Korean Entertainment News 2011

katt

Today's Photo: June 29, 2009



Korean pop group Super Junior pose on the red carpet of the 20th Golden Melody Awards in Taipei, Taiwan on Saturday. /AFP-Yonhap

Source: [email protected] / Jun. 29, 2009 08:06 KST
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/06/29/2009062900223.html

katt

June 29, 2009

Korean film producers eye Web downloads

A year has passed since the local film industry began legalized pay-to-play online downloads of their movies as means to stave off piracy.

Considered an unprofitable enterprise in recent years, DVD sales have been lackluster in Korea. To cover their losses, local production companies began offering films online one-two months after their theatrical run for a fraction of the cost of a DVD. However, this move was not enough to combat the growing piracy market and has for the most part been unsuccessful.

But now some production houses will begin simultaneous film premieres both off and online. Films still making the rounds around multiplexes will be available to download, like Park Seong-beom's low-budget indie "Something to Do before Dying," set to have both its theatrical and online premieres on July 9.

At the end of July, the baton will be passed to the Japanese film "SR: Saitama No Rapper," the Grand Prix winner at this year's Yubari Fantastic Film Festival, which will also premiere both on and offline on the same day.

But the magic 8-ball for both films seems to show a not-so-rosy outlook as they share a common handicap. Both are small, low-budget, independently produced experimental films susceptible to being bullied out of contention by big studio fare. "Something to Do before Dying," for example, will only be available on a single screen in Seoul for its entire theatrical run. Both films are distributed by Emotion Contents Network, a company specializing in internet technology services.

"The profits small films like these can scrape together from theatrical releases can be very lackluster," according to the company, "but for avid film enthusiasts who are always on the prowl for non-mainstream movies, this can be a way for them to satisfy their demand for something different."

There are those who think this new venture will not cause the revolutionary change it aspires to bring about. "In the long run I do think there is a high possibility there will be a reshuffling of sorts of the film market from theatrical to online but I don't think that change will come anytime soon," said Jo Gwang-hee, the head of local film production house Bom Films.

Credits: Song Woong-ki ([email protected]) via The Korea Herald

katt

June 29, 2009

Yu, pioneering filmmaker, passes away

Filmmaker Yu Hyun-mok, who poignantly captured the chaos of post-war Korea and explored the existential angst of Korea's fast industrializing society, died of illness yesterday. He was just days away from turning 84.

He has suffered cerebral infarction since 2007 and was recently hospitalized at Dongkuk University Hospital in Ilsan.

Starting with "The Crossroads" in 1956, Yu's 50-year filmography covered various themes from inner conflicts to religion to post-war sociopolitical issues to industrialization and nostalgia. A pioneer of realism in Korean cinema, Yu was invited to the San Fransisco International Film Festival in 1963 for his 1961 film "Obaltan (The Aimless Bullet)," which depicted the gloomy reality of the post-war generation.

U.S. weekly entertainment trade journal Variety called Obaltan a "remarkable film" and praised Yu's "brilliantly detailed camerawork" and the film's "probing sympathy and rich characterizations." His other works include "To Give Freely" (1963), "The Remainders" (1964), "Martyr" (1965), "Son of Man" (1980) and "Mommy, Star and Sea Anemone" (1995). He taught at Dongkuk University's film department for 14 years before retiring in 1990.

Yu, winner of some 30 national film awards including nine best director awards at the annual Grand Bell (Daejong) Film Festival for works including "Bun-Rye's Story" (1971), best picture award for "Flame" (1975) and has produced some 40 movies.

Yu is remembered as one of the three greatest film artists who debuted in the 1950s, together with Kim Ki-young and Shin Sang-ok. According to Koreanfilm.org, Yu took a decidedly intellectual approach to cinema which at times left him out of favor in an industry controlled by Korea's military government and dominated by commercially-oriented producers. Although often described as Korea's foremost practitioner of cinematic realism, a closer look at his work reveals an eclectic mix of styles and approaches, critics say.

