Korean Entertainment News Update (siri 2)

katt

February 11, 2009

Rain Settles in a Name Dispute



Korean superstar Rain agreed to a deal with an American album maker, Rain Corporation, over a trademark dispute. Rain's agency, J. Tune Entertainment, reported that Rain will use "The Rain" for all his music activities in the United States. However, he will retain his name, "Rain," for film credits. Also "The Rain," will be used only in America, thus it's not likely to confuse his fans in other regions. In accordance with the decision, Rain will release his debut album in America under the name, "The Rain." The album release is scheduled for late this year.

Rain Corporation, a Las Vegas firm, had filed for damage compensation against Rain for using the name "Rain" for his Las Vegas concert in December 2006. The company also asked for an injunction to ban Rain from using his name in future concerts. The name dispute had forced Rain to cancel his concert in Hawaii in May 2006. Rain was sued by Click Entertainment, the local Hawaiian concert organizer, for 40 million dollars in damage compensation for canceling the concert.

Source: KBS World

katt

February 11, 2009

Being a bit of both proves difficult in 'Oishi man'

By Shin Hae-in

SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- The confused main character in the movie "Oishi Man" finds himself in love with both a Korean and a Japanese woman, drowns his sorrows in soju and sake, and is desperate to find hope in either country.

Touching the hearts of two different nations, however, proves to be as difficult on film as it is in real life.

Making its debut at the Pusan International Film Festival last year, "Oishi Man" is based on an original story written by South Korean singer Kim C and features renowned acting talent from both sides of the East Sea.



Even before it hits local cinemas, the film has been stirring excitement for the country's low-budget industry. The movie was among the most anticipated releases of the year, especially for fans of Chizuru Ikewaki, who earned popularity here with Japanese hit "Josee, the Tiger and the Fish."

"Oishi," which means "delicious" in Japanese, is meant to describe the main character of the movie: he is polite enough to accept any food -- or drinks -- offered to him and say "thank you" no matter the taste. But although "Oishi man" should be applauded for its attempt to invite the audiences of both countries, it is difficult to translate the aim of the movie, just like the characters who depend on the small number of English words they know to connect with each other.

Hyeon-seok (Lee Min-gi) is a 20-something singer who develops a problem with his hearing known as Meniere's syndrome and is forced to stop recording, the one thing that gave meaning to his life. Leaving behind a drunken one-night stand with Jae-young (Jeong Yu-mi), a divorcee and his fan, in Seoul, the confused singer travels to a small Japanese village in Hokkaido where he meets a cheerful girl named Megumi (Chizuru Ikewaki). A petit girl who annoys him at first, Megumi slowly takes a place in his heart.

As per director Kim Jeong-jung's explanation, "Oishi man" is a romance that tries to be a little more than just a simple love story. Each corner of this cross-cultural love triangle is facing their own crisis but somehow remain hopeful throughout the movie.



But Kim's effort to connect with audiences largely misfires; the familiar themes of love and struggle are expressed neither poignantly or honestly enough to stand out against the masses of coming-of-age films. It wasn't for a lack of trying. "I am thankful to everyone," director Kim told audiences at the movie's preview Tuesday. "The actors and actresses were often forced to get it right the first time as we couldn't afford to take a second shot."

Japanese actress Ikewaki, who visited Korea for the first time to promote the film, said she could connect with actor Lee more deeply because she "could not understand him." "We spoke different languages and had to depend on our English, or lack thereof," she said with a laugh. "But this actually helped us to speak from our hearts. It was a great pleasure to appear in the movie."

About 80 percent of the movie was filmed in the snowy region of Monbetsu, in Hokkaido, Japan.

"Oishi man" will hit the local cinemas Feb. 19.

Credits: [email protected] via yonhapnews.co.kr

katt

February 11, 2009

Japan hopes to attract tourists from Lee drama



Japan's Akita Prefecture is hoping to cash in when actor Lee Byeong-heon's upcoming television espionage series "IRIS," is filmed there in March.

