Korean Entertainment News Update (siri 2)

katt

News Index PAGE 13

May 27, 2008: Jin Won - Park Min-ji, confirmed lovers
May 31: Choi Jin-sil wins bid to give kids her name
May 30: Bae, Choi to Voice 'Winter Sonata' Cartoon
May 28: Teitler to produce Korea's 'Robot Taekwon V'
June 1: Documentaries Touch Hearts of Viewers
June 2: Yoo Ji-tae's film invited to SSFF  
June 2: Korean Stars Sing to Deliver Message of Hope to Quake Victims
June 2: Jang Nara Visits China to Help Earthquake Victims
June 2: Daegu to host international musical festival
June 3: Hallyu Wood Draws Attention of Asian Press
June 3: Yon-sama Fever Still Burning
June 3: Korean, Japanese Actors to Star in Joint Movie
June 4: Actor Yoo Ji-tae's Short Film Invited to 10th SSFF in Japan
June 4:'Chil-woo' to Bring Joseon Hero to TV
June 4: [MOVIE REVIEW] 'My Mighty Princess' overcomes 2-year delay
May 28: [Talk of the town] Awards elude Korean film stars at this year's Cannes Film Festival
June 4: TV personality Yu to tie knot
June 4: [MOVIE REVIEW] New 'Public Enemy' upgrades humor
June 4: Kraze, IMJ float "Boat"      
June 2: Seo In Young - the face of Maybelline New York
June 2: J-Walk Kim Jae Duk enlists on June 4
June 4: 揊emale BIG BANG

katt

Thanks to kdramafanusa at soompi.com for the highlight

May 27, 2008

Jin Won - Park Min-ji, confirmed lovers



The rumors between Jin Won and Park Min-ji are true.

Jin Won's management company said in an interview, "It has been a year since they've dated. They were able to get closer while shooting a drama". They have appeared as a couple in "Super Mom", which ended last August.

According to the company, Jin Won tried to prevent the news from getting out. He was worried that Park Min-ji would have to face the consequences.

The company said, "Recently, after the rumor came out, I think they are enjoying their dates. Please help them to have a good relationship".

Park Min-ji received popular for the 2004 movie "Jenny, Juno"and "The Peter Pan Formula". Jin Won is starring in cable's Mnet drama "Five Men's Baby Angel".

Their relationship became under heat as Jin Won revealed a picture of an intimate picture of him and a girl whose face was in mosaic, and netizens claimed that the girl was Park Min-ji.

Original Korean Article: Hankooki 2008-05-27
English Translation Credit: HanCinema

katt

Thanks to kdramafanusa at soompi.com for the highlight

May 31, 2008

Choi Jin-sil wins bid to give kids her name


[image=JoongAng/ISPLUS]

Korean actress Choi Jin-sil has been allowed to change her children抯 last name from her divorced husband抯 to hers, the Seoul Family Court announced yesterday.

Choi divorced former baseball player Cho Sung-min in 2004 after a very public, acrimonious dispute and won custody of their 7-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter.

揊or almost four years after the divorce, Choi has raised her children well and it is definitely expected that she will continue to maintain such a relationship with them,

katt

Thanks to kdramafanusa at soompi.com for the highlight

May 30, 2008

Bae, Choi to Voice 'Winter Sonata' Cartoon



By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

Actors Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo, who gave flight to hallyu or the Korean wave with the TV series "Winter Sonata,'' will team up again to play the voices for the animation version of the love story. They will record the voiceovers in Korean, which will be translated into Japanese subtitles.

December last year, Korea's Key East and Japan's Total Promotion signed an Memorandum of Understanding for a joint project to make an animated version of "Winter Sonata.'' Bae had publicized plans to voice the part of his character Jun-sang at the Tokyo International Animation Fair in February, and Choi decided to join the team as well, Choi's management agency Olive9 announced Thursday.

"Choi Ji-woo decided to participate in the animation project as a token of appreciation for her fans, and hopes to rekindle the emotions of the original drama,'' said a representative of Olive9.

After airing here on KBS2 in 2002, the drama "Winter Sonata'' became explosively popular in Japan, where fans affectionately dubbed the lead actors "Yonsama'' and "Jiwoohime'' respectively. In 2005, a musical version starring popular crossover tenor Im Tae-kyung drew crowds in both countries. Even now, the shooting sites around Korea ― like Yongpyong Ski Resort and Nami Island, continue to draw tourists.