The memorial service will be held at the Seoul St. Mary's Hospital and state funeral (for Korean film directors) will be held for five days. A memorial ritual to honor the deceased will be held Thursday afternoon near Chungmuro, Seoul, where Korean film industry blossomed.

Yu was born in 1925 in Sariwon, Hwanghae Province, in what is now North Korea today, graduated from Hwimun High School and studied Korean literature at Dongkuk University.

Yu is survived by wife and artist Park Geun-ja.

Credits: Kim So-hyun ([email protected]) via The Korea Herald

katt

June 29, 2009

Daniel Henney to star in CBS drama

Daniel Henney is slated to star in the upcoming CBS medical drama "Three Rivers", which is scheduled to air in the prime-time 9 p.m. slot during October's sweeps.

Henney will play Dr. David Lee, "a womanizing surgical resident who's broken as many hearts as he's replaced."

In recent reports, the show went through major re-casting of a key role as well as a location switch: CBS decided to replace Julia Ormond ("Legends of the Fall") as the female lead and have decided to shoot the new medical drama at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, instead of the Pittsburgh hospital where the pilot was filmed.

The drama is set in a preeminent heart transplant hospital and is told from the perspective of the organ donors, the recipients and the healthcare workers who care for them. According to a source close to the project, CBS wants the pilot to have a "warmer" look and will build a hospital on the Paramount lot. Production on the pilot was limited to certain areas of the working hospital in which it was filmed, and executives hope this change will help expand the scope of the show.

Henney is a popular actor/model known in Korea for his appearances on various Korean television series ("My Name is Kim Samsoon"), and films ("My Father"), as well as variety shows, and commercials. His Hollywood debut occurred in this year's hit "X-Men Origins: Wolverine", where he played a villainous special agent.

Credits: kws@herald.com

katt

June 29, 2009

'The Partner' Actor Lee Plays Flirty Lawyer

Heartthrob actor Lee Dong-wuk has made a comeback in a new drama series as a playful and snobbish lawyer. In his last drama, "Sweet Life," his melancholy character had melted the hearts of women viewers.


▲ (left) Lee during "The Partner" production presentation / (right) Lee as "Lee Tae-jo"

In an interview during the premiere presentation of the new KBS2 Wednesday-Thursday series "The Partner," Lee--the lead actor--said, "We are filming intensely. I will do my absolute best."

The character he plays is the flirtatious and cynical lawyer Lee Tae-jo. Lee jokingly said, "Being flirtatious is the complete opposite of my real self so portraying that aspect is painful." He was also upbeat about his less serious and heavy role in the new drama.

Lee said, "'My Girl' was super popular and 'Sweet Life' was more of a quality character series. 'The Partner' is somewhere between the two. It doesn't center on one big story but has a central plot and sub episodes. It can't be boring."

Director Hwang Eui-kyung praised Lee for beautifully acting out his character, a person of both logic and passion whose heart is "like a desert that cannot be filled by whatever means."

Playing opposite actress Kim Hyeon-joo, Lee is expected to show a comical, arrogant and flirty side of his TV persona.

"The Partner" first aired on June 24 on KBS2.

Writer : KBSi Jin Yeong-joo l Copyright ⓒ KBS & KBSi  KBS Global

katt

News Index Page 22

June 29, 2009: So Ji-seop, Kong Hyo-jin Receive 'Rising Star' Award
June 29: Yoon Sang-hyun Talks About Meeting His First Love
June 29: Drama Music Is New Source for Hits
June 30: 30 Years On, Insooni Sees Heyday Still Ahead
June 29: Korean bands rock around the planet
June 30: Six S. Korean films invited to Karlovy Vary film fest
June 30: Rain's 'Ninja Assassin' to be released in November
June 30: Lotte World opens 'Star Avenue'
June 30: Summer Action Flicks Are Coming
June 30: Kim Jung-hoon In Comical Role
June 30: BoA Performs at SF Pride
July 1: Opening Ceremony of Star Avenue at Lotte World
June 29: Korean Stars Mourn Michael Jackson
June 30: M Reinvents Himself
July 1: Album Sales for the First Half of 2009
July 1: A mixed bag of pleasures in omnibus Eros film (Ogamdo)
July 1: Wonder Girls Debut in U.S. at Jonas Brothers’ Concert
July 2: TVXQ Single Shoots to 2nd in Japan
July 2: Largest movie house joins move to raise ticket prices
July 2: Male Actors Try New Roles in TV Dramas
June 29: Late Film Director Yu to Get National Order of Culture Merit
June 30: Evolution of Local Music Programs
July 2: Head of Korean Film Council resign

