Korean Entertainment News 2011

katt

July 20, 2009

LPG’s New Song Actually Written by a Famed Poet



Five-member girl group LPG recently released a song titled “Jang Dong-gun Lee Hyo-ri,” which is winning wide public attention together with curiosity as to who wrote the words to the song. Named after two of Korea’s most well-known stars, “Jang Dong-gun Lee Hyo-ri” caught everyone’s interest with its witty lyrics, which sang of why Jang can’t get married and how imitating Lee’s dance moves can hurt one’s back. Popularity of the song naturally led to the public’s curiosity about who wrote the words.

According to LPG’s representative, the song’s lyricist was none other than poet Won Tae-yeon. Won had written the lyric under the pen name Im Je-na. He had hidden his real identity as the song’s lyricist, because he didn’t know how people would react to a song that had two of Korea’s most beloved stars in the title. His worry was unfounded as the public found the song very amusing.

Won had written not only many love poems but also lyrics to other hits like Shin Seung-hoon’s “Turn on the Radio,” and even directed movies, including “More than Blue,” starring Kwon Sang-woo.   

Source: KBS Global

katt

July 21, 2009

Kang-ta Voted the Most Anticipated Post-military Celebrity



Singer Kang-ta, formerly of idol group H.O.T., was voted as the most anticipated male star to finish military service and resume music career. An online community site, “DC Inside,” conducted a survey that asked which male celebrities the fans were waiting to see after completing their military service. Kang-ta, who entered military in April, topped the list by winning 22.1% or 406 votes out of 1,833.

Following Kang-ta in the second spot was Sung Si-kyung with 272 votes. Sung has been serving in the military since July 2008 and has been an active member of military events and charity functions. Coming in third place was Kang-ta’s fellow H.O.T. member, Tony Ahn, who’s currently serving as a DJ for the military radio station. Other male celebrities named in the survey include actors Gong Yu and Jo In-sung and singer Ha Ha.

Source: KBS Global

katt

July 22, 2009

'Flawed' copyright law takes effect Thursday



Your five-year-old daughter mimmicks a popular song at home. Her gig is so cute, so you pick up your camcorder to record her one-minute performance. You upload the clip on your own blog to share it with your friends and relatives. This seemingly benign act, however, is in violation of the Korean copyright law. No kidding. Last month, there was an actual incident in which a video clip showing a five-year-old kid singing Son Dam-bi's "Crazy" -- for 58 seconds, to be exact -- was uploaded on a blog run by Naver.com, and the Korea Music Copyright Association asked the country's biggest portal to block public access to the video clip.

Online users cite the case as a striking example that heralds what would come once the revised copyright law goes into effect today. Although the government authorities and copyright associations try to reassure Korean online users that no drastic development will happen, anxiety is spreading far and wide across the local cyberspace.

KOMCA recently released a statement describing its position about the sorry incident surrounding the innocent girl, but it emphasized that even under the existing law it's illegal to upload a video clip containing lyrics or music performances on blogs or online communities, unless the person in question gets a formal permission from all the copyright holders.

The revised copyright law also explicitly bans people from capturing footage of a film or TV drama. There are now countless blog postings which contain such captured images from movies and TV dramas, so a growing number of bloggers are cleaning up their personal writings, screening out potential materials that would invite legal disputes.

At the same time, some bloggers and community operators are abandoning Korean services in order to avoid lawsuits and seek freer cyberspace. This "cyber exile" phenomenon underscores the deepening distrust of Korean users about the new copyright law, which is allegedly designed to protect copyright holders only, while disregarding the right of ordinary users, as evidenced by the Son Dam-bi song's use by a kid.

Under the revised rules, the Culture Ministry can shut down an online community or service in connection with copyright violations, even without the complaint from copyright holders. When the user or bulletin board gets the shut-down order three times, the ministry can shut down the services in question for up to six months under a three-strike-out system.

The so-called "heavy uploader," who habitually puts illegal material on cyber communities, will be subject to the same three-strike-out system.

