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July 24, 2008
[ChanMi's movie news]
Jo In-seung in an new movie with Song Ji-hyo
Actor Jo In-seung is known to have filmed a bed scene with actress Song Ji-hyo for their new movie "Dirty Carnival".
The movie stars Joo Jin-mo as the Koryo king, Jo In-seung as the king's bodyguard Hong-lim, and Song Ji-hyo as the queen.
Hong-lim falls in love with the queen and the two share a night together. This scene is a hot topic among female fans because Jo In-seung is in it!
The movie is about two people with a lot of wounds in their hearts who begin to understand each others' hurts leading to falling in love.
This dramatic movie will be relseased at the end of this year.
Source:
http://cynews.cyworld.com/Servic ... 80167&LinkID=66
http://www.hancinema.net/chanmi- ... g-ji-hyo-14695.html |
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July 23, 2008
[ChanMi's movie news] Sin-ae returns to the drama world
After the finishing episode of "Sae-jong the Great" Sin-ae will be starred in the new drama "Queen Mother Cheon-choo".
It will be four years since she was in drama! In 2004 she was in "War of Roses".
Sin-ae will take the part as a Koryo king Sung-jong and Queen Mother Cheon-choo(Chae Si-ra)'s sister Hwang Bo-seol. Hwang Bo-seol will become mother of king Hyeon-jong.
Sin-ae's role is of a charismatic and a strong feminine character. She will suffer a one way love for An Jong-wook and sadly marries Kyeong-jong. And after Kyeong-jong's death Hwang Bo-seol herself dies giving birth to her first love's child.
This drama will be first aired in October.
Source:
http://media.daum.net/entertain/ ... 233&cp=starnews
http://www.hancinema.net/chanmi- ... ma-world-14696.html |
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July 24, 2008
Rain Holds 'Summer Vacation with Rain' Fan Meeting
Singer and actor Rain is back in Korea.
Rain's management agency JTune Entertainment said Rain will hold a fan meeting on July 27 at the Seoul Olympic Park's Olympic Hall. The theme of the fan meeting, to be attended by both Korean and other Asian fans, is "Summer Vacation with Rain." The event will be hosted by popular TV host Kim Je-dong.
Rain, who recently finished shooting the film "Ninja Assassin" in Berlin, is currently recording his latest album at a studio south of the Han River. The album, which the singer will be producing himself, will be released in autumn.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/mcontents/entertainment/1536278_11692.html
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July 24, 2008
[ChanMi's movie news]
Won Bin returns in new movie "Mother"
We all missed him! Its been four years...Won Bin is back from the military and is working for a new film again!
You all know him from "Autumn in my Heart" and now he is in "Mother" costarring Kim Hye-ja.
Won Bin recently postponed a surgery on his knee for this new film so that his procedures in recuperation won hinder his schedule in acting.
This movie will be his returning project. The filming will start this September.
"Mother" is a female version of "Memories of Murder" where the son strives to reveal the truths about his mother's innocence.
Source:
http://media.daum.net/entertain/ ... 09739&cp=newsen
http://www.hancinema.net/chanmi- ... e-mother-14697.html |
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July 24, 2008
[ChanMi's drama news]
Lee Ji-ah transforms into a violinist
For the new drama "Beethoven Virus", Lee Ji-ah transforms into a talented violinist.
Her filming has ended and her still pictures have been released to the public.
Lee Ji-ah's character has started her musical career performing violin in the trains and subways for money.
She has learned to play the violin and the piece "Beethoven's Romance" which the staffs have greatly appreciated.
First episode will be aired this September 3rd!
Source:
http://media.daum.net/entertain/ ... 570&cp=tvreport
http://www.hancinema.net/chanmi- ... iolinist-14698.html |
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July 24, 2008
'Eye' Spies Perfect Crime
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
In the urban action film "Eye for an Eye,'' actor Han Seok-gyu, left, plays a hardball detective
who's determined to catch a mastermind criminal (Cha Seung-won). / Courtesy of Lotte Entertainment
Korea's favorite leading men Han Seok-gyu and Cha Seung-won team up in "Eye for an Eye," an urban action flick that slithers with speed, style and substance.
