Korean Entertainment News 2011

katt

June 8, 2009

Song Seung-heon to Quit His Agency



"I want to appear in front of my fans with confidence.

katt

June 8, 2009

2-year love quest finally pays off



By Hyun Ji-hyang

Singer Jang Yoon-jeong and entertainer Roh Hong-chul unveiled on Monday their heated romance.

Jang's management agency released a press statement confirming the relationship between the two top stars.

According to the agency, Roh, 30, had been trying to court Jang for close to two years. Jang had initially confused Roh's advances as an intention of friendship.

Currently, Jang and Roh are appearing on "Gold Miss Ga Ganda," a dating show of six single women.

Jang decided to disclose her romance with Roh. According to her agency, the singer said, "It would be disrespectful to show viewers if I go on dates with men in the show while going out with Roh. "Hong-chul is a valuable, warm-hearted person. I am happy to be with such a good guy," she added.

After graduating from Seoul Institute of the Arts, Jang, 29, won first prize from "Gangbyun Song Festival" in1999.

Roh graduated from Hongik University and started his entertainer as a reporter with M-net, a cable channel.

By Hyun Ji-hyang ([email protected]) via koreaherald.co.kr

katt

June 8, 2009

Yeon Mi-joo Attracting Attention as 'Chubby' Girl in 'The Accidental Couple'



What makes the KBS2 drama 揟he Accidental Couple

katt

June 9, 2009

Seo Taiji to release new album  



Seo Taiji is back with his 8th studio album, set for a nationwide release on June 25, according to the singer's company yesterday.

Titled "Seotaiji 8th Atomos," the new album will include the hit single "Moai" which was released late last year with both critical and commercial success.

This Saturday, the reclusive 37-year-old rocker will kick off his nationwide tour named "The Mobius" performing 12 of songs off his latest album. ([email protected]

Source: koreaherald.co.kr

katt

June 9, 2009

Singer Chae-yeon Brings 'Sexy Back'  

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter


Singer Chae-yeon is proud to be called as a sexy singer,
and for the time being, she will continue to be so.
Despite the other popular females singers dominating the K-pop scene,
the 30-year-old is up to the task to attract her own crowd.

Korea may have their fair share of sexy female singers, but it's hard to find someone who not only has her own style but sticks to it.

One of them is Chae-yeon, who recently released her new album in two years, "Shake" and the 30-year-old returned with a fresh, yet fitting concept of sexy. "I worked on the album with (Kim Chang-wan) who I have been working with from my debut album. Electronic dance is a genre I was always comfortable with, so it's more of my style with a hint of the current trend," she told The Korea Times during an interview last week at a cafe in northern Seoul.

Chae-yeon made her debut in 2003, but she initially went to the Japanese entertainment business, releasing albums under the name Jinny. She returned to Korea at the age of 25 and started her life as an aspiring singer all over again. "When I first started working on my Korean debut album, I was all ears. I really wanted to start my career in Korea and I wasn't that young, so I needed to put all my effort and time to that one album. It was then or never," she said.

Chae-yeon always dreamed of becoming a singer ever since she was young, and although she was not at all used to being pretty, she quickly transformed herself into the sexy, yet cute singer she is well-known as today. "I was such a tomboy and used to being tough, far from pretty, sexy or even cute! But when my agency decided that sexy was the theme for me, I went for it and realized that there was actually a pretty young woman hidden inside me all that time," she said laughing, adding that getting used to short and sexy outfits were the most difficult thing she had to do during her debut.

The past years have been quite successful, as she appeared in many entertainment programs and was appreciated as the girl-next-door singer who had an edge when it came to performing on stage.

But is the singer finally comfortable being sexy now? "Many female singers tend to follow the sexy trend sooner or later, but to be honest; being sexy, especially during your twenties, is hard. It's uncomfortable and awkward, and when I watch myself on television that was broadcast years ago, I can see myself trying too hard. I thought sexy was about squinting your eyes and staring hard at the crowd, but now it's more about being natural. I think the more I relax, the sexier I become," she said.