According to Gyodo News Agency on Monday, filming on the high budget, high concept series will commence filming in the North Honshu prefecture over a period of three weeks. A sudden influx of tourism is expected which looks to generate the estimated 2 billion yen revenue.

Lee will play a rogue national security agent who smuggles into Japan. Scenes shot in Akita will mostly involve the actor's infiltration sequence. Other candidate districts in Akita that are currently being considered are Semboku and Oga.

"Whenever my wife watches Korean dramas I sometimes watch it passively, but since Lee Byeong-heon is popular I believe he will have positive influence here," said Akita governor Sukeshiro Terata.

The Akita municipalities are now organizing sponsorships with local businesses to organize a reception for Lee and plan to provide room and board for the 80 member production staff.

Production is set to begin in March 10 with Lee, Kim Tae-hee, Jung Joon-ho, and Big Bang's T.O.P. (Choi Seung-hyun) filming the opening action sequence. The 20 episode espionage thriller will be helmed by movie director Yang Yoon-ho, who directed "Holiday" and "Libera Me," and producer Kim Gyu-tae who directed the KBS2TV drama "A Love to Kill."

By Song Woong-ki ([email protected]) via koreaherald.co.kr

katt

February 11, 2009

'The Sandglass' Voted Best Korean Soap Since 1980

揟he Sandglass

katt

February 11, 2009


Korean drama 'IRIS' to generate W3 Billion in Japan



The Korean drama "Iris" starring top actor Lee Byeong-heon is expected to generate some 200 million yen (3 billion won) in economic benefits in Japan's Akita prefecture, where it will be shot.

Kyodo News says the prefecture officially announced the Korean drama will be shot there for 3 weeks from mid-March. Officials expect the economic effect will include a rise in tourist numbers.

Scenes shot there will mainly focus on Lee, who is playing an intelligence agent fleeing Korea and infiltrating Japan. The production agency Taewon says Akita was picked for its snow covered scenery. As for the exact location in Akita, either Oga or Senboku districts will be the likely choice.

Akita governor Sukeshiro Terata said, "I get a glimpse of Korean dramas when my wife watches them. But 'Iris' starring Lee, highly popular in Japan, will have considerable positive impact to our prefecture."

Akita officials plan to form a corporate support team to help the shooting as well as a reception for the Korean actor. Accommodations for the drama's 80 Korean staffers will also be provided for free.

The first shoot on March 10 is an action scene featuring Lee, Kim Tae-hee, Jeong Jun-ho and TOP, a member of the boy band Big Bang. The 20-episode spy action series is jointly directed by filmmaker Yang Yun-ho, known for the movies "Holiday" and "Libera Me," and TV producer Kim Gyu-tae, who made the drama "Love I Want to Kill."

Meanwhile, Lee is returning to the small screen for the first time since the SBS hit drama "All In" 6 years ago. He will hold a large scale fan meeting in Tokyo on Feb. 28 -- he will be meeting his Japanese fans more than one year after his LBH Arena Tour in late 2007.

Source: KBS Global

katt

February 11, 2009
  
"Boys over Flowers" Mesmerizes the Nation



The KBS TV2 drama "Boys over Flowers" has created quite a stir in the nation. Depicting the lives of four dashing young men (known as "F4" ) from affluent families and a high school girl from an ordinary family, this drama has gained explosive popularity from viewers as young as teenagers to people in their 30s. The drama presents viewers with a chance to forget about harsh reality, albeit temporarily, and sample the world of fantasies. Parodies of the drama have flooded the Internet recently, while the same-titled Japanese cartoon on which the drama is based has been selling like hot cakes. Even elementary school students and office workers have become huge fans of the drama, which has inspired men to improve their looks by using diverse fashion items and cosmetics.

Parody boom

Internet bulletin boards were the first to reflect the popularity of "Boys over Flowers." Netizens have been posting all kinds of parodies of the drama. The community site DCInside offers diverse parodies, such as "Grandpas over Flowers," "Boys over Flowers Psychopath," "Men's Requiem over Flowers," and others. "Grandpas over Flowers" features middle-aged actors and makes an impact with its excellent production values and plot. "Boys over Flowers" has recorded viewers' ratings of more than 30 percent, creating a sensation. Recently, it has become a popular subject on variety shows as well. Entertainers have been trying to imitate the F4 characters on variety shows and reenact famous scenes from the drama.

