Korean Entertainment News Update (siri 2)

katt

April 8, 2009

Kim's 1st Appearance After Delivering Baby


Kim Hee-sun

Top actress Kim Hee-sun has made her first public appearance after delivering a baby.

She attended an event to celebrate the publication of her book "Kim Hee-sun's Happy Mom Project'' held at a cafe in southern Seoul Tuesday. The book deals with her experiences in delivery and childcare.

Kim got married in October 2007 and gave birth to a baby girl on Jan. 21. She stopped her activity in July 2006 after starring "Smile Again,'' a soap opera on SBS-TV.

Kim, who showed off her constant beauty in the event, remained cautious about the possibility of her return to screen. With regard to her future plan, she was quoted as saying, "Nothing has been decided yet. Now I am happy as a novice mom.''

The proceeds from the book promotion event will be handed over to the Nutritional Education International (NEI), a non-profit organization established to help Afghan children.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

katt

April 8, 2009

A castaway on the Han River  



Jung Jae-young, who plays a title role for the forthcoming film "Castaway on the Moon (Kim-ssi pyoryugi)," seems to be relishing a box-office battle with Tom Hanks. "Whether we wanted it or not, we are going to stage a showdown with Tom Hanks," Jung told reporters at a news conference Tuesday.

The implication is two-fold. First, "Castaway on the Moon" obviously has taken its cue from "Cast Away" (2000), which starred the Hollywood actor. Second, the Korean flick is released on May 14, the same day that Hanks' latest film "Angels & Demons" hits local theaters.

But any similarities end there. "Castaway on the Moon" is not about the dramatic struggle of a man deserted in the middle of the ocean, but about a quirky man who becomes stranded on an island in the Han River.

Mr. Kim (played by Jung Jae-young) plunges from a bridge into the Han River to end his life, only to end up on an island. Mr. Kim realizes that it is difficult to live, but that it is equally hard to die. As he grows accustomed to the isolated life on the island (the SOS letters on the sand are changed from "Help" to Hello"), he comes across a wine bottle containing an anonymous letter, offering a fresh impetus.

Meanwhile, Ms. Kim (Jung Ryeo-won) maintains a secluded life in her own room. She has a solid daily routine, updating her homepage and taking pictures of the moon. She is awakened from her reclusive life, however, when she catches a glimpse of a dark figure on the Han River -- a turning point that finally prompts her to leave her sacred room.

"When I got the screenplay, I really liked the story because it's quite entertaining and interesting, and it also has a last-minute surprise," Jung Jae-young said at the press event.

Jung Ryeo-won, who built up her career in television dramas, said she did not have any difficulty in playing the role of Ms. Kim. "Some people were worried about my role because Ms. Kim was a loner, but I have been living alone myself for a while, so I found it interesting to see some similarities between my life and Ms. Kim's life," she said.

Director Lee Hae-jun, who also made "Like a Virgin," said his second film was designed to give the audiences a sense of hope. "Even though some viewers might take the message of hope as an outdated cliche, I still believe hope is the very message we want," he said.

"Castaway on the Moon" was originally planned to hit theaters on April 30, but the film's distributor Cinema Service pushed the schedule back to avoid direct competition with Park Chan-wook's much-awaited Korean vampire film "Thirst."

By Yang Sung-jin ([email protected]) via koreaherald.co.kr, poster courtesy 'Wandering Mr. Kim' soompi thread

katt

April 11, 2009

Hugh Jackman Appointed Seoul Goodwill Ambassador

Australian-born Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman, 41, is expected to play a key role in promoting the charm of Seoul. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Thursday that it will appoint Hugh Jackman as a goodwill ambassador. The Hollywood star is a world-renowned actor known for his appearances in the "X-Men" series and "The Boy from OZ."

Korean-American actor Daniel Henney, 30, who co-starred in the movie "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," has been serving as a goodwill ambassador for Seoul since the end of last year and recently suggested Jackman join him. The Australian actor willingly accepted, saying, "I will do my best to show people how beautiful Seoul is."


Hugh Jackman (right) with Daniel Henney

When Jackman visited Korea in 2006 to promote "X-Men: The Last Stand," he expressed affection for Korea, saying "I have heard a lot about Korea from my father, who has frequently visited this country on business."