There will be two versions of the animated "Winter Sonata,'' a TV series and feature film. While retaining the essence of the original TV soap, it will be crafted like a family animation to reach out to a wider audience, particularly children.

The animation is currently under production and the voices are yet to be dubbed by Bae and Choi. It is slated for release toward the end of the year, and will be distributed internationally.

[email protected]

Source: The Korea Times

katt

Thanks to kdramafanusa at soompi.com for the highlight


Teitler to produce Korea's 'Robot Taekwon V'

By Mark Russell
May 28, 2008, 08:12 PM


"Robot Taekwon V's" eponymous robot

SEOUL -- Veteran Hollywood producer William Teitler has signed on to executive produce South Korea's entry in the giant robot genre, "Robot Taekwon V."

Directed by Won Shin-yeon ("A Bloody Aria"), "Taekwon V" will be a live-action film with extensive computer graphics and special effects and will be produced by veteran Korean producer Shin Chul and Robot Taekwon V Co. on a budget of about $20 million.

The story of a 184-foot-tall giant fighting robot, "Robot Taekwon V" made its debut in 1976 as an animated feature, directed by Kim Cheong-gi, and was later distributed in the U.S. as "Voltar the Invincible."

The new feature is a sequel to the original movie, beginning 32 years after that story. The hero of the original, a young boy named Kim Hoon, is now a down-at-the-heels businessman who is in a bad marriage and has a terrible boss. The movie is the story of Hoon's return to the giant robot and his search for redemption.

The story is based on a five-volume comic book series that was published in April and was commissioned by Shin. Shin said he is aiming for a summer 2010 opening.

Although "Taekwon V" will be a Korean-language project with entirely Korean financing, Teitler said that as the film gets further along in its development, they will be looking for global partners and strategic alliances.

Teitler also said that he sees much potential to cross over to international audiences and hopes the film will lay the foundations for other projects.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

katt

Teitler helps build Korean 'Robot'
Exec producer will consult on live-action 'Voltar'

By HAN SUNHEE
May 29, 2008, 5:52pm PT

SEOUL -- Hollywood producer William Teitler will exec produce South Korea's $20 million, live-action blockbuster "Robot Taekwon V" (a.k.a. "RTKV"), based on the iconic 1976 feature toon that spawned six sequels.

Teitler will consult on international distribution as well as co-operation with Hollywood VFX studios, based on his experiences as a producer on VFX-heavy films "The Polar Express" "Zathura" and "Jumanji" among others.

Pic is directed by Won Shin-yeon. Production is handled by Shin Chul ("My Sassy Girl") for Shin Cine.

South Korea's IM Pictures is attached as an initial investor, but distribution and sales companies are not yet confirmed. It's skedded for a 2009 release.

Known as "Voltar the Invincible" in the U.S., the original film about a robot who fights for world peace was digitally restored and rereleased on 170 screens in 2007, and sold more than 750,000 admissions.

Source: Variety

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katt

June 1, 2008

Documentaries Touch Hearts of Viewers

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter


Medical documentary "Doctors," hosted by MBC announcer Han Jun-ho,
presents the lives pf doctors and their patients. It airs every Monday 6:50 p.m.
/ Courtesy of MBC

Real stories of real people are sweeping television screens these days, reaching the hearts of viewers and beckoning in a new trend in television. Instead of being boring and predominantly educational, documentaries depicting the lives of ordinary people are becoming increasingly popular.

Recently, major broadcasters have shifted documentaries to prime time slots, with some programs recording ratings in double-digit percentages, something only popular drama series have traditionally achieved. In the past when many documentaries focused on historical, environmental and social issues, this trend would have been difficult.

But as documentaries are increasingly focusing on the lives of ordinary people, viewers have started to appreciate these "real" and "live" programs.

So what is it that draws viewers to documentaries that depict the everyday lives of normal people?

"I think people enjoy (documentaries) because they portray the pure inner world (of normal people). It's not about people who are pretty or rich like characters in dramas, but about those we can meet anywhere," Yun Yang-seok, a former producer of "Human Theater" told The Korea Times.