The cartoon on which the TV drama is based has also been enjoying enormous popularity. According to the Internet bookstore Libro ( http: //www.libro.co.kr  ), sales of the original cartoon have surged twentyfold since the drama's premiere. Moreover, the majority of customers who purchased the complete collection of the cartoon CDs are in their late 20s to late 30s. "Boys over Flowers" has already gained fame in Korea for its Taiwanese and Japanese versions. Given that the plot of the drama already became well-known after a book was published in the 1990s, customers still continue to purchase the cartoon simply to have it in their homes. When the drama "Boys over Flowers" first debuted in Korea in the 1990s, women who are now in their late 20s to late 30s were in middle or high school. That is why, by purchasing this cartoon these days, they want to enjoy the nostalgia and reminisce about their youth. The popularity of "Boys over Flowers" as a drama largely stems from the fact that it fully reflects the content of the original cartoon. But another major reason behind its phenomenal popularity lies in the vicarious satisfaction that it offers in times of economic recession and financial hardship. As the popularity of the drama shows no signs of abating, sales of drama-related items have soared recently, inspiring retailers to focus their marketing on the drama as well.

Playing "Boys over Flowers"

From school students to office workers, many people have been using famous lines from the drama in their everyday conversations. Setting up "F4" groups is all the rage among school students these days. They assign roles exactly as in the drama and behave accordingly. Working women enjoy acting out the drama's female character "Geum Jan-di" and using the lines from the drama when chatting. They even view one another as rivals for the role of Geum Jan-di.

The drama has inspired many men to improve their looks. As a result, sales of men's cosmetics and fashion items have skyrocketed. According to the Internet shopping mall Auction, sales of pique shirts, knit vests and slim jackets that often appear in the drama surged 40 percent month-on-month in January alone. The character's hairstyles have also set new trends. The curvy hairstyle of one of the main characters, "Koo Jun-pyo," is the latest rage among young men these days. Among women, it is Geum Jan-di's bob haircut that is currently ruling the fashion world.

"Boys over Flowers" marketing

Dining companies have launched the so-called "Boys over Flowers" marketing to lure women who are mesmerized by the drama. They have been hiring good-looking male personnel because they are treated like celebrities by female customers. The cafe "Walking Slowly" made headlines by hiring aspiring and active models to serve customers. The cafe has seen a steep increase in the number of customers, who mostly "come to look at the tall and dashing models with tiny faces." Recently, many Japanese tourists have been frequenting the cafe after learning about it by word of mouth.

"Boys over Flowers" fashion

Clothes that the drama characters wear have become huge hits. Men have been waiting in lines in hair salons to get haircuts that look exactly like those sported by the drama characters. An island that was featured in the drama has become a hot tourist spot. The original soundtracks of the original cartoon and the drama are enjoying enormous popularity despite the economic slump. Experts say "Boys over Flowers" is an opportunity for women to relieve their stress from everyday life and satisfy their underlying needs.

Source: KBS Global

katt

February 10, 2009

4 Korean Films Nominated at Asian Film Awards

KIM Ji-woon抯 kimchi-western The Good, The Bad, The Weird topped the list of award contenders with 8 nominations at the 3rd Asian Film Awards (AFA) held in Hong Kong. The awards show

katt

February 10, 2009

Big Bang's Seung Ri fights alongside Kim Beom

Seung Ri a member of the popular boy band Big Bang has been cast in the upcoming war film 71. The story about 71 young soldiers in training who held their own against hundreds of North Korean elite soldiers will be the directorial debut of JO Seung-hui

Previously, KIM Beom and YOO Seung-ho were cast for the lead roles. Seung-ri's character will have strong anti-North Korean feelings and will clash with his commander (a role by KIM) and more moderate soldiers (like YOO's character). 71 is based on true events which took place in Pohang on 10 August 1950

Seung Ri will first debut on the silver screen with the film Woori Jibe Wae Watni alongside Old Boy star GANG Hye-jung. Seung Ri's real name is LEE Seung-hyeon. KIM Beom popularity stems from the television series High Kick. YOO broke through with his role in The Way Home.