Perfect crimes unfold in the tradition of the "Ocean's 11" trilogy, launching a "Public Enemy"-style cat and mouse game. Han dyes his hair silver and wears a matching gray suit and shiny Hermes belt to play the role of a suave yet gum chewing, foulmouthed detective -- the film is worth watching just to see the "Shiri (Swiri)" (1998) star drive like a madman and mercilessly interrogate suspects.
Similar to the recent box office smash "Public Enemy Returns," veteran detective Baek is about to resign so he can set up his own business. But he has to postpone it when 1.8 billion won is stolen from a bank truck in broad daylight and then 600 kilograms of trafficked gold vanishes from an airport -- all under police surveillance. Someone had ingeniously impersonated Baek, and this proves to be a serious blow to the real Baek's ego.
The following day, Baek receives a package, a stash of cash signed to and from Baek. This "friendly" gesture is from the mastermind crime-ring head himself, Ahn Hyun-min (Cha). This MBA-holding former prison guard outsmarts Baek and thwarts his plans with finesse. To add fuel to his fury, Ahn has the nerve to leave blatant clues and even appear before him. Soon, Baek realizes that he is being used as a prawn in Ahn's master plan to attack a bigger enemy.
What could have stopped short of being a string of Hollywood conventions takes on a unique Korean streak. It oozes human drama inherent to traditional stories. Here, Ahn is obviously the bad guy, but Baek, who doesn't refrain from using violence to fish for clues, seems much more despicable. Unlike "Public Enemy," the cat and mouse here have a common enemy, the dog -- a wicked business tycoon who wronged them both. In Korean tales, even scary ghost stories, vengeful spirits are always understandable in the end, and Ahn is just a coolheaded Hamlet driven by filial piety to take revenge.
The movie takes viewers to different corners of local cities: Busan ports and markets, local jjimjilbang (Korean sauna) and pojang macha (street food stall) as well as a well-orchestrated car race through a busy Seoul business district. It also invites you to a gay bar. Actor Lee Byung-joon disguises his deep baritone voice to play "Antonio," a transvestite who speaks with a high-pitched purr and sports perfectly blow-dried hair and a ring on his pinky finger. His well-tamed character portrayal provides a subtle counterpoint to the two male leads.
The visuals capitalize on the long and lean silhouette of model-turned-actor Cha, who struts around in finely pressed suits, holding his weapon of choice, a torch. Ahn Gwon-tae ("My Brother," 2004), who served as assistant director for Kwak Kyung-taek's hit film "Friend: (2001), shot the first half of "Eye" before his mentor took over. The result is something swift and glossy, full of comic strip-like split screen technique found in "Tazza: The High Rollers" (2006).
In theaters July 31. 15 and over. 101 minutes. Distributed by Lotte Entertainment.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/07/141_28136.html |
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July 24, 2008
Korean Celebrities to Cheer for Olympics
By Karen Song
Korea Times Intern
Top Korean celebrities have joined together to wish the South Korean Olympic team a good fight at the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games. Television host Kang Byung-kyu, comedian Park Kyung-lim, and singer Park Sang-min, among others, will head to Beijing to support the team.
According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and the Korean Olympic Committee on Thursday, the Beijing Olympics celebrity cheering squad will officially announce their start at the Seoul Olympic Hall, Olympic Park at 3 p.m. July 25, along with the declaration of the South Korean team. The list of the stars volunteering was also revealed on the same day.
Former professional baseball player Kang will head the cheering party. The squad includes around 30 volunteers of top celebrities such as singer Lim Chang-jung, Tae Jin-a, Joo Young-hoon, Crown J, model and T.V. host Hyun Young and pop group Cool.
They will stay in Beijing during the Olympics and lead the cheering together with Korean supporters. Their participation is expected to contribute greatly to heighten the athletes and supporters' spirits throughout the games.
[email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/ ... 8/07/178_28140.html |
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July 16, 2008
[Interview of the week] Thirty, rehearsal is over! Entertainer Lee Ji-hoon
It's been 12 years since Lee Ji-hoon's debut, but he is 'still' careful to define himself. The word 'still' may sound odd, but that seems most fitting. It's because he has overcome dangers that don't happen easily, and he is beginning to bear fruit for his longtime prayers. Lee Ji-hoon, who is turning thirty this year, says that his life so far has only been an introduction.
The thing I need is not a break but energy
"One glass of hot cocoa".