katt

June 29, 2009

So Ji-seop, Kong Hyo-jin Receive 'Rising Star' Award



Actor So Ji-seop and actress Kong Hyo-jin received the Rising Star Asia Award at the New York Asian Film Festival on June 24. The awarding ceremony was co-organized by the New York Asian Film Festival and the U.S. film industry magazine Hollywood Reporter at the IFC Center. The event also marked the 30th anniversary of the New York Korean Culture Center. In the photos, So and Kong are shown at a news conference after the award ceremony.

Kong, who became the first recipient of the award, received the Best Leading Actress award in Korea for her role in the movie "Crush And Blush," while So received the New Actor award at the Blue Dragon Festival for his role in the movie "Rough Cut."

The award ceremony was attended by ethnic Koreans living in the U.S., film industry representatives and journalists from renowned U.S. and Asian media outlets such as Hollywood Reporter. A ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the Korean Culture Center and the Korean Film Night were also held on the sidelines of the event.

Kong said she was honored to become the first to receive an award at a film festival that was dedicated to Asian films and pledged to do her best as an actress. So also extended his gratitude for the award and attributed his feat to the production team and movie fans.

The New York Asian Film Festival, which marks its eighth anniversary this year, will be held through July 5 at the IFC Center and Japan Society. Korean movies to be screened at the festival include "Rough Cut," Crush And Blush," "Antique" and "Gogo 70." Famous movies from China, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong will also be shown.

The Korean Culture Center will hold a festival of Korean short film

Source: KBS Global

katt

June 29, 2009

Yoon Sang-hyun Talks About Meeting His First Love

[TV Report] Actor Yoon Sang-hyun, who has risen to stardom for his role in “Queen of Wives,” has talked about how he parted with his first love.



Appearing on the KBS show “Happy Together” on June 25, Yoon said while at school he would change his voice when someone called him to ask for a blind date. He says he was very popular among girls back at school but his popularity gave him a hard time. He said, "When girls followed me or talked to me, my heart raced and I felt nauseated."

The actor also added that he never had a girlfriend before his military service because he didn’t think of girls in school uniforms as girls. Yoon met his first love after he was discharged from the military and she was the only woman up to that point to make his heart flutter. But they had to break up because he was too busy and made her feel lonely. Eventually, she left him for another man.

Singer Lee Seung-chul, who also appeared on the show, revealed his 11-month-old daughter to everybody’s surprise. (Photos: scenes from the show)

“TV Report” - Broadcasting Internet Media “Guide & Review”
Source: http://tvreport.co.kr l Copyright ⓒ KBS & KBSi l KBS Global

katt

June 29, 2009

Drama Music Is New Source for Hits

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter


Pop group T-Max hit it big when the group participated in the original soundtrack
album for popular drama “Boys Over Flowers” early this year.

In the past, original soundtrack albums were just a little extra something that came with a television drama. Now, however, more viewers and drama makers are starting to realize their importance and potential.

One of the most popular drama soundtracks lately has been Baek Ji-young's "Is Love a Sin?" for the SBS drama "Princess Ja-myung," starring Jung Ryeo-won and Park Min-young. Her sad ballad was made for Jung's character Ja-myung, and although the drama is not faring well in the ratings, the song is soaring in popularity, topping Internet music charts.