Daniel Henney will also attend the appointment ceremony where Jackman will donate signed copies of "X-Men" series DVDs and personal items.

Credits: englishnews@chosun.com

katt

April 10, 2009

Hyun Young confirms breakup with Kim Jong-min

Leading entertainer Hyun Young is trying to contain the fallout from denying her breakup with singer Kim Jong-min, which turned out to be true.

Hyun admitted on Tuesday that she has broken up with Kim, although three weeks prior she strongly denied the rumor. The rumor about their troubled relationship has been circulating since late last year.

News reports said that Hyun had earlier informed her friends of a rift in her relationship with Kim, asking for their advice. However, Hyun and her management agency reportedly hid the truth out of fear that an acknowledgement would negatively affect the female star's image.

Many fans reportedly feel betrayed by her denial. Hyun's agency said that "the couple probably needed time to decide about their relationship."

Hyun is scheduled to make her DJ debut on MBC radio from April 14. Kim is currently working as a public service employee in place of his two-year mandatory military duty.

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

katt

April 9, 2009

Yoona's Drama to Be Aired in Japan



Yoona, a member of idol girl band Girls

katt

April 9, 2009

Government Appeals to Define TVXQ抯 Song 'Lewd'

By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter

Asian pop sensation TVXQ's song "Mirotic" is under scrutiny once again as regulators are set to determine whether the phrase "I got you under my skin" is lewd.

The Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs said Thursday that it will appeal to a high court against a local court's scrapping the song from "harmful material for youth list." The Youth Protection Committee, under the ministry, held an emergency meeting the same day and confirmed that the lyrics were inappropriate for teenagers to listen to.

The decision comes after the Seoul Administrative Court ruled the committee had to rescind its order to the group to change some of the lyrics when singing on stage and put stickers on CDs indicating the album was banned from sale to those under 19.

The committee said last November that the song was harmful to the young since its lyrics, "You want me, you give yourself up to me, you're mad at me" and "I got you under my skin," may imply sexual acts.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

katt

April 9, 2009

Wonder Girls Covered in People Magazine  



American entertainment magazine People called Korea抯 Wonder Girls 揳 younger version of the Spice Girls.

katt

April 9, 2009

Girls

katt

April 8, 2009

No run-of-the-mill Romeo

Rolling into a coffee shop after shooting for new drama "The Slingshot," in which he plays a cutthroat villain, actor Kim Kang-woo moves straight into a set of poses for a photo shoot with The Korea Herald.

Just a few minutes later the shoot is over. He bows to the photographer and eases himself into his seat.

Two years have passed since Kim Kang-woo garnered critical acclaim as an engine driver in "The Railroad (Gyeongiseon)" (2007) and as Seong-chan in the box office hit "Le Grand Chef" (2007). To date he has played a detective in the thriller "Rainbow Eyes (Gamyeon)" (2007) and a pro swimmer-turned-drug trafficker in "Marine Boy" (2009). His latest projects include "The Slingshot," which began airing on KBS 2 this Monday, and the film "As We Love" (working title), set for release later this year.



"When selecting roles, the first thing I look for is a character or style of acting that does not overlap with roles and projects that I have done before," he said.

Despite his pretty-boy face, the 30-year old actor has avoided being typecast as a run-of-the-mill Romeo. And it takes a certain degree of fearlessness and grit to constantly angle for new territory. Though he says, "If I did not take up acting, I would have ended up being an incredibly boring and conservative 30-something year-old guy," Kim's determination and dedication makes him anything but staid.

Prior to claiming the best actor award at the 25th Torino Film Festival for his role in "The Railroad," Kim trekked out to theaters to promote the low-budget film on his own, sitting in the front row, cap crushed down low on his head, before springing up unannounced to greet his audiences. "I just went, like a guerilla press screening," he said.

"I was curious as to whether or not audiences understood what the director and I had envisioned; the character that I played. So I deliberately went to theaters on my own, greeted audiences and conversed with a small group of theatergoers."