The music video for her title number "Shake" was recently banned from being aired on major television broadcasters including KBS. When asked what she thought about her videos and outfits being a little too revealing, Chae-yeon said she understood but it would be hard to change. "It's my way of expressing myself and I do think fans and viewers know that it's my style. It's not just about showing more skin, but the overall atmosphere and confidence. But, of course, I understand their decision and we have decided to change the video just a little bit for more viewers,'' she said.

Unlike the past, when there were mostly boy bands and male solo singers dominating the pop scene, the present K-pop industry has become the time of girl bands and female singers.

Such a shift may have been a burden for Chae-yeon, and when asked about the recent popularity of female singers like herself, including Lee Hyo-ri and Son Dam-bi, she shrugged and said she was more than happy to be working with such talented and smart fellow artists. "When it comes to competition, it is inevitable. Everyone in this business wants to be famous and popular and that's natural. But now, as I get older, I realize that it is important to be satisfied with where you are, and appreciate others as part of a team. The entertainment business is a rough industry, and whom will we turn to if it's not one another and our fans? It's not just about winning an award or appearing on a commercial, but loving what you do. I sound old, but that is what I finally realized," she said.

So what is Chae-yeon's strategy to survive among the multi-talented, pretty, sexy and powerful female artists?

"I have decided to be myself. Lee and Son are doing their part as attracting young fans, and this is both a good and a bad thing. The younger crowd may appreciate the trendy songs and fashion, but the older generation may not. I have decided to focus on the older crowd, fans in their twenties, thirties and even forties. I don't want to try hard to look like I am younger than I really am. I know my place, and I just hope fans will appreciate the way I am," she said smiling.

Credits: sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr

katt

June 5, 2009

Mother Triumphs over Competition

The Korean weekend box-office saw peak traffic with BONG Joon-ho抯 latest thriller Mother facing off against Hollywood抯 Terminator Salvation.  Mother emerged the winner, claiming over 1.4 million admissions in its first four days.  BONG抯 fourth feature was highly anticipated by audiences after the director抯 previous hits Memories of Murder (2003) and The Host (2006) won him a broad domestic fan-base.   

Mother topped the chart, an impressive feat considering competition from Hollywood heavy-hitters, Terminator and Angels & Demons, which took second and third place.  BONG抯 small town thriller dominated theaters nationwide, playing on 765 screens, with Terminator a close second on 716 screens, together accounting for over 70% of the nations screens.  

After premiering at the Cannes Film Festival earlier in May where it drew rave reviews from critics and ovations from audiences, Mother became one of the most talked about and eagerly anticipated locals films of the first half of 2009, along with PARK Chan-wook抯 vampire-thriller, Thirst.  

Veteran TV actress KIM Hye-ja gives a solid performance as a mother who takes on the local police when her half-wit son is blamed for a gruesome crime.  Actor and popular heartthrob WON Bin plays the shy, near-imbecile Do-jun, who at 27 is still a virgin living with his mom.  

Credits: Nigel D'Sa (KOFIC)

katt

June 9, 2009

Settlement Sought in Rain抯 Hawaii Lawsuit



Singer/actor Rain, who has lost a lawsuit filed against him by a Hawaiian agency, is trying to settle the suit. According to the U.S. Federal Court on June 7, Rain and JYP Entertainment are negotiating with Click Entertainment, the plaintiff. The two sides signed an agreement to keep the details of their negotiations confidential. The judge, Kevin Chang, ordered the CEO of Click Entertainment to attend the settlement conference slated for June 10.

The U.S. judicial circles say it is quite unprecedented for parties to negotiate a suit after the Federal Court has issued a verdict, but they are not ruling out the possibility of reaching a compromise given the judge抯 order to attend the conference and the parties

katt

June 9, 2009

Singer Rain to Promote Seoul's Global Image

By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff Reporter


Rain, a renowned singer and actor, holds a T-shirt designed by him with Seoul Mayor
Oh Se-hoon at an appointment ceremony at Seoul City Hall, Tuesday. Rain was appointed
as the first global goodwill ambassador for the capital to better publicize the city overseas. / Yonhap

Renowned actor and singer Rain, also known as Jung Ji-hoon, was appointed the first global goodwill ambassador for Seoul City, Tuesday.