But what ordinary bloggers fear the most is the threat from law firms. A host of Korean law firms are currently representing copyright holders in the fields of music, images, and video, and they often send an email to users, asking them to pay a settlement fee in return for dropping the lawsuit.

In April, a local law firm threatened to file a suit against 8,047 users on the charge of copyright violations, and earned 7 billion won in settlement fees, a tactic that turned out to be illegal. Experts said if such threat comes from a law firm, users should not opt for a settlement and instead seek consultations with the related authorities.

To relieve the anxiety, some copyright holders are venturing out to open up their content for free. A popular Web cartoonist Kang Full said he will allow his online comic strips to be freely circulated in blogs and cyber communities.

The Culture Ministry earlier put out a press release, stressing that the revised copyright law targets heavy uploaders and companies which take huge profits out of pirated materials, brushing aside growing concerns about the negative impact on freedom of expression on the internet.

To ensure freedom of expression, the ministry said, a "fair use" act was proposed at the National Assembly in October last year, and the standing committee is now reviewing the proposed revision that would allow people to use copyrighted materials without any formal permission when they make non-commericial material such as online UCC (user-created content).

By Yang Sung-jin ([email protected]) via koreaherald.co.kr

katt

July 22, 2009

SBS Apologizes for Copying  

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), one of Korea's major broadcasters, admitted Wednesday that they copied a Japanese clip called "Getting Prepared for Work in Five Minutes" for its popular show "Star King."

The program was aired last Saturday, and a local performer carried out the exact same clip on stage.

While the Japanese version showed a man preparing for work in only five minutes, the program showed a man getting ready in three minutes.

The program drew criticism after its airing by viewers who already knew about the Japanese version, but the producer claimed that the performer devised the overall concept and that they had no idea it was based on a Japanese clip.

However, according to the local Internet news service by CBS, Nocut News, the makers of "Star King" showed the video of the Japanese version to the performers and told them to do exactly the same thing, but only in three minutes. The news portal added that the performers rehearsed at a hotel and even at SBS headquarters with the producers present.

With news out that the program makers explicitly copied the Japanese clip, SBS released a press release, admitting their misconduct.

"We have concluded that the makers of the show have given the Japanese version to the performers and made them rehearse before the actual shooting. We have decided to change the producer. She will be suspended for the time being,'' the press release said.

"Star King" is one of the channel's most popular programs, hosted by Kang Ho-dong. Every week, the show offers the stage to people with distinctive talents, from singing, dancing and drawing to mimicking. A panel, mostly made up of celebrities, vote for the best contestant.

Credits: sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr

katt

July 22, 2009

BoA’s Music Video Released in the U.S.



The music video of BoA’s new single “Energetic” has been released exclusively on the homepage of Entertainment Weekly (EW) on Wednesday. BoA announced the news on her Twitter. EW.com also posted an interview with BoA in marking the exclusive presentation of BoA’s new single in America.

The “Energetic” music video features a very addictive hip hop rhythm and BoA’s charismatic and powerful dance skills filled the 3-minute-24-second video. BoA has debuted in the United States last October with her debut single, “Eat You Up,” which was followed by her first American regular album in March of this year, featuring the title song, “I Did It for Love.” She has been promoting her album by appearing on TV and radio programs and performing in concerts throughout the United States. At a recent interview with MTV she revealed her five personal secrets, which include that her favorite basketball team is the L.A. Lakers, and that she likes McDonald’s iced coffee noodles.

Source: KBS Global

katt

July 22, 2009

Lee Jun-ki Presents His Japanese Fans with Concert


Actor Lee Jun-ki participated in a news conference at the Korea Culture Center
in Shinjuku, Japan on July 17 prior to his concerts in Kobe and Yokohama.

Actor Lee Jun-ki said he had prepared special concerts for his fans to present them with a chance to have fun together and show off his hidden talents. In the news conference on July 17, Lee said he would be performing in front of his Japanese fans for the first time in three years and that the concerts were his "comprehensive gift set" for them.