Among others, KBS' "Human Theater," MBC's Medical Documentary "Doctors" and cable channel tvN's World Special "Love" are captivating viewers with their heartwarming stories and messages.

KBS' "Human Theater" first aired in 2000, depicting the normal, yet somewhat special, lives of our neighbors. Although the subjects change each week, the program shows subjects' lives by entering their homes and filming up close.

"'Human Theater' has followed the same format since it first aired. One important feature is that we don't direct anything. It's about being genuine,'' said Yun. It airs Monday through Friday at 8:20 p.m. on KBS.

Meanwhile, MBC's Medical Documentary "Doctors" presents the hectic lives of doctors, patients and their relationships. First aired in 2006, the program aims to help people realize the importance of life by showing the devotion and care shown by doctors to people in need, be it from an incurable disease or a small scratch.

Recently, the crew and doctors who appeared in the documentary joined "Green Doctors," a Busan-based medical volunteer group, and flew to China to help the Sichuan earthquake victims. Programs featuring them volunteering in China will be aired today and on June 9 and are expected to bring hope to viewers everywhere.



While "Doctors" portrays the life of patients and doctors, cable channel tvN's World Special "Love" will show the touching relationships between Korean celebrities, photographers and poor children living aboard.

"'Love' is a charity and donation documentary. With the help of various volunteer groups, a celebrity and a photographer will visit children in need and offer assistance,'' Lee Dong-wook, a public relations official of the channel, told The Korea Times.

For the first project, actor Ryoo Seung-bum and photographer Hong Jang-hyun flew to Huaykra village, a six-hour drive from Chiang Mai, Thailand. At the village, the crew helped build houses for poverty stricken children and their families. Hong, as a photographer, took photos of the children, their homes and the whole volunteering process. The photos will be sold at an exhibition later this year. The proceeds will be sent to the children for further support. A total of eight episodes are currently underway, with eight celebrities and four photographers participating.

"Viewers don't know the people in these (programs), but they feel a connection. It's like watching your own life on television. Viewers learn, laugh, cry and sympathize with the people and reflect on their own lives. As a producer, it's hard to bring this through a program, but it's worth it,'' Yun said.

"Human Theater" airs Monday through Friday at 8:20 p.m. on KBS, Medical Documentary Doctors airs every Monday at 6:50 p.m. tvN's World Special "Love" schedule has not been confirmed yet.

[email protected]

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/06/201_25093.html

katt

June 2, 2008

Yoo Ji-tae's film invited to SSFF  
  
"Out of My Intention," a short film directed by movie actor Yoo Ji-tae, has been invited in the Asia Section for the Short Shorts Film Festival 2008, which kicks off on June 6 in Tokyo, Japan.

SSFF, one of the biggest short film festivals in the world, and the biggest in Asia, marks its 10th anniversary this year.

The 24-minute film is a story about a middle-aged man visiting his hometown cherishing the memories he had with his lover in the past.

([email protected])

http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/

katt

June 2, 2008

Korean Stars Sing to Deliver Message of Hope to Quake Victims



Some 30 popular celebrities, including singers, actors, comedians and sports stars, sang together at a studio in Samseongdong, Seoul on May 29.

The 30 stars, all dressed in a white T-shirt with the slogan 'I Love Asia,' took part in a project jointly put together by Jackie Chan and Park Jin-young to help the victims of the earthquake victims in China. Renowned film director Kang Je-kyu, the executive producer of the video shoot, was not able to attend due to personal matters overseas.

The 30 stars included figure skater Kim Yuna, actors Kim Ah-jung, Park Yong-ha, Han Hye-jin, Yoo Seung-ho and Jeon Hye-bin, and singers Ku Jun-yeop, Jo Sung-mo, Chae Yeon, Kim Dong-wan, Kan Mi-yeon, Alex, Horan, Joo, Wonder Girls, Brown-Eyed Girls and Battle. They all sang and recorded 'I Love Asia' composed by Park Jin-yeong.

The project was organized to help the quake victims as well as to express hope that Asia will unite to help all those in need in times of crisis.
The song will be distributed around Asia via the Internet, DVD and music video. The song will also be performed in front of a live Chinese audience.

Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1527178_11858.html

katt

June 2, 2008

Jang Nara Visits China to Help Earthquake Victims



Singer and actress Jang Nara was in China to help the victims of a recent earthquake that shook the province of Sechuan in China.