Mid-June brought an earlier heat wave, and Lee Ji-hoon, who we met at a cafe, ordered hot cocoa. Hot cocoa on a day for refreshing iced tea… He laughs and explains, feeling the eyes of the reporter on him.
"I didn't get to drink it this morning. I have filming left in the afternoon, so I'm going to replenish my calories". MBC drama "New Heart", which started November 2007 ended in February, in March and April, made his album and started filming KBS drama "You Are My Destiny", Japanese show in May and release of his sixth album ' The Classic '. Lee Ji-hoon, who has come nonstop, didn't need a break but replenishment. In the midst of his busy schedule with drama filming, interviews, and television programs, he is heavy-hearted for the lack of his album activities.
"It's my first album in four years. I wanted to go around several districts and share my music but I'm so busy with my drama schedule that I can't find the time".
Since he's a supporting character and not the main, he started the drama thinking that there wouldn't be a big problem. However, with the rising viewing rates, Lee Ji-hoon's role also grew.
"The character of Kang Tae-poong is the one who connects all the characters together. Thankfully, the writer developed my role a lot. I believe it'll only get bigger".
The disappointment with his album activities will only be solved with time. He set aside thoughts of ending it abruptly and plans to declare a war. He plans to sing until this fall.
"There is a disappearance of famous songs these days. Before, if I released one album, there were a lot of songs that received love for more than a year, but the speed at which the public's taste changes is getting quicker. It gets popular fast and goes down fast. It's very unfortunate".
He has met the public as an actor rather than a singer for several years, but he has never let go of the string of being a singer. As a singer, he wasn't planning the break he had recently.
"I entered the industry at a young age, and I adjusted well with no trouble. I wanted to form my own identity without someone to lean on. I planned my own schedule, studied a character when a scenario came in, signed contracts at movie production companies, and drove all by myself. And I was able to learn the hardships of managers and producers. I learned, 'Although he looks calm on the outside, he's not. It's not easy'. I think I've matured now".
In 1996, he debuted with 'Why the Sky' in high school, and as an idol star, there was not much he could do by himself. He received help from his manager for things that an average person does easily, such as receiving a certified resident registration or bank affairs. Only in 2004 did he leave his entertainment company for the first time, truly 'standing alone'.
If the people around him had made Lee Ji-hoon before, he is now forming his own self. His recent album has that theme in it. He used to just sing and leave everything up to others, but this time, he worked on the album design, music video, and communicated well with the songwriters. He is disappointed that he can't spend his time on doing his music that he spent so much time on, but he is thankful for the work he has now. He is acting, singing, and participating in variety shows, and I asked his 'main line of work'.
"I don't think I have anything like that. Of course, there is passion in the moments when I'm saying. It's the same when I'm acting or in variety programs. If there are people who look out for me and need me, I want to show them my best. I'm just thankful that there are people who want me".
Beyond idol
It's been 12 years since his debut. I call him a genuine idol, 'the original idol', and he jumps up and asks to call him 'middle-aged'.
"As an actor, I'm still a newcomer. In the music industry… well, I'm a lot older. These days, if I stay in the waiting room in the broadcasting buildings, there are many juniors who come to pay respects to me. Inside, I think, 'They're becoming hospitable to their seniors. That's a relief'.
It seems that he doesn't realize how respectable he is to singers who are debuting. He didn't seem to have the pride as an 'original idol'. Except for the fact that he's more comfortable when he meets people and he defines relationships differently, he says there's not a big change from 12 years ago.
"If you took out 'loyalty', I was simply a corpse. If it was a friend's request, I did anything for them, and if they called me in the middle of the night, I went to them. If I had kept my loyalties by sacrificing myself, I believe that now, I should keep my loyalties by taking care of myself. Competition is fierce, and it even exists between friends. I realized that you can only maintain relationships if you somewhat match their level. If you keep comparing yourself with others and believe that you're not good enough for them, that relationship doesn't work out. I have thoughts about investing in myself and building substance. There were many times that I overlooked things because they were friends, and I would experience heartbreak alone. If friends can't understand that, it's not friendship. It was a situation that everyone could have understood, but I didn't know".
Listening to his story, there are two people that come to mind. Kang Ta and Shin Hye-sung. They were the three who were rumored to be close, and they debuted at similar ages and had similar problems and helped each other. They are the style to not say a word and support each other for things concerning work.