On the question about his singing talent, Lee said he had no ambitions to become a singer whatsoever and that he staged his concerts solely for his fans. "I want to concentrate on acting, which I will continue to master for the rest of my life," said Lee. But he added that he wanted to write songs and organize concerts for his fans to display his versatile talent.

Lee's upcoming concerts will mark the re-opening of his Japanese official fan club "Splendor." Audience members will be able to buy Lee's DVD entitled "J-Style Special Edition."

Source: KBS Global

katt

July 23, 2009

‘Kong’ a breakthrough role for budding actress

Many famous movie stars can attribute their initial success to a single flim that served as a turning point in their careers. For budding Korean actress Joan, who goes by one name, that movie might very well be “Holding King Kong.”

The film tells the touching story of a weight-lifting team at an all-girls middle school in the countryside and their inspiring coach, played by actor Lee Bum-soo.

Joan transformed herself entirely to play the role of a weight-lifting country girl roughly 15 years younger than herself, gaining eight kilograms (17.6 pounds), building up her physical strength and nailing down a perfect Jeolla accent. “When joining this film, my resolution was, ‘Don’t try to look pretty, just lose yourself in the role,’” the 28-year-old actress said. “I want to be recognized for my acting abilities, not for my looks.”

After joining the cast, Joan had only two weeks to get in shape for the role. She had to undergo intense weight training for five hours a day.

She also ate four to five meals daily, always carried chocolate in her pocket and had to get makeup put on every morning throughout shooting. “Surprisingly, as my body shape changed, my behavior and actions changed accordingly. Normally I would have worried about disturbing my hair or makeup, but the way I behaved and acted, even including the way I moved a finger, also changed,” the actress said.

While the average woman can barely lift 20 kilograms of weights, Joan eventually lifted nearly twice that in the movie. “Lifting a barbell from the ground is not so difficult, but it is not easy to hold it up above my arms,” Joan said. “[The film] is all real except the weight of the barbell.”

In the movie, for instance, she is shown lifting 60 kilograms, though she was actually lifting 39 kilograms - still an impressive feat.

Joan said she pitied the character she played, who is an orphan and joins the weight-lifting team because she has nowhere to turn. “When an actor feels pity for the character, that’s when he or she begins to get absorbed in the role. When I was reading the script for this movie, I immediately took a shine to the character,” Joan said.

Holding King Kong is currently playing in local theaters.

By Yang Sung-hee [[email protected]] via http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2907769

katt

July 23, 2009

'Dream' cast



Actors Joo Jin-mo (left), Kim Bum (right) and Son Dam-bi (center)
pose during a promotional event for Korean TV drama "Dream" in Tokyo on Wednesday. /AP-Newsis

Credits: englishnews@chosun.com

katt

July 23, 2009

Son Dam-bi wins lead role in new SBS-TV drama

Son Dam-bi’s acting career has begun. Cast in the upcoming SBS-TV drama “Dream,” the 26-year-old singer will play Park So-yeon, one of the three main characters.

In a press conference held last Tuesday in Busan, Son remarked that she related to her role. “Park is a lot like me, which is a major reason why I chose this project” she said. The singer also added that “acting has always been my dream.”

Son, who debuted in 2007, rose to fame with hit songs such as “Crazy,” and “On a Saturday Night.”

Dream, which also features actors Joo Jin-mo and Kim Beom, will air July 27.

By Lee Hae-joo Contributing Writer via INSIDE JoongAng Daily

katt

July 23, 2009

Star Couple to Seek Probe Over Rumors


Star couple Kwon Sang-woo, right,
and Sohn Tae-young

Star couple Kwon Sang-woo and Sohn Tae-young plan to ask police to investigate malignant rumors about them, which have been spreading rapidly through Internet portals, pres reports said.

One of the couple's associates was quoted as saying, "Rumors began to emerge through newsletters circulating in the stock market. The couple will file a petition with the police cyber task force asking for a probe."