For his role as a culinary genius in "Le Grand Chef," Kim learned how to slice and dice, observe master chefs and spend quality time with his co-star, the cow. "I had no idea that cows were such shy creatures," he said. "The cow would not even look at the food I tried to give it. It only ate what its owner fed it and would not look at me. So, everyday, for about 10 days, I brushed it, took it for walks, fed it, caught flies and continually made eye contact. It was like working with a very sensitive actress."

Kim talks in a low and quiet voice: slow and steady. His sharp features -- the pointed chin, pursed lips, thick eyebrows -- accentuated by the gravity with which he talks about his career. Every now and then he breaks into a laugh or a light chuckle, but on the whole he remains relatively serious, especially when it comes to his latest role.

"The character himself is a villain but he is incredibly charming." "The Slingshot" is a series that focuses on the struggles of a wronged hero -- played by Hallyu star Park Yong-ha. Kim plays the hero's nemesis, Chae Do-woo, the power-hungry son of the head of a large corporation who will stop at nothing to win and does so with a quiet menace.

"It is much more difficult because there is almost no movement. I have to express myself with my eyes, the angle of my face or the way that I speak. Because he is a character that reveals his emotions on a minute scale," he sucks in his breath. "It is somewhat challenging, but, also fun."

When asked about "The Slingshot" scriptwriter Song Ji-na, the mastermind behind the hit series "Hourglass" (1997), Kim answered: "Looking at this script, I think I can see why she is a good scriptwriter. The characters are very three-dimensional." "Lines and situations that I could not have foreseen are scripted. I am very happy with that," he added.

Even though Kim has a movie, a compilation of five shorts titled "As We Love" (working title), slated to hit screens in the near future and is currently working on "The Slingshot" he hopes to star in yet another flick before the year is out.

"Though nothing has been decided yet, I would like to do a movie that would go out in theaters this winter."

Given his penchant for versatile characters, it will be interesting to see what role Kim reels in next. In the meantime, you can check out his dark side on Monday and Tuesday nights.

By Jean Oh ([email protected]) via koreaherald.co.kr

katt

April 9, 2009

Film stars get graphic at Open Art Fair

Actresses Kim Hye-soo and Sim Eun-ha will show their paintings at the Seoul Open Art Fair which starts at COEX in Samsung-dong next Wednesday.

Kim is among the country's A-list actresses while Sim, though she retired from acting years ago, continues to draw media attention.





The fair's special exhibition named "Star Arts Project" will also display artwork by other celebrities such as actor Kang Seok-woo, actress Kim Ae-kyung, singer Cho Young-nam, and TV presenter Lee Sang-byuk. In response to the high level of public interest generated, the fair unveiled the two paintings in advance to the press last week.

Sim will display three paintings in Indian ink. The untitled works are serene and calm, just like the actress's image. "Her works have high quality," said an official of the fair.



This is not the first time for Sim to display her work to the public. While learning from painter Min Kyung-chan, Sim participated in another exhibition in 2003. Sim has rarely made public appearances since she married in 2005. It is of great interest to the media whether or not she will show up for the opening ceremony next Tuesday.

Kim, meanwhile, will display three abstract collages. Her works also resemble her image -- sexy, confident and passionate. She created her work by pasting photo images onto canvas painted in intense red using broad, rough stokes. She is a self-taught artist.

Seoul Open Art Fair, exhibiting paintings, sculptures, photographs, engravings and installation arts in 105 booths, runs from April 15 to 19 at COEX in Samsung-dong, southern Seoul. For more information, call (02) 545-3314 or visit www.soaf.co.kr
By Park Min-young ([email protected]) via koreaherald.co.kr, additional images from nate.com

katt

April 9, 2009

Yang's 'Breathless' Is Breathtaking

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter


Yang Ik-june directs, produces and plays the lead role in his feature film debut,
"Breathless." The multiple award-winning family drama opens in theaters April 16.
/ Courtesy of Jin Jin Pictures

In an obscure alleyway at night, a man ruthlessly beats a woman. A shadowy figure emerges and intercepts the violent lover's quarrel, but only to slap the victim repeatedly himself, reprimanding her for getting hit by her man.

Is he a hero or villain? It's difficult to say. "Breathless" explores the murky gray zone between compassion and cruelty, redemption and revenge, and the blessings and curses of family bonds. In a nutshell, it's a family drama that's inappropriate for children. While harrowingly violent, however, the multiple-award winning film by director-lead actor-producer Yang Ik-june seethes with warmth and humor.