"We started working on the original soundtrack a year before the actual airing of the drama. We were given the synopsis of the program, and after discussions with the producer, we managed to create music and songs that were a fit for the big budget period drama,'' Lee Sang-ho, the music producer, told The Korea Times.

In the past, drama production companies would work on the album, along with the television series itself, but due to financial difficulties, the albums would often be pushed to the sidelines.


"But now, broadcasters outsource the soundtracks to a separate company, like ;Ja-myung.; We put our money and effort on the albums, so of course we strive to bring out the best album possible,'' Lee said.

The recent rush of top singers joining the soundtrack scene is another result of this extra effort. "We aim to create a high-quality album, and that includes the singers. We would discuss with the drama makers, and when we all agree that this specific singer is a fit for the song, we start recording,'' he added.

The producer said soundtrack albums hit their peak with the drama "Boys Over Flowers," and continued with several others including "Princess Ja-myung."

Although SS501 already had a firm fan base, working on the drama, "Boys Over Flowers," helped them gain more recognition. In F4 star Kim Jun's group T-Max's case, working on the original soundtrack for the hit drama was indeed a stroke of luck.



The line of top singers continued, with Lee Seung-chul singing for the drama "East of Eden'' (MBC), while singers like Ho-ran, Position, Jung-in and Seo Mun-tak joined together for the drama "The City Hall'' (SBS). Tae-yeon and Tiffany from Girls' Generation worked on the dramas "Beethoven Virus" (MBC) and "Princess Ja-myung,'' respectively.

More singers are expected to attract new fans through drama soundtracks, including Big Bang members T.O.P. and Tae-yang, who will be working on the new drama "Friends, Our Story" (MBC).

The members' agency YG Entertainment said that they decided to join the project despite their busy schedule in Japan, and that they were thrilled to participate in such a drama. "It's the first time for us to be working for an original soundtrack of a drama, and we can't wait to see how our songs will appear in the program,'' the two members were quoted as saying by their agency.



Pop group Super Junior will also connect with fans through dramas, with their song "Dreaming Hero" for the new show "The Partner" (KBS).

"Although 'The Partner' is a program about law and attorneys, it's more cheerful than serious. We naturally tried to make bright songs and also tried to bring singers in for the younger crowd to help us bring out that atmosphere,'' Lee Pil-ho, the music director, said.

"We simply hope listeners and viewers will consider soundtrack albums as nothing less than ordinary albums. Soundtracks no longer depend on the popularity of a drama, but work on their own now. It's a whole new service we can provide to the audience,'' said Lee.

Credits: sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr

katt

June 30, 2009

30 Years On, Insooni Sees Heyday Still Ahead


Insooni

Last year she celebrated the 30th anniversary of her debut, and she recently released her 17th album. So what further dreams could Insooni have? "I want to have a concert that I can be 100 percent satisfied with, where I feel I sang the best I could. It's hard, because no singer is 100 percent happy with the way they sing," the Korean songstress says. And she wants her songs to reach a wide and diverse audience. "It's very fulfilling when I hear people say that I've helped to bring together different generations."

Insooni is known for her frugality, but when it comes to investing in her on-stage dresses, for the sake of her fans she does not hold back. "I have about 1,000 dresses for performing. Even though there's no more room in my dress room, I can't throw them away because trends come in cycles," she says.

Surviving as a singer for three decades has required constant effort, Insooni says. "I have done everything I could as a female singer. I even tried doing sexy dances or using a shouting method. I don't want to fall behind when it comes to fashion or revealing my feminine charms. In order to keep my fans' attention, I've learned dancing, ballads, Trot [Korea's oldest pop music style], jazz, musicals, and traditional Korean singing."

When people ask when her heyday was, Insooni replies that it has not yet come. "I still want to climb higher. I want to be a singer with womanly charms when I'm as old as a grandmother. My rivals are all younger than me. I think young singers can be good teachers for me as well," she says.