One of the rumors has it that Kwon, 33, and Sohn, 29, will divorce soon. The couple is dismissing the rumors flatly, reportedly saying, "We are living well. We have no idea why such rumors are spreading."

Kwon's friends support the couple's allegations, noting that the couple have been going out with their son frequently. Kwon and Sohn tied the not last September at a three-hour private wedding that drew a crowd including top Korean stars, reporters and fans from Japan.

Kwon shot to stardom by appearing in hit dramas like "Stairways of Heaven (2003)," "Bad Love (2007)" and movies "My Tutor Friend (2003)" and "Fate (2008)."

Sohn, a Miss Korea runner-up in 2000, gained popularity with her acting and sense of style with such films as "Sad Movie (2005)" and "The Railroad (2007)."

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

katt

July 23, 2009

Horror film explores obsession with beauty



The word beauty is often associated with nature, the arts and, of course, the female sex.

And many women spend a good deal of time trying to fit that description, spending an untold amount of money on expensive haircuts, slathering themselves in anti-wrinkle creams and buying high-end makeup, perfume and jewelry.

But the pursuit of beauty can easily become an obsession, which often leads to unintended consequences - especially in today’s appearance-focused world. Just look to a number of celebrities who have taken plastic surgery and Botox a little bit too far, sometimes with frightening results.

So what better time for “Yoga School,” a horror film that mixes the unending pursuit of beauty with a heavy dose of fear.

The movie, which is scheduled to be released next month, tells the story of five women who are locked up in a mysterious yoga school, which each had visited in the hopes of improving their looks. “A woman’s desire for beauty is universal, and I thought I could successfully incorporate that concept into a horror film because blind pursuit of beauty has such a destructive power that can cause people to go to extremes,” Yun Jae-yeon, the director of the film, said in a press conference Tuesday.


Actresses Eugene, Park Han-byul, Kim Hye-na, Jo Eun-ji, Lee Young-jin,
Cha Soo-yeon and Hwang Seung-un (capture from koari.net)

Yun previously displayed her horror filmmaking skills in the third episode of the popular Korean horror series “Whispering Corridors” in 2003. “I like the horror genre because I can talk about social issues in an indirect way using diverse symbols and metaphors and somewhat surreal sets or scenes,” she added.

Yoga School has seven distinct characters, including a perfectionist career woman who had been successful until she was outshined by a younger co-worker, a former popular actress who faded into obscurity, a girl battling weight issues, and a woman beset by numerous personal misfortunes including a divorce and a failed plastic surgery procedure.

All of them have something in common: a belief that beauty will help them overcome the difficulties they face. They all are told to abide by several rules when they sign up for the yoga classes. The trainees, for example, agree to entirely cut themselves off from the outside world for seven days of rigorous training, a period in which they are not allowed to see themselves in a mirror or eat without permission.

Not much more about the movie plot has been released, other than the fact that it all ends terribly for the women. But the cast members said they feel the movie will be able to distinguish itself in the crowded horror genre.

The film has generated some buzz due to a star cast that includes Eugene - a former member of popular girl group S.E.S. - and up-and-coming actress Park Han-byul. The lead characters are all women, and more than half of them (Lee Young-jin, Kim Hye-na, Cha Soo-yeon and Park Han-byul) have previous experience in horror films.

While all of the characters get into trouble because of their pursuit of beauty, the film begs the question of whether the actresses themselves obsess over their appearances in the real world.

“I’ve got my own complex about my appearance, but it is not something that can be overcome in a day,” actress Park Han-byul said. “If I think about it too much I will start constantly finding faults. I always try to take a positive view of myself and be confident of who I am.”

Yoga School will hit local theaters on Aug. 20.

By Park Sun-young [[email protected]] via INSIDE JoongAng Daily

katt

July 23, 2009

Movie Review
'Take Off' brings out the human drama of sport

By Shin Hae-in

SEOUL, July 23 (Yonhap) -- Watching South Korean sports movie "Take Off" is like going to a tight football match: the excitement begins just when you think it's all over.