The film is making headlines for entering almost 20 international film events and picking up top prizes, including, most recently, the SIGNIS Prize and the Audience Award, Wednesday, at the Buenos Aires International Independent Film Festival. And the movie does not disappoint, and establishes Yang as a name to watch out for.

"Breathless" has captured the hearts of French audiences at Deauville ― even though they are more than familiar with the Jean-Luc Godard masterpiece of the same title ("A Bout de Souffle" in French). It features over two hours of the discomforting subject matter of domestic violence against a rundown neighborhood of Seoul, but the movie glimmers with life. One is drawn to the protagonist, Sang-hoon, whom Yang plays compellingly as the most endearing antihero since Kang Cheol-jung of the "Public Enemy" series.

Sang-hoon is someone you don't want to run into on the street. Wearing a frown and an old-fashioned collar shirt with a pair of Nike sneakers, he's prone to mindless fits of violence, punching a passerby if he feels like it. He leads a dreary existence working for an enforcement mob run by an old friend, Man-sik (Joung Maan-sik). When he makes money he pours it away at a pachinko parlor. He's probably the only Korean still using a beeper rather than a cell phone.

But just when the jerky, handheld camera establishes him as a despicable thug, you see him looking after his young nephew, though he is careful not to get too close with his half sister, and making sure he steers clear of young children when beating people up. His irate temper turns highly volatile at the sole mention of his father, and we learn that Sang-hoon is a victim of a violent family tragedy that took the life of his mother and sister. "So, does serving 17 years undo the fact that he killed two people?" he asks, enraged with his father.

But the darkest hours always yield to light, and Yeon-hee enters his life like a ray of sunshine. Actress Kim Kkobbi plays the role of the cheeky high school student who doesn't even wince at Sang-hoon's intimidations. The big bad thug is fascinated by the little sharp-tongued girl who goes as far as treating him like her junior, saying "So I'm a senior. Have you even been to school?" He's at a loss for words.

Yeon-hee says that her family life is so peaceful that she needs to be diverted by a lowlife thug. But in reality, they are kindred spirits, as her tough demeanor was crafted over the years of dealing with her violent, mentally disturbed father and rebellious younger brother. Her mother lost her life in a skirmish with thugs, but she finds solace in the presence of such people in a vicious cycle.

The film depicts the human repulsion against violence but also the disturbing yet cathartic emotional release from submitting to it, and thus the human propensity toward it. But it ultimately traces the human need for hope and redemption.

As Yeon-hee starts warming up his stark existence, Sang-hoon slowly begins to emerge from the dark side. The two unlikely friends find a niche of happiness in babying Sang-hoon's little nephew. Sang-hoo, however, has committed sins for which there is a heavy price to pay.

In theaters April 16. 130 minutes. 18 and over. Distributed by Jin Jin Pictures.

Credits: hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

katt

April 10, 2009

Yang Ik-june's Intense Life Makes for an Intense Film


Yang Ik-june

"Breathless," which has won eight trophies at six international film festivals, is so intense throughout that viewers find it hard to take their eyes off it. The film's director Yang Ik-june, the 34-year-old star of the Korean independent movie world, is just as intense.

"Breathless" vividly depicts domestic violence and abusive language, but nobody can really call the film brutal. "Breathless" is Yang's debut film, and is based, he says, on his direct and indirect experiences.

"Since I was in second year in middle school, I drank alcohol and smoked, and I even sniffed glue. I didn't want to stay at home, so I was always wandering around in the streets," he said. But that wayward youth laid the groundwork for "Breathless."

"I've been in the film industry since the age of 26, but I didn't have any dream or plan," Yang says. But his first short film "Always Behind You" won an audience award at the Seoul Independent Film Festival in 2005, and that was when he started to get the attention of the film world. "Everything I learned about directing came from watching directors work while I was acting," said Yang.

At the end of the interview, Yang said, "I feel as if I'm in puberty right now. I get so easily influenced by anything." "Breathless" contained everything he accumulated in his rollercoaster life, and that is probably why the film is so intense.

