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February 28, 2009
Movie Review
Two rooms, two desires invoke catastrophe in 'The Room Nearby'
By Shin Hae-in
SEOUL, Feb. 28 (Yonhap) -- A woman inhabits a shabby, overcrowded lodging house, while another is the lone occupant of a luxurious and expansive abode. One would expect a happy ending for these two women as their lives intersect, each one fulfilling the other's deepest desires.
"The Room Nearby," thankfully, avoids such a cloy ending.
Female director Goh Tae-jeong's feature debut highlights the vast array of subject matter that remains unexplored by South Korean cinema. The Pusan International Film Festival, where the film initially premiered last year, described "The Room" as an "intriguing unwomanly female movie."
Brimming with suspense and drama, the film eludes easy categorization in a specific genre. Delving into territory her fellow directors have shied away from, Goh captures audiences' attention throughout the film's 106 minutes. "I was engrossed by the image of a woman lying in an empty room with all the doors wide open," Goh said at the film's preview Friday. "The story came from that image -- what happened and why the woman is there."
Eon-ju, played by Jeong Yu-mi, lives in a cramped, single-room occupancy known as a "gosiwon," common throughout Seoul and distinguished by their cheap rates and often dilapidated exteriors. Working as a private tutor on weekdays and as manager of the lodging house on weekends, the hard-bitten woman has one overriding goal: a warm, cozy place of her own.
One cold winter day, Eon-ju stumbles across a luxurious house with all of its doors wide open. Intrigued, she enters and slowly begins to make herself at home, returning several times until she finally encounters the owner, Seok-hee (Ye Su-jeong), an ailing widow terrified of dying alone.
Desperate for the security and warmth the house offers, Eon-ju is invited to visit whenever she likes, providing the attention and companionship Seok-hee deeply craves. For a fleeting moment the two develop a mother-daughter like relationship poignantly brought out when Eon-ju visits the house on Seok-hee's birthday with a small cake in her hand.
But their relationship only goes so far, and the wounds they seek to heal are put out of reach by the distance that separates their completely different worlds. "The film does have a catastrophic ending, but I did not want to draw any conclusions on whether there is still hope or not," the director said. "I wanted to question whether people are able to really communicate with each other and whether it is possible for one person to become a source of comfort to another."
The film's feminine portrayal of its characters' emotional world is complemented by its bold and daring narrative. Made on a budget of just 80 million won (US$52,800), the movie is a product of the Korea Academy of Film Arts (KAFA) annual film project.
"The Room Nearby" will be screened at CJ CGV Apgujeongdong in southern Seoul from March 12 along with three other KAFA project films.
Source: [email protected] via english.yonhapnews.co.kr |
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March 1, 2009
Fluency in Korean Required 130 Movies
By Kim Se-jeong
Staff Reporter
Jimmy Lin, right,
with Kim Tae-hee
Watching TV is a well-known method of language education. However, one might find it difficult to sit for hours without understanding much.
Jimmy Lin, a Taiwanese representative in Korea, persisted in doing it and mastered Korean, a language he only began to learn in college. "I watched about 130 movies in one year." he said in Korean during an interview with The Korea Times last week.
He was a student at the Department of Korean Language and Culture of National Chengchi University in Taipei. Studying at Pusan National University in 2001 as an exchange student, he said he wasn't satisfied with the number of hours allocated to learning Korean. "It was only three hours per week," which wasn't enough for him.
So he decided to spend more time watching Korean TV and films. Of course, that wasn't all he did. He hung out with Korean friends practicing Korean and attended classes taught in Korean but still gives the most credit to the time he spent watching Korean movies.
When he returned home and graduated, his command of the Korean language took his life in an unexpected direction. He was recruited to become a correspondent for Apple Daily, a Hong Kong-based publication in Taipei, covering Hallyu, the Korean wave of contemporary culture that swept through Asia.
He got the job because he could speak Korean and polished his ability even more while on the job.
The job required frequent trips to Korea, attending press conferences and interviewing Korean celebrities. "I interviewed 30-40 Korean celebrities," he said. Among them were Zo In-sung, Jang Na-ra, Lee Young-ae and Kim Tae-hee.
Lin said he had always taken photos with each celebrity after an interview. On his laptop are 30 some photos of him with the Korean idols, which he sometimes peruses to reminisce.
With a few celebrities, he developed a personal relationship. "I know Zo and Jang. I would like to meet them, if possible, while I am in Korea."
He has an unforgettable memory of the latter.