There is also an organization called '79 Club' that comes to mind. '79 Club' consists of Park Kyeong-rim, Lee Ki-chan, Lee Hyo-lee, Lee Soo-young, and others who were born in 1979, and is currently 'broken up'.
"Three or four years ago, we met quite often. We met regularly about twice or three times a month, had drinks, and talked, but we don't do it anymore. They all like drinking except me. I had the role of cleaning up after them (laugh)".
Since youthful men and women met, there must have been thoughts of dating none of them, but he says he never saw Lee Hyo-lee and Lee Soo-young as women. When he decides they're friends once, they're always friends. There is no chance that friends and a woman with a boyfriend will be promoted to a lover. He is different from the 'player' image he gets from television.
"Many people see me like that because I'm sentimental and very thoughtful. There are many who think, 'He seems to be vain. He must have met a lot of girls', but most of my friends are guys". He said he truthfully mostly avoids women and makes an expression that he feels falsely charged for his image. I also asked him about the recent scandal with Shin Bong-seon.
"I sent a text message saying I was sorry to Bong-seon. I got a favorable impression from seeing her on television. I just said it because I was able to film with her, but I didn't know things would get this big. It seems Shin Bong-seon also heard things from here and there. This is why you have to be careful about what you say on show programs (laugh)". |
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The first page of my 30s
Lee Ji-hoon always seemed relaxed. Maybe we can call it the dignity of having been in the business for 12 years. He doesn't become confused or agitated easily. If you think about it, it seems he was like that from his debut. The public can see that his life has flowed like water, without any big troubles, and it seems he'll continue like that. But even for him, there was a crisis.
"If you tell me to talk about my memories, I don't have any. Since I started my social life early, I don't have the memories of childhood experiences. Since I earned money from high school, I was well off financially, but I regretted that I grew up without being able to do the things I wanted to".
This is why he gets worried when he sees younger singers entering the industry at an earlier age than when he debuted.
"After debuting early and getting popular, they may get hurt when they feel that their popularity is declining. I thought about that a lot too. If I can't make it here, what do I have to do? Do I have to die? If I had to, I would have to get by somehow… I get really frustrated about what I have to do".
He is in the top 1% of entertainers who have constantly received the public's love. If you are famous, you always have the uneasiness about when you'll be neglected. For Lee Ji-hoon, it was in his mid-20s. The thing that held him together was his religion.
"Prayer was more powerful to me than the comforting words of others. The thing I prayed about produced good results. When I first started acting, there were few singers turned actors, and public opinion was not positive. But that has changed. Directors and producers see me favorably too. I really tried hard to be considered worthy. It was probably the same for others in similar situations".
Now, there are some answers. In the midst of a busy schedule with dramas, shows, albums, and musicals, he was able to succeed in everything because he believed that everything would work out through his prayers.
He calls his 30s the 'first page' of his life. "I believe that the past 12 years of my life in the entertainment industry is the introduction of a book called 'Lee Ji-hoon'. I often say that I am in the middle of rehearsal. Now, I think I know that this is how I'm supposed to do things. Since my 30s are an introduction, the main story will be at my 40s? The conclusion, who knows? I want to perform as a singer in front of thousands. I don't know if it'll be in Korea or in Japan, but I want to. If I grow naturally as an actor with time and experience, I believe I can become productive like Sin Goo and Lee Soon-jae".
Original Korean article at lady.khan.co.kr
English translation courtesy hancinema.net |
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July 24, 2008
Gwiyeoni's New Novel 'Searching for an Angel' Published
Gwiyeoni became an overnight sensation with her internet novellas that were adapted into silver screen features, such as "Seductions of Wolves," "He was Cool," and "DoReMiFaSolLaSiDo." The "Gwiyeoni Syndrome" is about to spread once again with her new novel on teen romance, "Searching for an Angel."
This story was also published as a series for cellular phone services. It's about a female high school student, Park Seon-min, who can no longer feel emotions due to a poor relationship with her parents and an even worse one with an ex-boyfriend.
Seon-min's best friend is Lee Ha-young, and she learns that a first generation Korean-Japanese boy named Kang Chan-su has flown in from Japan to meet Ha-young. Chan-su is a former host at a ladies' club in Japan, and he brings along another handsome host, Shou Shinojaki. The story tells the tale of love and curiosity involving the four.