The singer's official website said Jang delivered relief funds and supplies to Chinese officials in Bejing before flying to Sechuan Province the following day.

The relief funds collected by members of Jang's fan club will be used to assemble prefabricated school buildings. Relief supplies provided by the Korea Food for the Hungry International included medicine and clothes.

Jang headed to Vietnam on May 2 and held a concert with Vietnamese singers on June 1.

http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1527213_11858.html

katt

Daegu to host international musical festival

   DAEGU, June 2 (Yonhap) -- The southeastern city of Daegu is to host an international musical festival this month, organizers said on Monday.

   The Daegu International Musical Festival (DIMF) is to be held from June 17 to July 7 in main theaters and provisional stages around downtown Daegu, and is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Daegu city officials said.

   The event was founded in 2006 as the only international musical festival in South Korea, and is aimed at developing musical theater into an industry, officials said.

   "The city of Daegu seeks to establish itself as the mecca of the Asian musical industry, to be envied by other international musical markets such as Broadway and West End," Kang Shin Seong-il, an actor and chair of the Board of Directors for the DIMF, said to reporters on Monday.

   The festival is to present six official invitational musicals and three DIMF grantee homegrown musicals, as well as side events including a Fringe Festival and academic conferences. It will also provide opportunities for college students to show off their talent, city officials said.

   The opening performance, "Eurobeat," based on the disco music genre from 1980s Europe, will be featured on June 18 at the Daegu Opera House, they said.

Source: [email protected]

http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/culturesports/2008/06/02/40/0701000000AEN20080602008000315F.HTML

katt

June 3, 2008

Hallyu Wood Draws Attention of Asian Press



Ten major press agencies around Asia flocked to cover the launch of the construction of the Hallyu Wood Theme Park and the Hallyu Wood Start Festival.

A 34-year-old reporter from Hong Kong's cable network CEN spent a busy day interviewing Korean celebrities in Ilsan, the venue of the Hallyu Wood Start Festival. She said that the Hallyu Wood complex will be a great entertainment space for Asian fans of Korean cultural content.

Another reporter from a Japanese cable network program entitled 'Movie Plus' also expressed his hope that Hallyu Wood would become a great venue for cultural exchange.

Choi Ji-woo, Jewelry, Kim Ah-joong, Big Bang, Cho Hyun-jae, Lee Hye-young, Paik Yoon-shik and Lim Kwon-taek were among the celebrities who were present at the festival.

Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1527558_11858.html

katt

June 3, 2008

Yon-sama Fever Still Burning



The popularity in Japan of Korean star Bae Yong Joon (35) doesn't seem to have waned. Some 3,000 people turned out to greet him at Kansai International Airport on his arrival last Friday. He was visiting Japan for the first time in almost two years to promote the historical fantasy drama series "Taiou Shijinki." The series has very high production values and makes extensive use of computer graphics. The TV drama is his first since "Winter Sonata" made him a superstar here five years (he's set to reprise the role in an anime version now in the works) and set light to the "Yon-sama Boom" that set huge crowds of middle-aged women swooning and leaving their husbands and families behind to attend talk events or travel to Korea. So you can imagine the shock to those fans when, at an event in Osaka on Sunday, he told reporters that he thinks he'll be married within three years.

Source: http://www.japan-zone.com/news/

katt

Thanks to kdramafanusa at soompi.com for the highlight

June 3, 2008

Korean, Japanese Actors to Star in Joint Movie

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter


Korean actor Ha Jung-woo, Japanese actor Satoshi Tsumabuki [image=edaily]

Two top actors, Korean Ha Jung-woo and Japanese Satoshi Tsumabuki, will join forces to star in a joint Korean-Japanese movie "Boat'' (working title).

The Korean movie production company Kraze Pictures announced that the movie will start filming June 28 with Japanese production IMJ Entertainment in Niigata, Japan.

"The movie will be filmed completely in Japan but Ha will speak Korean (in the film). It is scheduled to be in theaters next year,'' Byun Bong-hyun, the film manager at Kraze Pictures told The Korea Times.

"Boat'' depicts the story of two young Korean and Japanese smugglers who try to kidnap a Korean woman. The Korean actress has not been confirmed yet.