He was in Korea covering Jang in 2003. A Korean tabloid one morning had the headline, "Handsome Taiwanese Journalist Fell in Love with Jang." The article quoted him as saying, "I like her no end. She is very kind and cute. I sent her emails, and hope to hear from her soon."
The article that got him into trouble, Lin said, was blown out of proportion. The Korean reporter who wrote the story called him asking a few questions, yet he never actually said what was quoted.
Lin is an expert on contemporary Korean culture, ranging from pop music to TV series and film. He is quick ― even quicker than some Koreans ― in matching films with leading actors and actresses. His favorite movie is "Peppermint Candy," starring Sul Kyung-ku, who impressed Lin a great deal. "He is a very good actor."
He also likes The Era of Girls, a teenage girl-group.
His journalism career ended in 2006, after which he began his own food business, which didn't last long. Again, his command of Korean earned him a job, this time at the Taiwanese Information Office as a Korean specialist, and he was posted to Korea in January on a four-year mission.
Lin said Korea is better and more widely known in Taiwan than vice versa, thanks to Hallyu. When it was at its peak, Korean movies and soap operas drew a stream of Taiwanese to movie theaters and their television sets.
He praised the Korean government for its strategic approach in promoting its cultural content abroad.
Credits: skim@koreatimes.co.kr |
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February 27, 2009
Nam, Yang to Narrate Documentary Introducing Korea
NGC 4 part "Korea to the World" Entertainers Nam Hee-seok, Yang Hee-eun, Bae Cheol-su and Kim C will help produce a foreign documentary on Korea.
According to the National Geographic Channel (NGC), the four celebrities will be the narrators of the four part documentary "Korea to the World," jointly produced by NGC and the Korean Broadcasting Institute.
The documentary will air in Korea from Feb. 27 for four weeks every Friday at 10 p.m. It will also later air in 50 countries including the UK, Italy and Canada.
Part 1, "Seoul: Rewrites the history of public transportation," will highlight how Seoul, the sixth most densely populated city in the world, managed to build its traffic system. Part 2, "Cyberland," will shed light on Korea's gaming market, centering on the online game Lineage, in which several hundred thousand netizens are logged in simultaneously to build a new cyber world.
Part 3, "The DMZ where War and Wildlife Coexist" will cover the demilitarized zone and its wildlife, especially elks. Part 4, "Delivery Republic, Quick Quick Korea," will introduce the quick service delivery culture of fast-paced Koreans, who order anything that can be thought of, including books, flowers, breakfast, fruit and snacks, through a simple phone call.
Source: KBS Global |
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 Weekly Box Office 2009.02.27 ~ 2009.03.01 3-day Gross/Total Gross (won)
Old Partner / empas.com
1. Old Partner (South Korea) 2,282,953,000 / 13,196,241,800
2. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (U.S.) 1,334,089,000 / 8,626,342,000
3. The Scam (South Korea) 1,006,991,000 / 7,437,591,000
4. The International (U.S.) 737,246,500 / 931,615,500
5. Handphone (South Korea) 681,264,500 / 3,352,358,000
6. The Unborn (U.S.) 603,582,000 / 753,907,500
7. He's Just Not That Into You (U.S.) 513,455,000 / 5,377,595,500
8. The Secret of Moonacre (U.K.) 372,991,000 / 2,005,565,500
9. Oh! My God 2 (South Korea) 405,808,500 / 498,206,500
10. The Tale of Despereaux (U.S.) 331,078,000 / 2,268,591,500
Source: KOFIC |
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March 2, 2009
'F4 Special' to Air Due to Koo Injury
The female lead of the popular KBS 2TV's Mon-Tues drama series "Boys over Flowers," Koo Hye-seon, was involved in a car accident on Friday, dealing a blow to the filming schedule.
"Boys" will not be able to air its 17th episode as scheduled on Monday. Koo could not resume shooting on Sunday due to injuries that she sustained.
Instead, an "F4 Special Talk Show" will air Monday and the 17th episode will air Tuesday. The 17th portion was fully shot before Koo's accident.
Production agency Group8 said Sunday, "Koo had three stitches inside her mouth and is in stable condition at a hospital. Based on medical opinions and a prudent decision, we decided to air the special program. As soon as she gets well, Koo will resume shooting next week."
The Monday special program will feature undisclosed drama footage and the "F4" members Lee Min-ho, Kim Hyeon-jung, Kim Beom and Kim Jun will appear as guests. Han Seok-jun and Hyeon Young will host the talk show, with comedian Park Ji-seon filling in for Koo.