Among her other activities is acting as an adviser to the Pearl S. Buck Foundation Korea. Having never met her African-American father, Insooni knows the hardships faced by cross-cultural children. Still, she says she holds no grudge against her father. "My father was a soldier who came to Korea to help the country. I received help from the Pearl S. Buck Foundation when I was young, from scholarships to help fund my studies to counseling when I needed advice. I believe it's my turn to give back what I was given. I look after children of foreign nationalities and children of migrant workers."

Source: [email protected]
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/06/30/2009063000300.html

katt

June 29, 2009

Korean bands rock around the planet

‘The “rock music hallyu” is definitely something to look forward to.’ - Music critic Im Jin-mo

  
Korean rock band YB will perform as part of the Warped Tour this August. [JoongAng Ilbo]

Korean music has gained worldwide recognition with the sounds of K-pop recording artists like Rain, BoA and Big Bang.

But now, rock bands looking for a piece of the action are launching themselves into the international scene with appearances at a score of summer music festivals the world over.

YB (formerly the Yoon Do-hyun Band), will join the Warped Tour, a popular summer rock and extreme sports festival in the United States and Canada, for its West Coast leg Aug. 15-23, according to Daeum Entertainment, the band’s management company. Artists such as Eminem, Green Day and the Black Eyed Peas have participated in past festivals.

David Choi, a representative for Originology, YB’s American agency, says that the tour is the band’s first step into the American market. “Starting with the Warped Tour, we’re planning various things to promote their music internationally,” he said.

But YB isn’t the only band flying abroad to reach foreign fans.

Indie groups like Guckkasten, Oh! Brothers and Galaxy Express appear on stages around the world this summer.

The four-member group Guckkasten flew to Shanghai last week for a tour of China, while the rock and roll band Oh! Brothers performed at the Singapore Arts Festival the week before that. Galaxy Express, a big name in the indie world, joined the lineup at the Fete de la Musique, an international event held on the summer solstice, June 21, in over 300 cities in over 100 countries across the globe.

“With their performing and vocal skills, Korean rock bands are very talented,” says music critic Im Jin-mo. “These days, with so many recording artists from Korea debuting in foreign countries with positive results, I think the ‘rock music hallyu [Korean wave]’ is definitely something to look forward to.”

By Lee Young-hee [[email protected]]
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2906692

katt

June 30, 2009

Six S. Korean films invited to Karlovy Vary film fest
   
SEOUL, June 30 (Yonhap) -- Six South Korean films including the Cannes-winning "Thirst" have been invited to an upcoming Czech film festival, local film officials said Tuesday.

   Park Chan-wook's "Thirst," which grabbed the Jury Award at this year's Cannes, Bong Joon-ho's "Mother" and Yang Ik-june's "Breathless" are among the domestic films to be screened at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, one of the world's oldest film events, South Korea's Pusan International Film Festival organizers said in a press release.



The event opens on Friday (Korean time).

   "Thirst" and "Mother" will be screened at the festival's Open Eyes section, while "Breathless" and "Crush and Blush" will be introduced in the Another View section. Both sections are non-competitive.

   Director Jeon Soo-il's "Himalaya, Where the Wind Dwells" had been invited to the festival's international competition section last year. The Karlovy Vary fest first held an international film competition in 1948.

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

katt

June 30, 2009

Rain's 'Ninja Assassin' to be released in November

By Hyun Ji-hyang



Starring South Korea pop star Rain (Jung Ji-hoon, 28) as a main character, "Ninja Assassin" will hit world theaters, starting on Nov. 25 in the United States.

Rain has already made his debut in Hollywood by starring in a supporting role in "Speed Racer," produced by Larry and Andy Wachowski of "The Matrix."

In their next film, "Ninja Assassin," the Wachowski brothers set the star as a leading character. Produced in Berlin Germany and inspired by traditional Japanese culture, "Ninja Assassin" plots a ninja's betrayal and revenge.

In the movie, Rain appears as Raizo, taken from the streets and raised into one of deadliest assassins in the world, by a mysterious ninja clan. After a cruel murder of his friend by the clan, Raizo turns away from the clan and prepares for revenge.