71 is scheduled to be wrapped up for a release in this year's fall.

Credits: Yi Ch'ang-ho (KOFIC)

katt

February 10, 2009

Yubari invites Dachimawa Lee and The Chaser

The 20th Yubari International Film Festival selected the Korean films Dachimawa Lee, The Chaser, and the short film Mister Bending Meosin.

RYOO Seung-wan's Dachimawa Lee is classified as a PiFan special presentation, a selection under the auspices of the Korean Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (PiFan). PiFan and Yubari started together in 1997 as twin film festivals and still enjoy ties together. RYOO's spy spoof will make its Japanese premiere in the Special program.

NA Hong-jin's The Chaser features in the Official program. Mister Bending Meosin is directed by CHOI Wee-an and produced by PARK Cheol-soo. The short film was made at the Aju University's CGI lab. Mister Bending Meosin will play at the Evening game section.

Yubari 2009 will open on 26 February and close on 2 March.

Credits: Yi Ch'ang-ho (KOFIC)

katt

February 10, 2009

Yim Pil-Sung's Flower of Evil Project

Director YIM Pil-sung is known for films that tread on the fragile threshold of human psychology, often plunging into depths of horror and fantasy.  His latest project is no exception.  To be presented at the upcoming Hong Kong

katt

February 12, 2009

By Shin Hae-in

'Handphone' uses innocent mistake to explore brutal side of human nature

SEOUL, Feb. 12 (Yonhap) -- Out of South Korea's ultra-wired population of 49 million, about 4 million are seen as "alien," not because they hail from outer space or are social dropouts, but because they don't have a mobile phone.

Inspired by the country's growing addiction to the pocket-sized devices, the movie "Handphone" revolves around the consequences of cell-phone obsession and the gruesome outcome that losing it can lead to.



Nearly four years in the making, director Kim Han-min said his film is based on the real-life stories of people who experienced the agony of losing their cell phones, an average of 1.5 million people a year.

Seung-min (Eom Tae-woong) is an ambitious celebrity agent who sleeps with his mobile next to his pillow. The phone contains the numbers of 328 people who hold the promise of money and fame for his aspiring clients, 118 photographs and one video clip that no one is supposed to see -- an actress just beginning to rise in popularity for her "pure and innocent" image engaged in a compromising act.

One day, Seung-min accidentally leaves his mobile at a cafe. The phone is then picked up by Ee-gyu (Park Yong-woo), a typical youngster who discovers his darker side when he begins to play a cruel game with the desperate phone owner.

Ee-gyu, like many of his real life counterparts, has two very different sides. The kind, hardworking employee and devoted son is also a cruel and sadistic man who blackmails Seung-min into committing crimes to get his phone back. The film's climax leaves audiences questioning the nature of the film's anti-hero, avoiding a simple contrast between who is good and who is bad, instead confronting viewers with their own potential for both good and evil.

"The movie is not just about losing one's phone," Park, who played Ee-gyu, told audiences at the preview Wednesday. "Losing the phone is just the premise that leads to the anger, fear and anxiety that many people will relate to. It is not the story itself, but the realistic aspects that audiences will be shocked by." Initially unaware of his darker side, Ee-gyu soon becomes engrossed in a twisted game of his own making, believing he is safely hidden behind a mask of anonymity.

Seung-min, meanwhile, runs into massive debt buying expensive drinks for big names in the film and television industry to gain a leg up in the intensely competitive entertainment market. He and his wife live in a wealthy Seoul neighborhood, driving posh cars as their lives drift farther apart and into their own private realities. "Handphone," the second thriller by Kim after his debut in 2007 with the widely acclaimed " Paradise Murdered," has been long awaited by fans of the filmmaker.