   This rare film focuses in on the country's oft-overlooked national ski jumping team. Those who enjoyed the 1993 U.S. movie "Cool Runnings" will find themselves smiling at familiar moments.

   Like the Walt Disney film based on the true story of the first Jamaican bobsled team to make it to the Winter Olympics, "Take Off" (Gukgadaepyo) tells the emotional story of South Korean ski jumpers who struggle against national indifference toward the sport and their own life difficulties.  



Partly non-fiction, the film spotlights a hodge-podge team assembled to support the Korean city of Muju's bid for the Winter Olympics in 1996. The International Olympic Committee questioned then how Korea could host the Winter Olympics without even having a ski jumping team.

   Led by a former children's ski instructor who knows nothing about the sport -- he spells it "sky" jumping -- the team's five athletes include a Korean-American adoptee and former U.S. junior alpine skier (Ha Jeong-woo) who comes to Korea looking for his biological mother, a nightclub host (Kim Dong-wook) who joins the team because he has a crush on the coach's daughter, and a young orphan (Kim Ji-seok) who is the sole breadwinner for his grandmother and younger brother.



Inexperienced, unprepared and a laughing stock at home and abroad, the team grows from its hapless and rag-tag beginning to become passionate and competitive, finally winning a berth at the Nagano Olympic Games in Japan.

   As sports films often do, "Take Off" concentrates on the emotional side of the characters as they struggle to set aside personal conflicts and form a bond as "National Representatives," the film's Korean title.

   But director Kim Yong-hwa, creator of the 2006 box office hit "200 Pounds Beauty," overdoes this some. With so many episodes crammed into the film -- from issues of ethnicity and family to romance and poverty -- "Take Off" barely manages to retain its "sports film" label. A tendency of the actors to over-emote also distracts from the plot.



The film takes a relieving turn in the last 30 minutes, however, as the Olympic Games begin. Pulling audiences to the edge of their seat, the film shows the power of sport to captivate and excite viewers -- even if the event itself is fictional.

   "I had always wanted to do a sports movie," director Kim told audiences at the movie's domestic premier Wednesday. "I felt that the past seven months we spent on top of a mountain, hanging on wires (to get the right shot) was all worth it. I am quite satisfied with the result."

   Seven athletes are officially registered as ski jumpers in Korea, and four of them belong to the national team. The team has overcome poor domestic support and unfavorable practicing conditions to win medals at the Tarvisio Winter Universiade Games in 2003 and the Harbin Winter Universiade Games held in February this year, among other tournaments.

   "Take Off" will hit local theaters on July 30.

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

katt

July 23, 2009

Fans Expect Kangta to Return to Music Scene

By Ines Min
Contributing Writer


Kangta

Kangta, former lead singer of the boy band H.O.T., topped a survey on Wednesday as the male celebrity most likely to return to entertainment after the army.

The survey was conducted by major Internet forum DC Inside from July 15 to 21. The results show that Kangta won with 22.1 percent, garnering 1,833 votes.

After H.O.T. split in 2001, Kangta was the first member to release his own solo album. Later, he continued collaborating with other musicians, including as a member of the Korean band Shinhwa. Since then, he has appeared in two Chinese dramas and KBS production "Loveholic."

The singer-actor entered the military, a standard two-year commitment for all Korean males, in April 2008. His last action as an entertainer was to release his sixth solo album "Eternity." Kangta is expected to be discharged in mid-2010.

The poll placed ballad singer Sung Si-kyung in second place with 14.8 percent of the vote and former H.O.T. member Tony An in third.

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

katt

July 23, 2009

Pancinema gets paid for 'Rain'
Producer pre-sells film to Japanese distributor

By Park Soo-Mee

SEOUL -- In a possible sign of improving fortunes for Korea’s beat-up film export sector, Korean producer Pancinema this week revealed a rare pre-sale of a South Korean movie to a Japanese distributor.