Koo was involved in the car accident while returning to Seoul from Changwon, South Gyeongsang province early Friday morning after a shoot. Her lips swelled up, preventing her from participating in filming.
Earlier in the drama in a diving scene, she also injured her head. Other cast members, the three Kims, have also been involved in car accidents.
The drama is gaining increasing popularity.
Source: KBS Global |
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'Old Partner' Tops Box Office for 2nd Week
Monday, March 2, 2009 16:27:58
The Korean independent film 揙ld Partner |
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March 2, 2009
'Old Partner' Rattles Korean Film Scene
Independent documentary, 揙ld Partner, |
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March 2, 2009
Se7en Interviewed by American Media
Ahead of his first regular album release in America, K-pop singer Se7en held an interview with a local publication.
KoreAm Journal, a monthly magazine on Korean culture, asked the singer/dancer who his role model was and Se7en answered that Justin Timberlake and Usher were his favorite stars, but his own role model is himself, Se7en. The singer also added that almost all Korean singers dream of making it in the American mainstream music, and he抯 on his way to realizing that dream. His aim is not just to survive in America, but become a star. Asked about his prospect of succeeding in the American music market, Se7en replied that he抯 not an 揂sian |
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March 3, 2009
DJ DOC to Return with 7th Album
Funky and outrageous pop group DJ DOC will make a comeback with their 7th album in June. It抯 their first album in four years and seven months.
Although the group抯 three members haven抰 released any new albums, they have been very busy, appearing in a number of entertainment shows. They have also held solo concerts at the end of every year to keep in touch with their fans. However, their 7th album has great significance, because this year marks the 15th anniversary of the group抯 debut. This is why they抮e paying extra attention to making the album a great success.
For the past 15 years DJ DOC has delighted Korean music fans with such fun-filled songs like 揗urphy抯 Law, |
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March 3, 2009
Entertainment Programs Making Way for Hallyu
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
KBS |
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March 3, 2009
Police to Hunt Uploaders of Copies of 'Wonangsori'
By Kim Rahn
Staff Reporter
People enter a CGV theater to watch 揙ld Partner |
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March 3, 2009
Shin Hye-sung Hopes to Have National Hit Song
Singer Shin Hye-sun, a member of the group Shinhwa, recently released his second album "Keep Leaves" in his third album collection. In the first album, he attempted various genres including alternative rock, British rock and swing, but the sale results proved unsatisfactory.
But Shin, smiling, said, "My company doesn't think of it as a failed album. My initial strategy was to have two albums from very different genres comprise my third regular album collection. I wanted to do something new, maybe unfamiliar to the public. But fans loved the album (laugh). So thankfully, now I hear demo tapes not only of ballads but other music genres. My choice has expanded." His second album features ballad songs, as he planned.
The title number "Why did you call," composed by Ha Jeong-ho, tells the story of a man who can't forget his love even after parting. Shin is particularly proud of his recording of "Even if it's a Lie" written by a member of his concert band. The magnificent string sound of "I'm dying" composed by "Wanted" member Kim Jae-seok is comparable to a film O.S.T.
The ten-track mini-album will also function as a regular album. It topped weekly album sales on a domestic portal, and "Why did you call" climbed to number three on various music sites. Shin says he is upbeat and confident because he has returned to his forte of ballads in addition to the good response.
He says his hope, as a solo singer, is to have a song not only appreciated by fans but becomes a national hit like the Wonder Girls' "Tell Me." He said it's tough for ballads to be enjoyed by all people, but he was inspired by the example of Baek Ji-young's "I won't love."
He also noted that his group Shinhwa has yet to produce a national hit in the ranks of GOD's "To Mother" and H.O.T's "Candy." He said Shinhwa has been a performance-heavy dance group and has thus been less recognized for their actual songs.
He has been a part of Shinhwa for ten years but as a soloist, he's released just three albums.
He said, "Looking back on my band days, up until our fourth album 'Hey, Come on!' I don't think I knew much about music, why I was singing, what songs worked for us, what the lyrics were about, what the album's concept was and so on. I just mechanically sang." Releasing his first solo album, he realized that the many years as a Shinhwa member was actual a "precious asset." He realized he was even too shy to look straight into the camera, ducking his face in embarrassment.
"I was a complete novice but I couldn't let it show. I wished I had studied more music from the Shinhwa years. Back then, our schedule was packed; we had no time to think about anything else. Fortunately, band groups these days seem to study music a lot."
After an 11 year singing career, Shin stated his humble but number one goal: "My real goal now is to pursue singing steadily."