Credits: englishnews@chosun.com

katt

April 10, 2009

Rain to Hold Fashion Show in Hong Kong in June



Korean pop star and actor Rain

Korean pop star and actor Rain, 27, will hold a fashion show for its own brand in Hong Kong in early June.

Rain will show performance at the 2009 F/W fashion show with its own garment brand of "Six to Five" in Hong Kong,according to fashion & design specialist Jtune Creative, an affiliate of Rain's agency, Jtune Entertainment. He is a designer and model for the fashion show.

It will be a good opportunity for Rain to make Six to Five brand familiar with fashion designers and consumers in China, Hong Kong and other Chinese-language countries in Asia as it is staged in Hong Kong, the agency said.

"Six to Five" means that we are aiming to reach the sixth sense from our original five senses. Jtune Creative, in collaboration with Korea Teddy Bear Association, opened SF(Six to Five) Teddy Museum on Jeju Island on April 3 and is scheduled to open a similar one in Bali, Indonesia and Pucket, Thailand.

"Teddy Bears wearing 'Six to Five' brands are on display at SF Teddy Museum," an official of Jtune Creative said. "The two brands will continue to collaborate for their respective business."

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

katt

April 10, 2009

'Boys over Flowers' Stars Join Charity Event



It will present an opportunity to obtain their personal items

Good Neighbors, an international charity, said Wednesday that the stars of the recent KBS2 hit drama 揃oys over Flowers

katt

April 10, 2009

'X-Men' Stars Visit Seoul

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter


Actors Daniel Henney, left, and Hugh Jackman appear at a promotional event
for 揦-Men Origins: Wolverine

katt

April 10, 2009

SS501 to Wows Japanese Fans



Hot male quintet SS501 is going to Japan to reignite their career there. This time all five members of the team will be present to wow Japanese fans. SS501 has been working as a trio called Triple S for the past few months, while Kim Hyun-joong was starring in the drama "Boys over Flowers" and Park Jung-min in the musical "Grease."

The group's first appearance in Japan will be at an appreciation event for the fans of "Boys over Flowers" at the JCB Hall in Tokyo on April 16. SS501 will appear as guest singers and perform "I'm a Fool" from the original soundtrack of "Boys over Flowers."

In early May SS501 will go on a two-day trip to Jeju Island with their Japanese fans. A variety of special events are scheduled for the trip, including games, a garden party, and mini concerts. Then the quintet will depart for the U.S. on May 6th to prepare for their second regular album, before returning to Japan to release their second album in Japan titled "All My Love" and hold an event celebrating the album release in Tokyo.

SS501 is also planning an Asian tour with stops in Japan, China, and Taiwan in July. It appears the five heartthrobs will be kept pretty busy for the next few months

Source: KBS World

katt

April 10, 2009

Three men arrested for break-in at actor抯 home

Three men were arrested Monday in connection with a break-in at the home of actor Kim Rae-won, 28, according to the Seoul Yongsan Police Precinct.

On the morning of Jan. 17, burglars broke into Kim抯 residence and stole just over 100 million won ($74,100) in cash, checks and trophies.

At the time, Kim was away filming a movie and both his parents were out. Kim notified the police later that day, after his mother alerted him to the incident.

According to police, the three men were in Hannam-dong, central Seoul, looking for unoccupied houses. They were caught when they tried to use a stolen check at a Seoul gas station.

Credits: http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2903366

Actor bids farewell to fans before going into the Air Force

Koreans had to watch another handsome young actor go off to mandatory military service this week as Jo In-sung, 28, bid farewell to his fans on Tuesday.

Jo, who will serve for 25 months in the Air Force military band, is said to have been influenced by his father, who also served in the Korean Air Force.

Nearly 500 people crowded South Gyeongsang抯 Jinju Air Force Headquarters to wish the actor well, including 200 reporters and 150 fans from Japan.

揑 hope I抦 not causing too much trouble,

katt

April 11, 2009

Kim Hee-sun Promotes Her Book at Charity Bazaar


Actress Kim Hee-sun

Actress Kim Hee-sun made her first official appearance on Tuesday after giving birth, at a bazaar to raise funds for Afghanistan. The event was also held to commemorate the publication of her book "Kim Hee-sun's Happy Mom Project." She drew attention for her beauty, that seems fully intact even after childbirth.