Besides the singer, the film stars Naomie Harris from "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" (2006), and Ben Miles from "V for Vendetta," (2005).

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

katt

June 30, 2009

Lotte World opens 'Star Avenue'



Taking a full step toward marketing Korea's most sought-after superstars among overseas fans, Lotte World opened yesterday "Star Avenue," a memorabilia hall that displays all things related to celebrities -- just not the stars themselves.

"We believed that we needed something to appeal to the rising number of tourists to Gangnam (southern Seoul) region," said Choi Hong-hoon, public relations team chief for Lotte World.

The opening ceremony was attended by several of the featured stars and hundreds of their adoring fans.

The Avenue, located on the first underground floor near the South Gate of Lotte World, is divided into five different spaces. The "Star Showcase" corner exhibits costumes and accessories donated by the stars, along with a star magazine video featuring the latest celebrity news.

More celebrity PHOTOS at kr.yahoo.com





Nine stars are featured including Rain, Tong Vfang Xien Qi, Big Bang, Park Yong-ha, Song Seung-heon, Choi Ji-woo, Ji Sung and Kang Ji-hwan, along with Japanese celebrity Ikko.

"Star Center", located at the center of the avenue accommodates a huge, 360 degree, high definition screen which features clips of the celebrities.

"Music Star" hall allows visitors to choose and listen to their favorite songs which they can burn in CD format to take as souvenirs. Fans can also send letters using a touch screen program.

"Drama Star" features recreated film sets of popular drama series such as Daejanggeum and East of Eden, where fans can pose next to life-size models of their favorite stars.

Hours of operation for the Avenue are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The entry fee is 10,000 won although anyone with a Lotte World Adventure "one-for-all" ticket will be able to enter free of charge.

Lotte World in Jamsil-dong of Songpa-gu, which is also home to a hotel, duty-free shop, department store and a musical theater, will celebrate its 20th anniversary on July 12.

When it first opened it was the world's largest indoor theme park. Since then, Lotte World has become a signature amusement destination not only for children, but for adults as well who had eagerly welcomed the opening of the adventure park.

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Lotte World has organized a number of diverse and exciting events, including a "Lotty's Adventure Parade" featuring 200 brightly-lit, airborne actors and dancers. On the day of the actual anniversary there will be a special event where 20 couples (who are 20-years-old) will cut a 20-meter-high birthday cake. There will also be a musical, samulnori (Korean farmer's dance), as well as a lucky draw for overseas trips.

Lotte World and its adjacent Magic Island were the first Korean theme park in 1995 to open at night and, since then, have introduced many daring new rides such as the Gyro Drop (1998), Gyro Swing (2001) and the Atlantis ride (2003). Lotte World went through a major renovation in 2007. As a further expansion of the business, Lotte World plans to open a water park in Jangyu, South Gyeongsang Province in 2011 and will also participate in a comprehensive entertainment complex development in Shenyang, China.

By Lee Joo-hee ([email protected]) via koreaherald.co.kr

katt

June 30, 2009

Summer Action Flicks Are Coming
  
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

Every summer, big budget Hollywood movies flow in, and many worry about the potential threat to homegrown films. Recent trends, however, suggest that competition is healthy.

"The fact that such a comparison (between national versus international franchises) is even possible is unique; there aren't so many countries around the world where domestic films can compete with American ones," Han Seung-hee, researcher at the Korean Film Council, told The Korea Times.



After the turn of the new millennium, the Korean film industry enjoyed rapid growth, with blockbusters rewriting box office history each year. But the market plummeted for the first time last year, and investment and production hit an all time low. Moviegoers even criticized films that fared well at the box office as being formulaic.

So far, 2009 looks better. The success of "A Frozen Flower" and "Speed Scandal" opened up a promising new year. Although February and March were rather lukewarm months _ viewership was split among three crime thrillers, "The Scam," "Marine Boy" and "Hand Phone" _ "Private Eye" picked things up and was widely loved for its unique themes.