The author not only tells the tale through the young eyes of a teenager, but also weaves in the teens' perspectives about the confusing world of adults. Gwiyeoni's writing style has matured with experience.
The young author and Sungkyunkwan University acting student is planning a trip to Africa during her summer break.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/mcontents/culture/1536305_11676.html
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July 25, 2008
[Review] An abysmal Manchurian horseback ride
The demonic Park Chang-yi (Lee Byung-hun) serves as “the bad”
in “The Good, The Bad and The Weird.”[JoongAng Ilbo]
“The Good, The Bad and The Weird,” a Korean western in theaters now, is a decidedly Asian take on the usually grim genre.
Instead of sticking to a palette of muted earth tones, director Kim Jee-woon paints his picture with sumptuous colors, with the scarlet red of women’s lips, the purple crushed velvet of a gunman’s jacket and the jewel-toned silks on the wealthier characters.
The choice seems appropriate, considering the manic neon lights that illuminate the Seoul streets, as compared to the dusty prairies of the American west.
The Asian setting of the film also allows for a whole new magazine of weaponry. In addition to six-shooters and shotguns, the men of the Manchurian desert arm themselves with bamboo spears and even a medieval mace or two.
One of the story’s main characters, “the weird” Yoon Tae-goo (Song Gang-ho), also provides a distinctly Asian form of comic relief. His antics are considerably goofier than anything audiences would see in say, “3:10 to Yuma,” but judging by the laughs in the theater, they seemed to go over well.
Tae-goo’s weirdness, however, does seem a bit out of place in a western. For example, his choice of headgear deviates from the typical western choice of the 10-gallon hat; instead, he wears either a Russian-style winter hunting cap (the pom-pom of which gets shot off in a gunfight) or a leather flight helmet. Looks like someone has a penchant for earflaps.
But “the weird” isn’t the only one with odd wardrobe choices. “The bad,” the wild-eyed Park Chang-yi (Lee Byung-hun), seems to have stepped out of a present-day Korean mobster movie with his jet-black zoot suits and Yakuza-inspired hairdo.
The only one who seems to be adequately dressed right for 1930s Manchuria is “the good,” Park Do-won (Jung Woo-sung), who could fit in with Jesse James or Robert Ford.
But haberdashery aside, The Good, the Bad and the Weird, aside from sounding like (as my colleague said) a list of my ex-boyfriends, is decently entertaining ? at least, for the first hour and a half.
The story revolves around a treasure map, one that could help Japan-colonized Korea toward independence, extend the reign of the Japanese or provide great riches to bandits with more selfish desires. Do-won pursues the map for the first reason, and both Chang-yi and Tae-goo choose the third. The Japanese army, of course, chooses the second. The result is a wild goose chase across the Manchurian desert.
But once The Good, the Bad and the Weird got into hour two, I found myself slipping my cell phone out of my purse to check the time. How many more gunfights would my eardrums have to endure? How many more ounces of blood would have to be shed in the sand? And for goodness sake, why were all the women in the film fools of either the simpering or whimpering varieties?
It drags on and on, but The Good, the Bad and the Weird clearly reflects its slick production, and the English subtitles at CGV Yongsan do allow non-Koreans to tap into the world of Korean cinema.
I just wish that world, in this film at least, had more to offer.
By Hannah Bae Contributing Writer[[email protected]]
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2892750 |
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July 25, 2008
FANS BADMOUTH KOREAN HUNK'S FUTURE BRIDE
Don't judge her BLINDLY
By Chang May Choon
WHY is everyone so mean to my bride-to-be?
Kwon Sang Woo proposed to beauty queen-turned-actress
Son Tae Young with a neckless on a hot air balloon in Australia.
-- Picture: CINEMA SERVICE
That must be the burning question on Korean hunk Kwon Sang Woo's mind.
He announced last Friday that he would marry beauty queen-turned-actress Son Tae Young on 28 Sep, but the reactions from fans and media have not been too kind.
Instead of giving their blessings, some fans reportedly questioned if she is 'good enough' for him and voiced concerns that marriage would dent his raging popularity with a largely female fan base. Others gossiped about Tae Young's bountiful dating history and cast doubt over her sincerity in this latest relationship, reported The Chosun Ilbo.