Rain was featured in "Hip Korea, Seoul Vibes," a documentary co-produced by Seoul City and Discovery Channel promoting the city and its pop culture. The 45-minute program aired in Asia and Australia earlier this year, showing the young and dynamic aspects of Seoul with Rain motorcycling through the Hongik University area, Cheongdam-dong and along Cheonggye Stream.

After shooting the documentary, Seoul City asked Jung to become its global goodwill ambassador, to better publicize the city as a part of its overseas promotion.

Mayor Oh Se-hoon thanked Rain for his role in publicizing the city and asked Jung to promote the capital's vibrant charms at the appointment ceremony. "I am glad to join promoting Seoul as a native Seoulite," Rain said.

Jung donated T-shirts he designed himself bearing the slogan for the city this year, "Infinitely Yours, Seoul." The shirts will be auctioned and the proceeds will go to charity.

The city also plans to hold associated promotions at his Asia concert tour stops, such as distributing souvenirs and establishing a promotion booth. Moreover, Rain will again appear on a documentary of Seoul that will be broadcast on CNN later this year.

The global goodwill ambassadors will appear in the capital's promotions and publicize the city during their work abroad ― different from previous goodwill ambassadors.

After making his debut in 2002, the 26-year-old singer gained popularity both inside and outside the nation and also starred in several hit dramas including "Full House" (2004).

He also appeared in Hollywood movie "Speed Racer" last year ― another movie, "Ninja Assassin," produced by the Wachowski brothers will be released this year.

Credits: meeyoo@koreatimes.co.kr

katt

June 9, 2009

MBC's new series a 'Triple' threat



MBC's latest Wednesday and Thursday night series "Triple" promises to live up to the expectations of fans of the director's previous hit series "Coffee Prince." "It is a drama about love," said "Triple" director Lee Yoon-jung at a press conference held last week. "This is not a sports drama."

With romance -- a genre that appeals to a broad audience -- as the axis around which "Triple" will spin its magic, the new series looks set to bring in higher ratings than its lackluster predecessor "Cinderella Man."

Slated to air two back-to-back episodes tomorrow night, the highly anticipated collaboration between MBC "Coffee Prince" director Lee Yoon-jung and scriptwriter Lee Jung-ah delves into the lives of a figure skating princess, her coach, her stepbrother and his friends.

While the plot borders on mind-achingly complex, it looks like directing-and-writing duo Lee Yoon-jung and Lee Jung-ah will chart the tangled relationships of their heroes and heroines with the same grounded and candid approach that made "Coffee Prince" a hit.

In the upcoming series, figure skater Ha-ru, played by actress Min Hyo-rin, moves into her stepbrother's pad, only to discover that she not only has to share a living space with her stepbrother Shin Hwal but also with his two friends-cum-coworkers.

Ha-ru's figure skating coach, Choi Soo-in --- played by "Le Grand Chef" actress Lee Ha-na -- turns out to be Shin Hwal's estranged wife. Her plans to make amends with her husband are derailed when Shin's friend, Hyun-tae -- played by former boy band "g.o.d." member Yoon Kye-sang -- starts making his way into her heart.

In the meantime, Shin's other friend and colleague, Hae-yoon, played by "Coffee Prince" heartthrob Lee Seon-gyun, ends up dating their fellow colleague and high school bud Sang-hee, played by newcomer Kim Hee. To top it off, Ha-ru becomes infatuated with her stepbrother.

Director Lee wasn't kidding when she said the drama would be about love. But the hard work and attention to detail that director Lee and her cast have put into the series gives this particular romance a solid base to woo its audiences from.

"(Director Lee) wants detailed acting and focuses on the nuance of the lines," said veteran actor Lee Jung-jae, who will be playing Shin Hwal.

Actress Kim Hee said, "The director tends to conduct a lot of rehearsals." "I prepared (for the role) for approximately a year, everyday, three times a day, save Sunday," said actress Min.

Co-star Lee Ha-na, who also trained for her role, regretfully announced that she would not be able to showcase her figure skating skills, "A real coach doesn't really do a lot of demonstrations." "After constantly playing the quirky tomboy, I am now taking on the role of a skating coach who longs for the love of one man," said Lee.

While a complicated husband-wife-stepsibling love triangle forms, it is another trio, formed by newcomer Kim Hee, singer-turned-actor Yoon and "Coffee Prince" star Lee Seon-gyun that threatens to steal the show.