The film does stumble towards the end, with an abrupt shift in focus and a lengthy running time of 150 minutes, leaving audiences slightly confused and wondering where the suspense went.

"Handphone" hits local theaters Feb. 19.

Credits: [email protected] via yonhapnews.co.kr

katt

February 11, 2009

Korean Comedy Breaks into U.S Market

Scandal Makers, last year's fourth most successful film at the box office has been released in Los Angeles. The film's distributor, Lotte Cinema is showing the film for three weeks with English subtitles. Its next release in the US will be in Atlanta.

The film, drawing nearly 8 million admissions to date making it one of Korea's most successful comedies has provided a welcome boost to the local box office at the end of a relatively sluggish year. Directed by KANG Hyung-chul, the comedy exposes the cult of personality surrounding a former celebrity, Hyun-soo who is now a radio host in his late 30's. A young single mum, who garners the radio show with tales of her wanting to make contact with the father who she never met, causes ratings to explode. Later, on though, after Hyun-Soo meets the young mum it is him she accuses of being her father. Hyun-soo now has to manage the scandal.

Korea's relative success in the U.S market have traditionally been with darker more avante guarde films such as KIM Ki-duk's Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring and PARK Chan-wook's Oldboy. Therefore, even with Scandal's huge box office strength in Korea, releasing a comedy in the U.S signals a gamble for Lotte Cinema.

Credits: David OXENBRIDGE (KOFIC)

katt

February 11, 2009

Korean Films sell well at Berlin's EFM

Korean company Fine Cut as well as CJ Entertainment can both claim success at this years EFM in the Berlin Film Festival.  Fine Cut leads the pack selling 11 films alone to one company, Scandinavia's Non Stop Television.  It also sold gay themed Antique (MIN Kyu-dong) to Thailand's Rose Media, and surprise hit thriller The Chaser (NA Hong-jin)to Latin America, several Eastern Block countries including Yugloslavia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Bulgaria. Both films have already sold well in other territories.

CJ Entertainment on the other hand have sold YOON Jong-seok's Marine Boy, Korea's current number one box office hit and have also done well selling films as yet unreleased in at home.  Two of these films however represent directors that already have international recognition including PARK Chan-wook's highly anticipated vampire movie staring Korea's biggest star SONG Kang-ho. PARK Chan-wook is well known for his ]as well as BONG Joon-ho for the 2006 Korean box office number one. CJ Entertainment has sold his unreleased drama Mother starring Taeguki heart throb Won Bin. The tsunami disaster movie Haeundae by JK YOUN has also been sold despite the fact that it is still in post production.

M-line however, not to be outdone has sold two of Korea's biggest films of 2008. YOO Ha's gay themed period drama A Frozen Flowerabout a love triangle between a king, his queen and body guard was the number 8 selling Korean film. KANG Hyung-chul's comedy released late 2008 looks to out strip KIM Jee-woon's number one hit The Good The Bad and The Weird. The EFM wraps up on the 15th of February so the potential for even more sales continues.

Credits: David OXENBRIDGE (KOFIC)

katt

February 14, 2009

Choi Ji-woo in Costume Change Marathon
  
Choi Ji-woo has had chances to display all her charms in every possible way by showcasing a great number of outfits in 20-episode SBS drama "Star's Lover," which ended Thursday.

Choi's stylist said the actress appeared in 147 outfits up to the 12th episode, averaging 12 ensembles per episode. In the second episode alone, she wore 25 different outfits. The industry says it might be the most number of costume changes in Korean TV history, although there is no accurate record to compare.



In the soap, Choi plays the role of a top actress, and is therefore shown in many different dresses. She has featured a range of clothing, from a nun's uniform and delivery man's clothes to vampish leather goods, a ballerina's tutu and fur coats.

"Some people say how lucky I am to wear all these wonderful clothes, but it is not easy task getting changed so frequently." Choi said. "I normally wear comfortable casual clothes, like sportswear, when I am not shooting."