Speculations of a shotgun wedding also surfaced, as the news of their romance only got out two days before the marriage announcement. On Monday, the usually outspoken Sang Woo, 32, came out to defend his fiancee.
HOT-AIR BALLOON
He had proposed to her with a necklace on a hot-air balloon in Australia some time ago.
In a message posted on his fan website, the star of hit drama Stairway To Heaven and movie My Tutor Friend appealed to the public not to judge Tae Young 'blindly'. 'The decision to get married was made after careful thought over a long time, but overnight, so many people have said so many unspeakable things.
'Even as I write, I can't help but shed tears.' He was particularly upset with rumours that Tae Young might be pregnant.
'This man Kwon Sang Woo decided to get married because he's deeply in love with not Miss Korea, but a woman named Son Tae Young. How can people suspect it's a shotgun wedding?' He said Tae Young had been hurt by previous media reports and to criticise her based on them is akin to 'licking the skin of a watermelon without understanding what lies inside'.
'People used to think the earth is flat, only later did we realise it's round... She's like the round earth. She's very frank in whatever she does.'
Tae Young, 28, joined showbiz after emerging third in the annual Miss Korea contest in 2000. Instead of earning acting credits, she became more famous as a playgirl linked to a string of male celebrities. In 2001, she made headlines for getting caught in a love triangle with actor Shin Hyun Jun and songwriter Joo Young Hoon, reported The Korea Times.
Late last year, she ended a rather public relationship with music video director Cool K and declared on TV that 'I've lost faith in love'.
MET AT A DINNER
But Cupid didn't give up on her - she met Sang Woo at a dinner with mutual actor friend Kim Sung Soo (Full House) early this year.
Romance blossomed after he mustered the courage to call her and ask her out, Sang Woo said at the last-minute press conference he called in Seoul last Friday night. But his first impression of Tae Young was of her weeping while talking about her past during a variety show earlier on.
'I thought she was a good person with an innocent heart.'
She turned out to be a filial daughter who is always concerned about his mum and 'brings laughter into our house', he added. 'Son Tae Young is the most precious person in my life,' he told reporters at his press conference. 'She is the biggest energy of my life. She makes me laugh and gives me hope.'
Incidentally, the usually forthright Tae Young has kept mum about the wedding. She was last seen doing a cameo in the period drama Iljimae, which is now showing in Korea.
WHERE IS SHE?
When asked about her absence during the press conference, Sang Woo said they might only appear together on their wedding day. He also hinted that he's 'worried' that she might 'get hurt' - clearly referring to the negative comments from fans so far.
The Chosun Ilbo noted that silence may also be Tae Young's way of dissociating Sang Woo from all the negativity targeted at her. But it didn't seem to work.
Reports from Korea said the sudden wedding news has shaken advertiser confidence in Sang Woo, and he stands to lose an income of 10billion won ($13m) if his upcoming projects, including a pictorial book deal, fall through.
Source: The Electric New Paper
http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/show/story/0,4136,171553,00.html
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July 25, 2008
TVXQ! Attains Most Oricon Wins
The five member K-pop group, TVXQ!, set a new record with Japan's Oricon music charts. Their 23rd single released in Japan on the 16th, "How did I Start Liking You," ranked first on the Oricon Daily Singles chart and then reached first on the Oricon Weekly charts.
On the 22nd, the Oricon website (http://www.oricon.co.jp) posted that the "5-member Korean group TVXQ! and their 23rd single won first place on the Oricon Weekly Singles charts, their third win after their 16th single, 'Purple Rain,' and their 22nd single, 'Beautiful You/1000-Year Love Song.'"
The Oricon News continued with "This is the most number of wins on the Oricon Weekly charts for an overseas artist. TVXQ! and Taiwan singer OuYang FeiFei were tied at two wins, but TVXQ! set the new record with their third."
TVXQ!'s 23rd Japan single will also be released in Korea.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1536411_11858.html |
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July 25, 2008
Big Bang Makes Comeback
The popular K-pop group Big Bang released a teaser trailer online of their third mini-album, "Stand Up," which will be available on August 1st. The teaser trailer contains footage of the Big Bang members growing from young boys into men.
Big Bang's last two mini-albums brought them the back-to-back hits "Lies" and "Last Farewell." Now the members are ready to show their fans how much they have matured musically over the years.