Source: KBS Global |
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March 4, 2009
High F/X Rate a Boon for Korean Singers
The soaring won-dollar exchange rate has prompted Korean singers to look overseas for more lucrative deals. Rain, TVXQ, Jewelry, Shin Seung-hoon and other famed Korean pop singers have upped the number of their engagements overseas. The weakening Korean won against the U.S. dollar and Japanese yen means more earnings for K-pop singers on foreign stages. Their representatives are reportedly very busy planning concerts, fan meetings, and other events in foreign locations.
For instance, Rain held fan meetings in Tokyo and Osaka on January 12th and 14th. He drew more than 3,000 fans at each of four meetings, once again demonstrating the power of his stardom. He抯 now planning an Asian tour. TVXQ already released the group抯 26th single in Japan and is getting ready for third Asian tour concerts. Korea抯 ballad king Shin Seung-hoon will also release his second regular album in Japan on April 25th. He抣l also tour four cities in Japan from late April to early May.
Source: KBS World |
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March 3, 2009
34 Korean Films at Chennai Women抯 Film Fest
The 2nd Women抯 Film Festival in Channai, India has invited 34 Korean short and feature length films to screen during its 8-day event March 1 |
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March 3, 2009
S. Korea's 'Today and the Other Days' wins at Japanese film fest
SEOUL, March 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's "Today and the Other Days," a feature film portraying domestic violence, has won a special prize at a Japanese film festival, the event's organizers said Tuesday.
A debut by cameraman-turned-director Choi Wee-an, the film was recognized by the jury of the Open Theater section at Japan's Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival, which said the film should be noted for its "experimental spirit."
"Today," Korean title "Jeonyeokui Game," tells the story of a 30-something woman and her aging father who each night play hwatu, a traditional Korean card game, and the unraveling of their family's dark history of abuse. The movie premiered at last year's Jeonju Film Festival.
This year's Yubari Film Festival, which has been held in the all-but-deserted Japanese mining town since 1990, premiered roughly 60 films and drew an international crowd of nearly 3,000, its organizers said.
The festival opened on Feb. 27 and ran through Monday.
Credits: [email protected] via Yonhap News |
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NEWS INDEX page 92
March 4, 2009: March sees dearth of Korean movies
March 4: Actor Lee Jun-ki to Hold 8,000 Seat Fan Concert in April
March 4: 慚en in Black |
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March 4, 2009
March sees dearth of Korean movies
Only two Korean films are getting released in March reflecting the weakening position of local filmmakers.
"More Than Blue," directed by Won Tae-yeon, and "Siljong," helmed by Kim Seong-hong, will hit theaters on March 11 and 19, respectively, offering a much-needed injection of local flavor amid the fast growing lineup of foreign movies here.
In contrast, some 20 foreign films are poised to compete in the local market, a massive lineup that threatens to force Korean films to the sidelines. The growth in foreign releases has plagued the Korean movie industry in the past couple of years.
The February-March period is usually a slow season for Korean productions, but the shortage of Korean films in March is particularly noticeable. Only a smaller number of Korean movies turn a profit, and producers have been forced to delay or cancel their latest projects.
"More Than Blue" is widely expected to be a big hit this month since it stars Korean Wave star Kwon Sang-woo and other well-known actors such as Lee Bo-young and Lee Beom-soo.
The movie revolves around a radio producer named K (played by Kwon Sang-woo), who is in love with an attractive composer (Lee Bo-young). Their relationship hits a turning point when a dentist (Lee Beom-soo) falls in love with the composer.
The highlight of the film is Kwon's newfound talent in conjuring up the image of sadness. Despite the undisputed fame as a leading actor, Kwon has suffered public criticism in recent months. In the film, however, he seems comfortable with his acting, pouring out emotions undeterred -- a revealing performance that will offer pleasant surprise to Kwon's fans at home and abroad.
Poet-turned-director Won Tae-yeon has forged a melodrama that evolves into fantasy, departing from other more commercial films. This novel approach is expected to get a mixed reaction from audiences familiar with realistic melodrama.
Another drawback is the number of cameos, especially by those affiliated with the film's producers, that interrupt the flow of the story unnecessarily. "Siljong," a thriller, is concerned about a young girl searching for her missing sister. Critics and audiences alike expect that Moon Sung-keun, a veteran actor, will help bolster the overall dramatic tension, together with heroine Chu Ja-kyeon ("Portrait of Beauty").