Kim, in particular, charms with her comic antics, serving as the perfect partner to co-star Lee Seon-gyun's genteel character.

Yoon draws laughs as the goofy and happy-go-lucky Hyun-tae, and his role as a knight-in-waiting to Lee Ha-na's Choi promises to win female fans over.

"Triple" airs on MBC tomorrow night at 9:55 p.m.

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

katt

June 9, 2009

One-Year Jail Term Sought for Actor Joo

By Park Si-soo
Staff Reporter


Actor Joo Ji-hoon

The prosecution sought one year in prison and 440,000 won ($350) in fines, Tuesday, for popular actor Joo Ji-hoon, who was indicted on charges of illegal drug use.

Three other entertainers prosecuted along with Joo on the same charges also face a possible prison term ranging from five years to seven years.

Joo, 27, was indicted without physical detention in late April on charges of taking ecstasy in March 2008 during parties with fellow entertainers.

Joo was present at the Seoul Central District Court at 2 p.m. along with his lawyer and security guards to participate in the first court hearing.

He pled guilty to all charges against him. He said his first experience took place by accident while intoxicated in a house party with other entertainers.

"I'm sorry," Joo said in a low voice. "I consumed drugs while I was drunk."

He asked for leniency from presiding Judge Han Yang-seok, saying, "I will never do this again. If I am given the chance, I will fulfill my military service in earnest."

The court's ruling will be handed down on June 23.

Credits: pss@koreatimes.co.kr

katt

Weekly Box Office 2009.06.05 ~ 2009.06.07 3-day Gross/Total Gross (won)

1. Night At The Museum 2: Battle Of The Smithsonian (U.S.) 5,415,284,500 / 5,943,269,000

2. Terminator Salvation: The Future (U.S.) 3,559,711,500 / 24,595,162,000

3. MOTHER (South Korea) 3,679,835,000 / 14,672,904,000

4. Angels & Demons (U.S.) 803,411,500 / 12,064,071,000

5. My Girlfriend Is an Agent (South Korea) 659,010,500 / 25,750,346,500

6. Coraline (U.S.) 228,092,500 / 1,370,837,000

7. Castaway on the Moon (South Korea) 142,536,500 / 4,635,033,500

8. Thirst (South Korea) 55,294,500 / 14,701,198,000

9. The Echo (U.S.) 39,307,500 / 285,015,000

10. Star Trek (U.S.) 32,329,000 / 7,183,390,000

Source: KOFIC

katt

June 9, 2009

Star Actors Team Up in Shakespeare Play

By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter


Cast members of 揂 Midsummer Night抯 Dream

katt

June 10, 2009

'Rain' Appointed Seoul Goodwill Ambassador


Rain (left) and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon

Korean pop icon Rain was appointed as global goodwill ambassador for Seoul in the annex of Seoul City Hall on Tuesday afternoon, receiving the appointment plate from Mayor Oh Se-hoon.

"The brand value of Seoul is literally the brand value of Korea. With Rain, we can enhance the infinite potential of Korea's brand power," Oh said.

Rain donated T-shirts he designed with legend "Infinitely Yours, Seoul" to the city. They will be sold by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, with the proceeds used to help low-income households.

Before the ceremony began, highlights of a video clip promoting Seoul and starring Rain were screened. The video will be aired worldwide on the Discovery Channel.

Source: chosun.com

katt

June 9, 2009

2PM Tops Thai Music Chart



Idol group 2PM has climbed to the top of the Thai MTV international chart with its latest hit 揂gain and Again,

katt

June 10, 2009

Five Would-be Horror Queens Introduced



Viewers will soon be able to see the fifth part of the movie series 揥hispering Corridors,

katt

June 10, 2009

Hye-gyo Named Asia Panda Goodwill Ambassador



Top actress Song Hye-gyo was named the world抯 first Asia Panda Goodwill Ambassador and visited a panda base situated in the city of Chengdu in Sichuan Province last Thursday.

Song spent time with giant pandas in the outdoor farm, feeding and playing with them. She was amazed to see real live pandas and spoke of the importance of protecting pandas and other endangered animals. The actress also was told that a panda at the Chengdu base had lived in Korea for three years and had a baby upon returning to China.