"Season of Good Rain" was originally conceived as a film with two separate versions; one as a segment of "Chengdu I Love You," a multinational omnibus film about college friends who reunite and fall in love, alongside elements by Hong Kong director Fruit Chan and Chinese rock star Cui Jian; and a full-length feature version aimed at local Korean audiences.

The film, with a budget of two billion won ($800,000), is set up as a Korean-Chinese co-production involving Pancinema, Taurus Film, Ho Films and China’s Zonbo Media although the film’s Chinese release is still under negotiation.

In Korea, distribution is through N.E.W Co., a new distribution and production investment outfit establish by former staff from Showbox.

Amuse will have the picture released theatrically in Japan through Showgate, with an outing tentatively set for November. The license deal was originally agreed in March, although only recently completed, when Pancinema finalized details of the production. The film is currently in post-production.

The acquisition is also a rare move from a Japanese point of view. While Japanese distributors were once the most voracious buyers of Korean movies, sometimes paying license fees that exceeded the production budget -- in early days of the "Korean Wave" Amuse handled Korean blockbusters "Joint Security Area," "Silmido" and "My Sassy Girl" -- Nippon distributors were conspicuous at Cannes this year by their almost total lack of dealflow.

"It was unique in that the film was sold to the Japanese company while the film’s script was still in progress," said Park Hye-gyeong, a Pancinema marketing executive.

Source: hollywoodreporter.com

katt

July 23, 2009

Wonder Girls Perform 'Nobody' on U.S. Terrestrial TV Channel



The girl band Wonder Girls gave a live performance of the song "Nobody" on the U.S. terrestrial TV show "The Wendy Williams Show," which airs across America. The group's agency, JYP Entertainment, said the Wonder Girls mesmerized the show hostess and American viewers with their costumes and performance.

Wendy Williams introduced the Wonder Girls as the "sensation and big stars of Asia." After hearing "Nobody," she lauded the group and embraced each member, while the audience gave the group a standing ovation.

Williams also told the audience that the Wonder Girls perform as the opening act of the Jonas Brothers' tour and asked if the Jonas Brothers' father, Kevin Jonas, was the Wonder Girls' manager in the U.S.

The Wonder Girls said they were nervous prior to their performance but had great fun on the show.

Source: KBS Global

katt

July 24, 2009

S. Korea's 'Cafe Noir' invited to Venice film fest

SEOUL, July 24 (Yonhap) -- "Cafe Noir," a debut feature by South Korean critic-turned-auteur Jung Sung-il, has been invited to the upcoming Venice International Film Festival, the event's Web site said Friday.

   The film is the sole Asian title among 10 world premiere first features to be presented during the festival's Critics' Week.

   "Cafe Noir," clocking in at over three hours, is a love story that opens with a man whose girlfriend leaves him on Christmas Eve and unfolds across the city of Seoul, shifting from color to black and white.

   Jung is considered one of the most influential film critics in South Korea and currently serves as co-director of the annual Cinema Digital Seoul fest.

   Films screened during Venice Critics' Week will not be judged by a jury but through votes cast by festgoers, with the winner of the top prize to receive 5,000 euros (US$7,100). All Critics' Week entries will compete for the fest's Golden Lion of the Future, worth $100,000.

   The Venice Film Festival runs from Sept. 2-12. Its official lineup will be announced July 30.

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

katt

July 24, 2009

Actress Jeon to Wed With Alumnus in October


Actress Jeon Soo-yeon

TV actress Jeon Soo-yeon, 31, who performed as Soo-ryeon on MBC drama, "Iljimae Returns - Moon River(2009)," will marry a cousin of veteran theater actor Yoon Moon-sik in October.

According to Jeon's agent, Jeon will tie the knot with Yoon Duck-hwan, 31, in her hometown of Hongcheon, Gangwon Province, on Oct. 11. As alumni of a primary school in Hongcheon, they became a couple recently after maintaining a friendship for some 20 years.

As a cousin of famous TV celebrity Yoon Moon-sik, Yoon is a businessman, and sells garments and leases building offices. They are scheduled to hold a wedding ceremony at a villa owned by Jeon's father.