Sleeper hit movies such as "Old Partner" and "Breathless" also revamped the cinema scene, proving that small budget films can make it big. Despite what was anticipated to be a tough competition against star-studded imports like "Star Trek: The Beginning" and "Terminator 4," "My Girlfriend Is an Agent" reaped large profits.


Box office successes, however, won't necessarily turn around the conservative attitude in funding and producing films. Filmmakers are still largely opting for mid-budget films that pose lower risks. What is notable, said Han, is that the general public sentiment has been markedly positive. "The novel subject matter of films has been highly regarded by moviegoers," she said.

Meanwhile, "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," the sequel to the highest grossing foreign film here, has attracted more than 2.8 million viewers in one week since its release June 24.

"This could be good news for the Korean films that are coming. When a movie, be it foreign or homegrown, creates a hype, then people look forward to the films that can take over the baton,'' said Han.

[color="#696969"]Anticipated Summer Blockbusters

The theater can provide refuge from the sticky and wet weather, and moviegoers can look forward to movies featuring distinct themes and the hottest screen personalities.

"Chaw" is drawing attention for its unusual subject matter and demanding use of computer-generated imagery (CGI). It is about a wild hog that develops a taste for human flesh and terrorizes a peaceful mountainous village. Popular actor Eom Tae-woong ("Hand Phone") stars as a police officer that must stop the homicidal beast. To be released July 16. Distributed by Lotte Entertainment.

Also hitting screens later this month is "Haeundae," a mega-action film about a tsunami consuming Korean beaches. A-list actors Sul Kyoung-gu ("Venus and Mars"), Ha Ji-won ("Miracle of a Giving Fool"), Park Joong-hoon ("The Truth About Charlie") and Uhm Jung-hwa ("Insadong Scandal'') appear in the project headed by Youn J.K. ("Miracle on 1st Street"). In a press release, the director emphasized that he wanted to create a "very human" film that will inspire both laughter and tears, and most importantly, stand apart from typical Hollywood disaster flicks. In theaters July 23. Distributed by CJ Entertainment.

Next month comes another unique film, "A Million," featuring hot screen stars Park Hae-il ("Modern Boy"), Shin Mina ("The Naked Kitchen"), Park Heui-soon ("Scam") and Lee Min-ki ("Oishii Man"). This action thriller is set in the isolated seaside, desert and forests of Perth, Australia, where eight participants must survive to win the prize of 1 billion won on a reality TV show. Coming to screens Aug. 6. Distributed by Sidus FNH.

Last year, Lim Soon-rye brought the world's first handball film "Forever the Moment," and this summer, "200-Pound Beauty" director Kim Yong-hwa brings an unprecedented film about ski jumping, called "Ski Jump." "It" actor Ha Jung-woo ("My Dear Enemy") shows the struggles of pitifully equipped athletes. Summer release date soon to be announced. Distributed by Showbox/Mediaplex.

Credits: hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

katt

June 30, 2009

Kim Jung-hoon In Comical Role



The premiere of the Korean-Japanese movie "Cafe Seoul" starring singer Kim Jung-hoon from the duet UN was held June 28 in Tokyo. It was attended by filmmaker Masaharu Take, actor Kim Dong-wook from the TV drama "Coffee Prince," up-and-coming actor Takumi Saito, Chang Seo-won and Koo Bon-woong.

Prior to his military service, Kim Jung-hoon said in a video message that he chose that role in "Cafe Seoul" because he had always wanted to play a cynical role. He added that he received injuries while filming scenes where he is beaten by gangsters.

He also added that he enjoys the movies produced by Takeshi Kitano and Satoshi Miki, and that he would want to try his skills in a comical role someday as well as the role of a detective or murderer.

Takumi Saito, who also appears in "Cafe Seoul," said the movie is a masterpiece of an innovative genre, and that he was impressed to see the production crew of the movie eat from the same pot and discuss the movie over lunch when it was filmed in Seoul.