The actress said, "It's my first official event and I'm happy to participate in this good cause. Most women marry, have a baby, and become mothers. But since I gave birth to my own child, I've had greater respect for all the women in the world."

Kim Hee-sun married Park Joo-young, second son of Park Sung-kwan, the owner of Raksan group, in 2007, and has since disappeared from the entertainment scene. Her appearance at Tuesday's event is part of her preparations to make a comeback.

Credits: englishnews@chosun.com

katt

April 10, 2009

[MOVIE REVIEW] Remake of Korean horror scarier

Malevolence rather than melancholy is the order of business in the Guard Brother's remake of Kim Ji-Woon's haunting horror opus, "A Tale of Two Sisters."

The American remake is a remorseless Senecan tragedy that sacrifices the air of bittersweet sadness of Kim's original.

"The Uninvited" is not so much a remake of the 2003 Korean film as a loosely based version. While the twist from the original remains, the American version comes with an added surprise - a surprise terrifying enough to send chills down your spine. The film is more plot-driven than its Korean predecessor and makes effective use of a subplot which involves an unsolved murder mystery the two sisters begin to unravel. It is also more bombastic than the atmospheric original.



The Guard Brothers make good use of a MacGuffin in the halfway mark of the film to set up that bonus twist. Reactions from fanboys of the original will undoubtedly be negative. Why? Probably because it just isn't the original, and because of the filmmakers' decision to jettison the moody nuance of the original for a more labyrinthine, malicious story.

But just because a film is remade doesn't mean it should be an exact copy. Half the fun of watching remakes is to see how different they are from their original incarnation. The foundation of the plot is intact in "The Uninvited." At the start we're introduced to troubled teen Anna, played by 20-year-old Aussie Emily Browning, as she prepares to be released from a psychiatric institution.

After witnessing the death of her terminally ill mother and being saved from a previous suicide attempt, Anna knows the road to recovery will be a treacherous one. But standing in the way of her recovery is the presence of Rachel, her mother's nursemaid who has since become her father's fiancee. At this point, if you think you've figured out the added twist, you're wrong. Digressions aside, the nursemaid here is played by a thoroughly creepy Elizabeth Banks.

Already bound by their resentment of Rachel - Anna and older sister, Alex (played by Arielle Kebbel) - come to suspect their stepmother of foul play when Anna is visited by the ghost of their dead mother. This is where the MacGuffin is employed, moving the story into territory typical of countless horror films such as the obligatory scenes involving the two sisters performing a background search of their stepmother. Except, instead of microfiche researching old newspaper articles like older films once did, they use the internet. As Anna and Alex prepare to reveal who Rachel really is, a more terrifying truth emerges, threatening to destroy the family forever.

Although the film doesn't tread any new ground, "The Uninvited" benefits from strong performances by up-and-coming actors. The result is a briskly paced tale of vengeance that will leave viewers guessing until the chilling final twist.

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

katt

April 13, 2009

Promising Teen Film-Maker Accepted into Harvard
  

Kim Youn  

Kim Youn received letters of admission from Harvard University and Princeton University last month. She moved to the United States when she was in her second year of middle school, after persuading her father to send her. Being admitted to one of the prestigious Ivy League universities is always admirable, although it is a feat achieved by many Korean students these days. But Kim's story differs from those of other smart students.

The 18-year-old girl made a 13-minute short film in the summer of 2008 titled "KH1," starring a camera craftsman running a repair shop in front of the Seoul Jungbu Police Station. She entered her film into 14 short film festivals around the world, and "KH1" was nominated for awards in all of them. It eventually won awards in three. She also received the Dream Invitation Motion Picture Award in Seoul in October 2008.

What is more admirable is that it was the first film she has ever shot and she did everything by herself, from editing to composing the score. Her adventure clearly won the hearts of admission committee members at Harvard and Princeton.

"I wanted to make a short film about the artisan spirit," said Kim. She added that she did not want to make a documentary merely citing facts, but rather wanted to deliver a clear message in an artistic manner. Of the five applications she wrote, she was accepted to three universities and chose Harvard. Kim plans to study Latin and science to deepen her knowledge of the world of film.

Credits: englishnews@chosun.com