Korean director Kim Young-nam, who won the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) Award and the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) Award for "Don't Look Back'' (2006) at the 59th Locarno International Film Festival, will produce the film, while Japanese writer Aya Watanabe will work on the script.

Watanabe became popular among Japanese and Korean movie fans through movies such as "Josee, the Tiger and the Fish'' (2003) and "Mezon Do Himiko'' (2005).


Actor Ha Jung-woo

The 30-year-old Ha has appeared in several films and dramas but stepped up as one of Korea's most talented actors with his performance in the hit movie "The Chaser'' (2008). Tsumabuki gained stardom in Japan and Korea with his performance in movies such as "Josee'' and "Tears for You'' (2006).

[email protected]

Source: The Korea Times

katt

June 4, 2008

SM Introduces Super Junior-Happy



[/td][/tr][/table][/td][/tr][tr][td] [/td][/tr][tr][td]Super Junior-Happy, the latest unit of the popular idol group Super Junior, is ready to make its debut.

Super Junior is the fourth in a line of Super Junior units put together by SM Entertainment after Super Junior-K.R.Y, Super Junior-T and Super Junior-M. The six-member Super Junior-Happy is made up of E Teuk, Ye Sung, Kang In, Shin Dong, Sung Min and Eun Hyuk.

SM Entertainment recently said, like its name, Super Junior-Happy will debut with bright and upbeat music to bring happiness to K-POP listeners.

The title song of the group's mini album is entitled "Cooking? Cooking!"

http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1527671_11858.html

katt

June 4, 2008

Actor Yoo Ji-tae's Short Film Invited to 10th SSFF in Japan



A short film directed by actor Yoo Ji-tae has been chosen as one of the "10 Maestros" by the Japanese Short Shorts Film Festival.

SSFF, which is the largest short film festival in Asia, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. This year's festival takes place in Harajuku, Japan and screens some 80 short films from 25 countries around the world over a two-week period.

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, SSFF has organized a special event entitled "10 Mastros" that will screen short films by renowned film directors from around the world.

At the 8th annual SSFF in 2006, Yoo submitted a short film entitled "Dreams of the Visually Impaired" in a special program category. Last year, he was invited to the festival as one of the judges and took part in a talk show about Korean and Japanese short films.

Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1527701_11858.html

katt

June 4, 2008

[MOVIE REVIEW] 'My Mighty Princess' overcomes 2-year delay  
  
"My Mighty Princess," a new romantic comedy directed by Kwak Jae-yong, is finally hitting theaters this month after a delay of more than two years, raising hopes among fans who still remember the filmmaker's Asia-wide hit, "My Sassy Girl."

The delay illustrates the deepening problems plaguing Korean cinema, when even a work by a widely recognized filmmaker such as Kwak has to overcome a slew of hurdles.

Director Kwak, however, seemed relieved about the prospect, showing his sense of humor at a press conference held in Apgujeong-dong on Tuesday.

"All the cast members signed on to the project because they counted on me, but they have been deceived. When I showed my screenplay to them, I told them all the wire action scenes would be done by doubles or stunts, but in fact the actors had to do all the wire actions themselves," Kwak said.

The new movie follows Kwak's trademark format: a romantic comedy where a powerful female character gets involved with a weaker male counterpart. In "My Sassy Girl," Jun Ji-hyun played the quirky, fist-swinging girl and Cha Tae-hyun showcased his talent in bringing to life a seemingly passive yet kind-hearted Korean man.

In "My Mighty Princess," Shin Min-a ("Volcano High," "Sad Movie" ) plays So-hui, a martial arts prodigy, and her male partner is Il-young, played by On Ju-wan. As the presumption about the plot involves so many martial arts skills, plenty of wire action sequences have been included and, thanks to the far longer-than-expected post-production period, those unrealistic images have been sharpened and honed by the film's computer graphics team.

Kwak said his new flick, however, differs from his previous melodramatic comedies such as "Classic" and "My Sassy Girl." "The new film is concerned about bright aspects -- action, conflict rather than emotions. The entertainment aspect plays a central part, so please just enjoy the show," Kwak said.

Kwak's assurance came after a painful delay that lasted two years and six months. Up until now, rumors grew that the project would never be produced given the repeated decisions to put off the release schedule.