Kim Dong-wook said he decided to take the role because it was interesting to see how Japanese writers and director dealt with Korean culture and traditions and because it was an opportunity to learn. Kim added, "Saito and I received energy from stamina drinks."

Director Masaharu Take, for his part, said the movie had presented him with a valuable experience and added jokingly that he still craved the Korean chicken and ginseng soup "samgyetang."

"Cafe Seoul" is a story about the conflicts, strong ties and love of three brothers whose traditional bakery "Morandang" is threatened to be demolished soon. The movie will open in Japan on July 18, starting in Tokyo.

Source: KBS Global

katt

June 30, 2009

BoA Performs at SF Pride


BoA

BoA, the South Korean top pop star who is now active in the United States, performed on the Main Stage of the San Francisco Pride Monday amid thunderous applause from spectators.

She sang "I Did It for Love," the flagship song of her U.S. debut album, "Eat You Up," and "Energetic."

The San Francisco Pride Parade is a festival held in June each year in the Californian city to celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people. It is one of the most famous and best-attended pride parades in the world.

BoA, 22, expressed satisfaction with her performance, saying it was a surprise. "The SF Pride stage was a surprise itself. I had a good time there," she said in a Twitter posting.

BoA, who is struggling to repeat her success in Japan in the United States, has signed a contract with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the No. 1 Hollywood entertainment agency.

Under the agreement, within North America CAA is representing BoA in all areas, including music, film and merchandising. The agency is mulling a U.S. tour in the second half of the year.

BoA released her U.S. album on March 17 amid high expectations.

Source: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2009/07/135_47676.html

katt

July 1, 2009

Opening Ceremony of Star Avenue at Lotte World



Stars pose at the opening ceremony of Star Avenue at Lotte World in Jamsil, Seoul on Monday. From left, actors Kang Ji-hwan and Song Seung-hun, singer Rain and actress Choi Ji-woo. /Yonhap

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

katt

June 29, 2009

Korean Stars Mourn Michael Jackson



Together with the fans all over the world Korean musicians are mourning the sudden death of Michael Jackson.

Rain, visiting Macao for the launching of his fashion brand “Six to Five” when he heard the news of Jackson’s death, said that it was Michael Jackson who inspired him to dance. One of Korea’s most famous stars overseas said that Jackson was his spiritual mentor and will remain as the textbook for all singers and dancers worldwide.

Moon Hee-jun, former leader of idol group H.O.T., reminisced about the time he met with Jackson behind stage during his 1999 concert in Seoul. Moon talked about how he froze up when he finally got to meet Jackson in person. He also remembered being electrified by the charismatic presence of the king of pop.

Jackson has inspired many other Korean musicians, such as Park Jin-young, Se7en, BoA, and Yoon Mi-rae. They have all mourned the death of their idol and remembered how they dreamed of becoming a great performer like Jackson.

Jackson held two concerts in Korea, one in 1996 and another one three years later. He even attended the inauguration ceremony of President Kim Dae-jung in 2002. His last promise to Koreans fans was that he will come back when the two Koreas are reunited.

Source: KBS Global

katt

June 30, 2009

M Reinvents Himself



Singer M, also known as Lee Min-woo of idol group Shinhwa, is looking forward to revealing a new self in his upcoming mini album. Titled “Minovation,” the album is named to imply himself, M, and innovation.

He said the unexpected failure of his fourth album compelled him to look back and find out what is wrong with his music. For the new mini album M chose the songs that best represent his new musical style, a mixture of electronic sounds and hip hop rhythm. There are six tracks in the album and one song that catches our attention is “The M Style – 2009 Remix,” which is an adaptation of his 2007 hit from the third album.

M also focused his attention on the dance numbers. He chose some of the top dancers in Korea to join him on stage. His dance concept this time is a dance battle in the middle of a city. The reinvented singer admits that he’s been complacent, but now vows to focus all his attention on his career and music. The limited edition of “Minovation” has gone on sale on June 24th.

Source: KBS Global