However, both Korean films are expected to face an uphill battle against foreign movies. This week, a host of foreign films, are set to be released. Leading the pack is "Watchmen," directed by Zack Snyder, most famous in Korea for "300," is drawing keen attention among action movie fans.
According to the ticket reservation data from the Korean Film Council, "Watchmen" emerged as the top choice for this weekend, securing a whopping 46.9 percent share. Other films that will join the fray this week include "Look for a Star" by Lau Wai-keung, "The Wrestler" by Darren Aronofsky, and "Frost/Nixon" by Ron Howard.
"Old Partner," a hit Korean documentary, is continuing its success at the box office, getting a 15.8 percent share in ticket reservations for this weekend.
By Yang Sung-jin ([email protected])
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2009/03/05/200903050010.asp
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March 4, 2009
Actor Lee Jun-ki to Hold 8,000 Seat Fan Concert in April
Heartthrob actor Lee Jun-ki (27) will hold a large scale fan concert next month.
His management agency, Mentor Entertainment, said Lee will hold the 8,000 seat fan concert entitled "Episode 2" on April 18 at the Olympic Park fencing arena.
In May 2006, Lee held the first "Episode 1" concert at the Jamsil Student Stadium, drawing some 12,000 fans.
Mentor said, "Like last time, Lee has prepared dancing, songs, performances and events for his fans. It will be an upgrade from Episode 1."
Composer Kim Hyeong-seok is the music director of the concert.
Mentor also said Episode 2 will kick off a world tour that Lee is planning for the year's second half.
Source: KBS Global |
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March 4, 2009
慚en in Black |
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March 5, 2009
Familiar Names Resume Singing in First Half of Year
Gang Su-jiㆍWon Mi-yeonㆍLee Seon-heeㆍIm Chang-jeongㆍ Park Ji-yun
Singers are making a steady comeback this year. Last year wrapped up with a harmonious mix of the young and old. Global stars Rain and Dong Bang Shin Ki, '90s stars Sin Seung-hun, Kim Gun-mo and Seo Tae-ji and singers Kim Jong-guk and Kim Beom-su--after completing their military service--all came back last year.
Though not as bountiful as last year, this year's first half will also see the return of familiar faces.
The list includes Won Jun-hee, known for her hit "Love Is Like Glass," more '80-90s singers such as Gang Su-ji, Won Mi-yeon and Lee Seon-hee, Im Chang-jeong and Park Ji-yun returning from their acting gigs and GOD member Kim Tae-woo, who has fiinished his military duty. Their comeback will be dear to the singing scene, which was feared to lack a star presence last year.
◇Who's back
Won Jun-hee came back with the single "Return" last August after 20 years. She released her second single in January and sang "Love Is Like Glass" remade by MC haNsAi into a hip hop ballad and duet this month. Close friends Gang Su-ji and Won Mi-yeon each also released digital singles in January and February.
Gang's return comes seven years after her tenth album in 2002. Her perennial partner from her debut years, composer Yun Sang, helped her return. Won also joined hands with Yun Jong-sin and returned with a new song after 13 years.
Lee Seon-hee, who went to the U.S. after remarrying in 2006, released her 14th album last month after her 2005 13th album. She will hold a concert in April.
Im and Park, who have pursued acting, have come back after six years.
Since his 10th album in 2003, Im will release his 11th album "Return To My World" on Tuesday, and Park's new acoustic ballad album coming next month is the first since her sixth album in 2003.
Kim Tae-woo, who finished his military service on Feb. 25, will introduce a two-track digital single next month and a regular album in July. Vocalist Jo Won-seon of the band Rollercoaster, whose members agreed to go their different ways last year, will release a modern rock-based first single this month.
◇Music for all ages
Industry experts welcome the returns, saying, " Popular music is not about choice and concentration but diversity that satisfies fans of all age groups." Music Farm official Gang Tae-gyu said, "The return of singers of different ages and genres is itself very significant. While idol stars led the music scene last year, I'm happy to see the return of seasoned singers with both musical and popular appeal this year."
But some say the prevalence of digital singles over conventional albums is regrettably in line with the music market going digital.
One record agency chairman deplored the situation. He admitted it was inevitable due to the changing music environment, but claims people will miss the individual musical styles of singers expressed through old-fashioned albums.
Others worry about the return of the "oldie" stars of the '80s and '90s.
One 30-something singers noted, "It's great to see older singers back on the scene with new albums in the past few years. They have high expectations, but many failed to adjust to the changed environment and dropped out over sluggish album sales. I hope they will remain steady and stay with us for a long time."
Source: KBS Global |
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Author