Shin Min-a, the heroine of the film, also expressed her relief about the finalized schedule. "Two years and six months have passed since we started post-production work, during which time I have completed three other films. I was a bit worried about my attitude toward this movie because of the delay, but I'm confident now that I love this movie and have great expectations," she said.

On Ju-wan, who plays a character opposite Shin's, said he was also very worried about the fate of the film project. "At one point, I talked to director Kwak and half-jokingly said I wanted a personal copy so that I could at least watch it at home by myself," he said.

"When the delay lasted for one year, my anxiety soared. But strangely enough, when the delay lasted for two years, I came to think of the project in a positive way, and it seemed like everything would work out after all," On said.

"My Mighty Princess," written and directed by Kwak, will be released nationwide on June 26.

By Yang Sung-jin ([email protected])

http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/

katt

June 4, 2008

'Chil-woo' to Bring Joseon Hero to TV

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter


Mun Chong-hyok, aka. Eric, left, and Koo Hye-sun will star in "Chil-woo,''
a TV drama about a Joseon hero that begins airing on KBS June 9./ Courtesy of KBS

The Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) is bringing the courageous life of a mysterious, yet heroic assassin to television screens through its new drama "Choigang Chil-woo" June 9.

Along with exciting martial arts scenes, the drama will mainly depict the everyday lives of commoners who lived during the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910).

Mun Chong-hyok, also known as Eric from the pop band Shinhwa, will act the part of the assassin leading a double life, while actress Ku Hye-sun will be the heroine.

"We had a hard time shooting the drama because of the martial arts scenes, but it was all worth it. This is my first period piece and we worked on creating a Korean hero, instead of those that we already know from comic books and movies," Mun said at the press conference for the drama Wednesday.

The main character Chil-woo is an official working at Euigeumbu, today's equivalent of a courthouse. The rather shy and ignorant Chil-woo leads a quiet life, turning a blind eye whenever his fellow officials receive bribes and carry out other dark deeds. But when his stepfather and sister die right before his eyes, the nonchalant Chil-woo vows revenge. Living as a hopeless courthouse official during the daytime, Chil-woo starts his journey as an assassin helping powerless people who are in need of a hero.

"People tend to search for a hero when they are in trouble, and Chil-woo is one of them. He'll be helping ordinary people, instead of royal families like other (dramas)," said Park Man-young, the producer of "Chil-woo."

"Choigang Chil-woo" aims for the first "traditional martial arts historical drama," but it faces competition even before airing. The Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) started airing their historical drama "Iljimae" last month and has already gained popularity among drama fans with its dramatic and realistic action scenes. While "Iljimae" is going for an authentic action drama, "Choigang Chil-woo" will present comical and heartwarming tales of the Joseon people who lived here 400 years ago.

"All of the plots and characters are based on books and scripts that were written during the Joseon Kingdom. Of course, we think the fighting scenes are important, but our hero will be more down to earth," Park added. With many expectations and intense competition,"Choigang Chil-woo" will air at 9:55 p.m. June 9 on KBS.

Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/06/201_25318.html

katt

May 28, 2008

[Talk of the town] Awards elude Korean film stars at this year's Cannes Film Festival

So long to the 61th Cannes Film Festival, which ended last Sunday. Koreans didn't have much reason for celebration this year.

Na Hong-jin, the director of "The Chaser" and one of the 11 candidates for the Camera d'Or (The Golden Camera Award), lost out to Steve McQueen, the director of "Hunger."

Korean fans had hoped that another prize would follow last year's award to Jeon Do-yeon for Best Actress in "Secret Sunshine" (2007).

Previous Korean award winners from Cannes also include Im Kwon-taek's "Strokes of Fire" (2002), which won the Best Director Award, and "Old Boy" (2004), which won the Grand Prix.

However, there are still reasons for hope for the Korean film industry.

Director Kim Jee-woon's "The Good, the Bad and the Weird," which screened at the festival's main venue last weekend, received positive responses from viewers.

The film was set in Manchuria during the Japanese colonial period and is about three Korean outlaws there in the 1930s.

It is based on Sergio Leone's 1966 film, "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly."

The action film stars Lee Byung-hun, Song Kang-ho and Jung Woo-sung.

The updated version of the film will be released in Korea in early July.

Source: http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2890358