Song was awarded the certificate and plaque of Asia Panda Goodwill Ambassadorship in Beijing last Saturday.

Source: KBS Global

katt

June 10, 2009

Lee Byung-hun, most wanted for date

By Hyun Ji-hyang



Lee Byung-hun was selected as the most wanted boyfriend in Japan, topping a list that includes stars from several countries.

Japanese monthly magazine CREA picked the No. 1 actor to date in Hollywood and Asia. Lee was chosen as the top actor among 40 Asian superstars. Among Hollywood actors, Zac Efron from the movies "Hairspray" and "High School Musical: Graduation" was picked as the best boyfriend.

The magazine introduced Lee's background in film and television dramas, his participation in UNICEF as a special delegate, his educational background and the languages he is fluent in (Korean, English, French and Mandarin Chinese). In addition, CREA announced that Lee's Japanese single album had received the "Best Asian Artist Award" in the 23rd Golden Disk Award Ceremony.

The publication noted that most of Lee's roles on screen were strong and manly, giving Lee his "poker face" image. However, at Cannes, Lee was moved to tears when he received a standing ovation for his movie "The Good, the Bad, the Weird." CREA mentioned this incident, revealing the actor's hidden inner warmth.

"The Good, the Bad, the Weird," along with Lee's other two movies "G.I Joe: The Rise of Cobra," and "I Come with the Rain" are being released in Japan this summer. Lee will spend his summer promoting his movies.

By Hyun Ji-hyang ([email protected]) via koreaherald.co.kr

katt

June 10, 2009

Se7en Confesses Love for Actress Park

By Lee Tae-hoon
Staff Reporter



Singer Se7en Wednesday confessed his love for actress Park Han-byul.

The K-pop artist acknowledged on his personal blog that widespread rumors about the union had not been groundless.

"It is true that I and Park Han-byul have been more than just friends for more than seven years since we debuted. I sincerely apologize for having had to deny the rumors," Se7en said in an online message, titled "Let me tell you everything."

"We have been best friends since senior year at high school. Our friendship has remained strong and gradually turned into love."

Se7en, 24, and Park attended the same high school. He explained that he kept their relationship secret to protect Park's privacy. Se7en denied the courtship when photos of them dating were recently leaked from her private Internet message board.

Se7en became a household name in 2003 with his debut album, "Just Listen" He made his acting debut in 2007 in "Prince Hours," the sequel of the mega-hit drama, "Princess Hours," but the ratings for the series were poor. He has tried to enter the American music market, but has yet to find success.

Park made her acting debut in the 2003 hit horror film, "Wishing Stairs.'"She is also the star of the new film, "Yoga School.''

Credits: leeth@koreatimes.co.kr

katt

June 10, 2009

Goodwill ambassador for pandas



Actress Song Hye-kyo feeds an 8-month-old panda during her visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan Province, China, June 4. Song抯 agency said Wednesday that the 27-year-old actress was appointed as Asia Panda Goodwill Ambassador by Chengdu city./ Yonhap

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

katt

June 10, 2009

Five in for KOFIC showcase
Co-productions included in final list

By Park Soo-mee

SEOUL -- Five finalists have been selected to represent KOFIC Filmmakers' Development Lab as part of the Network of Asian Fantastic Films, a market launched last year by Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival.

The selected films -- which include three Korean films and two co-produced between the U.S. and Korea -- are Ted Chung's "Red Lines" on auto racing, Kim Ji-hwan's horror flick "Soul Mate," Han Ji-seung's " Papa" on family and music, Lee Kyung-ja's "The Calling" on overseas Korean society and Sim Sou Yun's "The Tricky Happenings of Wonder."

Puchon's Filmmakers' Development Lab, which runs alongside the festival, is set for July 16-22.

KOFIC Filmmakers' Development Lab 2009 Selections:

" Papa," Han Ji Seung, Korea
"Red Lines," Ted Chung, U.S.
"The Tricky Happenings of Wonder," Sim Sou Yun, Korea
"Soul Mate," Kim Ji Hwan, Korea
"The Calling," Lee Kyung-Ja, U.S.

Source: hollywoodreporter.com