Credits: englishnews@chosun.com

[ Last edited by  katt at 20-2-2009 06:59 PM ]

katt

February 12, 2009

Men, Be Beautiful for Spring, Summer


Actor Lee Min-ho sports a floral shirt by Kenzo Homme in the popular KBS2
series "Boys Over Flowers." / Courtesy of KBS



Back in 18th century Europe, Louis XV made it vogue for men to powder their nose and rouge their lips. The Beatles in the 1960s broke women's hearts with their wispy long hair and thin, boyish frames.

In this metrosexual age, pop singers like Big Bang pull off smoky eye makeup and plucked eyebrows, while "Boys Over Flowers" stars sport pastel sweaters and curly hair. Middle-aged men, like women, are obsessed with perfect skin and thin waistlines.

For the 2009 spring/summer season, flawless skin, form fitting preppy outfits and colorful sneakers will be key for completing the pretty boy look. Women will no longer hold monopoly over floral prints and pastel hues, because men, too, want to be beautiful.

katt

Skin Deep Concerns

In the late 1990s, the word "kkotminam" or "pretty boy" (literally men as beautiful as flowers) entered the Korean vocabulary to define handsome celebrities like Jang Dong-gun. Among cosmetics campaigns, star footballer Ahn Jung-whan stood out as he showed off a smooth complexion. More recently, "male beauties" such as Lee Jun-ki provoked both the fancy and envy of women.



According to plastic surgeon Kim Hyung-joon, an increasing number of men are undergoing procedures traditionally performed on women. In the past, men sought surgery for broken noses, but today they also seek nose jobs to beautify their face. Men are also turning to liposuction to slim down and going under the knife for a softer, more "feminine" chin line. Older men are accompanying their wives for a regular shot of Botox.


Middle-Aged Men Contract "Beethoven Virus"

Tailored suits, fine leather goods, commanding presence ― and perfect skin: maestro Kang, played by Kim Myoung-min in last year's hit TV series "Beethoven Virus," signaled the rise of "mijungnyeon" or "beautiful" middle-aged men.

Today, men's cosmetics advertisements are a barometer for male star power, much like makeup lines that capitalize on the beauty of female celebrities. Heartthrob Daniel Henney models for Biotherm Homme while Jang Dong-gun's chiseled good looks decorate Hera Homme products. "Maestro Kang" is now the new face of Lancome Men.

Lancome Men appeals to the older generation with products like Age Fight Anti-Age Perfecting Liquid, a gel-type lotion that hydrates skin and fights wrinkles. Blocking out UV rays is most essential to protecting the skin. Try Clinique Skin Supplies for Men's Age Defense Hydrator (SPF 15).

Classic, form-fitting suits ― styles that maestro Kang sported on TV ― will continue to dominate this coming season. Head to the office in style by matching a slim necktie with a crisp white shirt. Or to spice things up a little, try cobalt blue. Dressed to Kill is promoting its fashionable and affordable line New Start, and offers two shirts for the price of one plus a necktie.

Add a sophisticated touch to your wardrobe with a silk handkerchief. Time Homme offers colorful squares with fun prints. Thick, plastic glasses will also continue to be in style. Tom Ford offers a smart pair of yellow plastic rims.

katt

'Flower Boys' Hype Preppy Look

The allure of the classic power suit is not just for the older generation. The young, rich and powerful characters of the popular TV series "Boys Over Flowers" are hyping up the preppy look.

Bean Pole has become one of the most in-demand labels since supplying clothes for the TV soap. In its nationwide stores, it has installed a "Preppy Look Zone" and displays the latest outfits that appeared in the biweekly episodes. Thanks to the drama, Paris Story Homme, an online shopping mall run by singer/actor Lee Ji-hoon, is also enjoying high profits for its preppy style items.

As the weather becomes warmer, preparatory school-style jackets may head to the closet but pastel-colored shirts and cotton pants will continue to be loved. The cruise look, made complete by pinstriped collar shirts and white slacks, will be popular. Hazzys offers a new line of cruise style outfits.