Jeon, who was selected as Miss Gangwon Province in 1996, entered MBC as an actress in 1999. She played a role in "Age of Heroes" (2004), " Prince Hours" (2006) and "Princess Hours" (2007).

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

katt

July 24, 2009

Chung Woo-sung Visits Japan


On July 21 actor Chung Woo-sung visited Japan
to promote the movie "Rainy Season" ahead of its opening
in that country. He was invited to the Movie Star's Project
event that was organized by the cable broadcaster WOWOW

Actor Chung Woo-sung arrived at Haneda Airport, Japan on July 21. It was his first visit to the country in three years. The last time he visited Japan was in November, 2006 to promote "Sad Movie." During his current visit, Chung will promote the movie "Rainy Season" and will attend the Movie Star's Project event, which was organized by the cable broadcaster WOWOW.

Despite the rain, some 300 fans gathered in front of the event venue early in the morning and welcomed Chung when he showed up at 2:15 p.m. Chung said he was happy to see his fans at the airport.

The actor held a news conference on July 22 at the ANA Intercontinental Hotel in Tokyo. He will return to Korea on July 25.

Source: KBS Global

katt

July 24, 2009

Rain to Get Exclusive IPTV Channel

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter


Singer and actor Rain now has his own Internet protocol television (IPTV)
channel where ans can catch glimpses of the star through SK Broad & TV
next month./ Courtesy of J.Tune Entertainment

Singer and actor Rain now has his own Internet protocol television (IPTV) channel where fans can catch glimpses of the star from morning to night, starting next month.

The singer's agency, J. Tune Entertainment, announced Friday that SK Broad & TV has decided to open an exclusive channel for him. This is the first time for a local celebrity to have his or her own channel on IPTV. The channel name has yet to be made.

Rain's channel will offer various categories that will reveal everything about the singer.

The "History" category will have music videos from his latest five albums, along with clips of his videos, while the "Designer Rain" category will offer fans the chance to peek behind the scenes of the singer's fashion brand, Six to Five.

Other categories will include commercials, performances, live concerts, photo shoots and other clips of Rain working as a singer, actor and designer, including unreleased material.

"As this is the first time for a local celebrity to have an exclusive channel on television, we feel a great deal of responsibility. We will put forth our efforts to bring more exclusive channels for artists in the long run. This channel has given us the opportunity to look for ways artists can get closer to and communicate better with fans,'' J.Tune Entertainment said.

Rain, who is the goodwill ambassador for Seoul city, will hold his 2009 Global Fan Meeting in Seoul Sunday at Kyung Hee University. It will be the first time for the singer to appear in front of fans in a year. His upcoming movie, "Ninja Assassin," will be in theaters in November.

Credits: sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr

katt

July 24, 2009

TVXQ Leader U-Know to Debut as Actor

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter


U-Know of TVXQ

Leader of top boy band TVXQ U-Know will debut as an actor in an upcoming drama scheduled for September, tentatively titled "Heading on Ground," on MBC.

The 23-year-old singer will appear as Cha Bong-gun, a pathetic and helpless football player striving to make it into the national team.

"I love the character. I was so excited when I read the script. I hope to express my excitement and feelings through faithful acting," he was quoted as saying by MBC.

The television series tells the story of Cha and his path toward success. "The drama is expected to tell a heartwarming tale about a lame footballer who has nothing to believe in but himself and his passion for the sport, and his ongoing efforts to make his lifelong dream come true," MBC said in a press release.

The broadcaster added that the singer was very serious about taking his role as an actor, which is his first attempt at acting since making his music debut in 2004, at a five-hour long meeting with MBC to discuss the drama's production.

"We were told that U-Know also went through a difficult time before finally accomplishing his dream as a singer. We were not looking for the best Asian star. We were looking for Cha Bong-gun, and that is what we found in him,'' MBC said.

The drama will start airing on Sept. 9 on MBC.

Credits: sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr