queen,” which is singer-actress Uhm Jung-hwa’s latest film and is due to be released early next year.

JK Film said on Dec. 8 that Lee and Gill, who are close friends of Uhm, were willing to be part of the film. Both Lee and Gill play foul-mouthed judges in a scene where Uhm tries her luck at “Super Star K,” the Korean version of “American Idol,” without telling her husband, who is running for Seoul mayor. Actor Hwang Jung-min (“Mobydik,” 2011) will pair up with Uhm as the candidate for the Seoul mayor’s office.

Lee and Gill already finished shooting the singing competition scene, according to the film production company.

“Dancing Queen” centers on the conflicting elements of Uhm’s life. On one hand, she must be an elegant and devoted wife to Hwang, who is in the political spotlight. But she also has a long-held dream of becoming a famous signer.

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December 8, 2011

Hwang Jung Min in a Comedy Role for "Dancing Queen"

by: jbarky soompi.com

The actor Hwang Jung Min will play a comedy role in the film “Dancing Queen.” He will play a lawyer who barely passes the bar exam after 8 tries. Although he is an average and modest living lawyer, through circumstance he gets the chance to run the Mayor of Seoul

The film will show Hwang Jung Min playing against the typical image of a Mayor. Instead of keeping a graceful composure, he will show a more peasant-side and appeal to Seoul citizens.

Representatives of the film have stated that the after watching Hwang Jung Min act, they thought to themselves, ‘This scenario was made for Hwang Jung Min.’

Hwang Jung Min stated, “I think a good movie is something that makes viewers have fun and be happy. The film staff was a lot of fun, and I had an entertaining time while filming ‘Dancing Queen.’ I believe the movie will make the people who watch it, happy.”

The film, “Dancing Queen” will be released in January of 2012.

jbarky is a senior editor for soompi.com. You can email him at barkjason@soompi.com, or follow his twitter.com feed at @jjbarky

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Source: innolife.tv

DL VOD

December 12, 2011

Hwang Jung Min-Uhm Jung Hwa's 'Dancing Queen' Press Conference

Source: Nate

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Captures from Innolife

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December 13, 2011

Hwang Jung-min (left) and Uhm Jung-hwa pose at a press event for their new film "Dancing Queen" in Seoul on Monday.

englishnews@chosun.com

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Source: innolife.tv

DL VOD

The double-life of Hwang Jung Min & Uhm Jung Hwa in new movie "Dancing Queen"

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January 3, 2012

Hong Sang-soo tops Cine21’s picks of the year

Source: KOBIZ

South Korea’s leading film and entertainment magazine Cine21 has picked HONG Sang-soo’s<The Day He Arrives> as the Best Film of 2011. In their annual survey, the magazine with its 33 journalists and critics also picked Hong as the Best Director of the Year.The magazine lauded <The Day He Arrives> as “a singular experience of time and space and memory”.

Cine21’s writers voted TANG Wei Best Actress of the Year. The magazine noted that KIM Tae-yong’s remake <Late Autumn> would have been unimaginable without the Chinese actress. Best Actor went to KIM Yoon-seok,for his performances in <The Yellow Sea> and <Punch>. He played a tremendous killer in the one and a furry uncle-like teacher in the latter.

Best Producer went to Jaime SHIM for her work on the watershed animation <Leafie: a Hen Into the Wild>. Best Director of Photography went to KIM Woo-hyoung (also known as KIM Woo-hyeong) for his work on <The Front Line> and <Late Autumn>. Best Scriptwriter went to PARK In-je, who wrote and directed the thriller <Moby Dik>.(Cine21 also picked the film as the year’s most underrated film.)

Best New Director went to YOON Sung-hyun for his storytelling skills and capable direction of actors in <Bleak Night>. A Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA) feature, the film debuted at the Busan International Film Festival’s New Currents competition and went from there to the Rotterdam film festival’s Tiger Awards Competition and many other fests.

Best New Actress went to YOO Da-in for her “multi-faceted face” and her performance in MINYong-keun’s<Re-encounter>. Best New Actor went to LEE Je-hoon for his performances in South Korea’s Oscar Best Foreign Language Film category submission <The Front Line> and <Bleak Night>.

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January 5, 2012

Big-budget films to open in 2012

By Lee Hyo-won hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

While 2011 saw the release of some novel, genre-defying works, not many local films aside from “Sunny” and “War of the Arrows” (a.k.a. “Arrow: The Ultimate Weapon”) managed to draw crowds at the box office.

This year, a lineup of big-budget films featuring the return of big stars await moviegoers.

Anticipated blockbusters

A diverse variety of works — ranging from melodramas and comedies to action flicks and thrillers — made on a budget of some 10 billion won will hit the big screen.

CJ E&M Pictures will present “Soar Into the Sun,” starring pop star Rain, and “Tower,” headed by actor Sul Kyoung-gu. “Soar” is a drama set in the air force that invited a top Hollywood crew for the aerial action while “Tower,” about fire fighters, is expected to present hot action and hot stars including actress Son Ye-jin and Kim Sang-kyung.

Showbox/Mediaplex will also offer flicks made on a hefty budge of some 10 billion won: fans can look forward to the return of “My Sassy Girl” heroine Jun Ji-hyun (a.k.a. Gianna Jun) acting opposite Kim Hye-soo, Oh Dal-soo and Kim Hae-sook in “The Professionals,” a crime drama shot in Hong Kong and Macau under the direction of “Tazza: The High Rollers” helmer Choi Dong-hoon.

Lotte Entertainment, which had a lucky 2011 with “Arrows,” the highest grossing homegrown film of the year, will release “Jeok” (Enemy). Directed by Kwak Kyung-taek, the action film is about a South Korean spy who sneaks into North Korean-occupied territory to search for his lover.

Stars challenge new roles

“Hallyu” (Korean wave) star Lee Byung-hun and actor Cha Tae-hyeon will star in period pieces set during the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) for the first time. Lee will appear in “Joseuneui Wang” (King of Joseon), a “Prince and the Pauper”-esque story in which a commoner resembling the king takes the monarch’s place.

Cha will play the lead role in “Baramgwa Hamgge Sarajida” (Disappear With the Wind), which can be described as a Korean version of “Ocean’s Eleven” as top swindlers try to lay their hands on ice, a rare commodity at the time. The cast also includes Oh Ji-ho and Seong Dong-il, who co-starred in the period TV soap “The Slave Hunters” (Chuno).

Meanwhile, Koh Hyun-jung will take part in a mainstream movie for the first time in her 20-odd-year acting career. “Miss Go” is about a panic disorder patient who accidently becomes involved in a cat-and-mouse chase between the police and the country’s biggest crime ring.

Park Hae-il, who saw his “Moss” co-star Jung Jae-young disguised as an old man, will brave special costume and makeup to play a man in his 70s in “Eungyo.” The “Arrows” star made headlines recently for shaving off all his hair for the role. Kim Myung-min, who famously shed some 20 kilograms for “Closer to Heaven,” lost weight again to play a marathon runner in “Pacemaker,” which opens in theaters on Jan. 19.

Fans can also look forward to Han Ga-in’s return to the big screen. The actress ends a seven-year hiatus since “The Spirit of Jeet Keun Do — Once Upon a Time in High School” for “Geonchuk Gaeron” (An Introduction to Architecture). The romance is about an architect (Eom Tae-woong) who is commissioned to do a project by his unrequited love interest (Han).

Saving face

Top movie stars that saw rather disappointing box office results in previous years will have the opportunity to “save face” in upcoming works.

Ha Ji-won, whose 3D monster film “Sector 7” yielded an embarrassing admission score last year, will return as an Olympic ping-pong champion in “Korea.” Song Kang-ho, whose melodrama “Hindsight” was largely ignored by viewers, will appear opposite Lee Na-young in “The Howling.” He will reprise his iconic role as a detective, for the first time in nine years since “Memories of Murder,” in the serial murder story.

Source: Nate

Hwang Jung-min and Uhm Jeong-hwa, whose films “Moby richard simmons” and “Mama,” respectively, saw mediocre box office sales, will team up in “Dance Queen.” Uhm will get back in touch with her singing career as she plays the role of a politician’s wife who becomes torn between helping her husband run for mayor and pursuing her longtime dream to become a musician. The comedy opens in theaters on Jan. 19. Release dates for the other films are yet to be announced.

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January 6, 2012

Box Office

Dancing Queen (Korea), Opening Jan. 19

Comedy. Directed by Lee Suk-hoon. Housewife Jung-hwa (Uhm Jung-hwa) is married to low-earning lawyer Jung-min (Hwang Jung-min). One day, her daughter abruptly tells her she doesn’t want to live like Jung-hwa, as a housewife. Shocked by the comment, Jung-hwa decides to fulfill her long-lost dream to become a famous singer, trying out for a reality TV talent show. Meanwhile, her husband Jung-min becomes a candidate for Seoul mayor through a rare opportunity, not knowing what Jung-hwa has been doing behind closed doors.

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January 6, 2012

Noir thriller A New World courts megastar trio

by girlfriday dramabeans.com

Choi Min-shik (Oldboy) Hwang Jung-min (The Unjust) AND Lee Jung-jae (The Housemaid) in one movie? I always thought that if you put that many stars together, a movie would spontaneously combust. But apparently, this is the reigning trend in Chungmuro — put ‘em all together, whether lawyers, thieves, or spies. The trio of A-listers are currently being courted to star in a noir thriller called A New World, about cops who go undercover in the world of gangsters.

They’re apparently in negotiations with all three actors to seal the deal, though the casting itself is considered final. I don’t know why, but I’m picturing a scenario in which they’re all thrown into separate interrogation rooms, and then told that the others have already signed, so they should too. It’s a wonder how they even got this combo of stars to the table in the first place, but once you put together their filmographies, you see why. New World is being directed by PD Park Hoon-jung, who wrote both Choi Min-shik’s I Saw the Devil and Hwang Jung-min’s The Unjust (he took home a Blue Dragon Award in 2011 for the latter’s screenplay).

They’re calling this film “a Korean Infernal Affairs,” which kind of makes me groan. The thing is, I love that original movie, and it kind of drives me crazy that everyone and their mother tries to make some other version of it. Just say it’s an undercover cop movie. They existed before Infernal Affairs. Not every movie needs to be Infernal Affairs Redux MXVVIII.

If all goes smoothly at the negotiating table, Choi Min-shik will play the world-weary cop, Hwang Jung-min the hardcore gangster, his mob’s Number Two, and Lee Jung-jae the Rat, the gangster working for the cops. Or cop-as-gangster-turned-informant; it’s unclear at this point. Basically, if these guys are in it, I’ll be watching.

A New World begins filming this spring.

Via Osen

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