The male leads of the soap opera also set the trend to a haircut dubbed "lover boy." Men are opting for a boyish image with their bangs let down long compared to the rest of their hair.

Inspired by the retro scooter Vespa, Adidas also features clothing, accessories and shoes that take on a preppy look.

Color Explosion

Traditionally "feminine" colors like pink and floral prints will be found on men's clothing this spring/summer season. A floral print shirt by Kenzo Homme that actor Lee Min-ho wore in "Boys Over Flowers" is one example. The Japanese label also offers classy white sneakers that shout flower power.

Cast off winter blues for a splash of color with Paul Smith's candy-colored moccasins, which will also complete the hot cruise look. The British label's rainbow-hued Oxford shoes can add something special to the office look. Visit www.paulsmith.co.kr.

The classic sneaker brand New Balance has released a special series for the spring. The 99X series, loved by fans for over 20 years, is reborn as 996 Chocolate and 996 Pantone.

Hot in stores is Converse's Colored Vintage line, which features the classic sneakers in pale pastel tones.

Don't let the dark hide your colorful shoes, and shine at night (like K-pop group Big Bang did at their recent concert) in Louis Vuitton's glow in the dark Stephen Sprouse sneakers.

Source: The Korea Times

katt

February 13, 2009

'1 Night 2 Days' Travels with 80 Viewers



The hit segment "1 Night 2 Days" on KBS 2TV's leading entertainment program "Happy Sunday"
has returned from a trip with 80 viewers.

The 1 Night cast members--Gang Ho-dong, Kim C, Lee Su-geun, Eun Ji-won, MC Mong and Lee Seung-gi--spent two days at Gapyeong, Gyeonggi province traveling with select citizens from Jan. 31.

Strong viewer demand for participation led to the realization of the event. First announced on Nov. 30, over nine thousand people applied to go on the trip in just two weeks alone, with the total number of applicants reaching some 150,000. After a month of screening, the staff narrowed down the list to six teams. The six cast members read the stories of why people wanted to take part and made the final selections.

The six cast members will head each of the six teams ("Female Judokas of Korea Nat'l Sport Univ.," "Old High Schoolers," "8 Princesses & 8 Sons-in-law," "Men Nurses," "Gukak Nat'l High School Dance Team," "Happy Single Moms").

The participants, ranging in age from 4 to 74, moved to the campsite in cars, including a bus driven by Lee Su-geun who has a license to drive large vehicles.

This special edition will be even more interesting as the viewers show off their talent and also join in the regular "1 Night" games, where the cast members fiercely compete with one another.

The program will air this Sunday

Source : KBS Global

katt

No. of Illegal Copies of Korean Films Rising in SE Asia  

2009-02-11 08:13:54  



The number of illegal copies of Korean films and dramas is rising sharply in Southeast Asian countries amid the growing popularity of Korean content.

Thai authorities said they have confiscated some 140-thousand illegal copies of Korean films, music videos and dramas worth a total of around one-and-a-half billion won. The pirated versions are sold for two- to three-thousand won per copy, or about ten times cheaper than the retail price.

Local police say they are having difficulty penalizing the creators of the illegal copies as Korean filmmakers and producers have not filed lawsuits for violations of intellectual property rights

Source: KBS World

katt

Pay TV Subscribers to Top 20 Mln by 2011  

2009-02-12 08:27:24  



The number of pay TV subscribers is likely to top 20 million by 2011.

According to the Media and Future Institute, the number of households that have subscribed to cable, satellite broadcasting or other pay TV services will grow an average of two-point-three percent annually to amount to some 21-point-four million by 2013. As of this year, the number of such households stands at 19-point-four million.

The institute forecast the number of households that have IPTV services, or Internet Protocol TV, will rise to four-point-seven million by 2013 from this year抯 two-point-two million. The number of households with digital cable services will jump to five-point-two million by 2013 from the current two-point-four million.

Meanwhile, the number of households with analog services will shrink to some nine million in 2013 compared to this year抯 12-point-three million.

Source: KBS World