The members are eager to showcase their individual talent and they have done a good job of it so far - T.O.P acted in a TV drama, Seung Ri chose to do a musical, Tae Yang released a solo album and held his own concert, and Dae Sung recorded a trot single.
"The mini-album also contains a song which was a joint effort between G-Dragon and Japan's Daishi Dance," explained Big Bang's agency, YG Entertainment. "And there is another group that is featured on one of the tracks. Everyone will be surprised to hear who they are!"
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1536499_11858.html |
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July 21, 2008
Actress Chae Shi-ra Falls from a Horse
Actress Chae Shi-ra fell from a horse while practicing horse-riding for historical drama “Empress Cheonchu” and suffered a hairline fracture to her hip bone. Chae had been practicing for two months at a riding track in Paju, Geyonggi Province.
She had been learning to ride a horse for her role as the greatest female warrior empress in Korean history. At first she thought she only suffered minor contusion, but went to see the doctor after being in constant pain for a week. Doctors have ordered rest for Chae and her prognosis will be determined in two weeks.
The new historical epic to be aired later this year, following “King Sejong,” “Empress Cheonchu” portrays the life and achievements of the most influential women in Goryeo Dynasty. She was supposedly a fierce warrior and experienced politician, who fought against the Tungustic people of Manchuria to claim Goryeo’s old territory. Chae was taking riding lessons in an apparent attempt to portray the empress’s feisty character perfectly.
Source: KBS World
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/e ... _detail.htm?No=7880 |
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NEWS INDEX page 32
July 22: Su-ae Admits to Passing Out in Film
July 23: Seo Tae-ji’s New Album Title Unveiled
July 23: Korean remake attracts Hollywood’s prime players
July 23: The Good, the Bad, and the Weird strikes gold
July 23: GOSA - High school is horror
July 25: Korea’s Famous Cartoon Character to Support UNHCR
July 25: New brides become new moms (Park Eun Hye, Jeon Do Yeon)
July 25: Latest Korean blockbuster attracts 3 million viewers in one week
July 25: Yoon Do-hyun, a Regular on English Program
July 27: Shinhwa Members Plan Solo Concerts
July 28: Jung Woo-sung on Being 'Good'
July 25: 'The Good, The Bad, The Weird' Invited to Sitges Festival
July 28: PiFan runs with "The Chaser"
July 28: Park Yong-ha Attracts 23,000 Fans to Fan Meeting in Japan
July 28: Seo Taiji Shoots Blockbuster Music Video on Easter Island
July 28: Latest Korean blockbuster attracts 4 million viewers in 11 days
July 29: Popular singer's new album goes on sale
July 29: E Hyo-lee Tops K-pop Charts with 'U-Go-Girl'
July 29: New SBS drama looks at working moms
July 29: TV Program Omits Part About Singer Yoo
July 29: SBS Drama to Spotlight 'Working Moms'
July 29: Long-awaited comeback (Seo Tai-ji)
July 29: Entertainers' Performance Fees at Nightclubs Unveiled
July 28: 'Proof' Lacks Depth
[ Last edited by katt at 30-7-2008 12:55 PM ] |
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July 22, 2008
Su-ae Admits to Passing Out in Film
Su-ae admitted in an interview with Yonhap News that had actually gotten drunk and blacked out for a scene. It was for a scene in her new film “Sunny,” which takes place at a nightclub in a U.S. army base, where she drinks heavily and passes out in the bathroom. She revealed that she really drank more than half a bottle of whisky at the director’s criticism that she didn’t look real enough.
As a result of drinking so much alcohol, she became really drunk, adding reality to the scene where she throws up in the toilet and blacks out. Su-ae had won admiration from the director and the rest of the filming crew for her commitment to the film.
Due for release on July 24, “Sunny” is a story of naïve country girl named Sun-I, who goes to war-torn Vietnam during the 1970s to search for her husband. Su-ae has been applauded by film critics that she has played the role of Sunny to perfection, showing Sunny’s seamless transformation from an innocent and frail girl to strong and determined woman.
“Sunny” is also director Lee Jun-ik’s first film to be shot abroad. Director Lee is known for highly acclaimed films “King and the Clown” and “Radio Star.”
Source: KBS World
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_chart_detail.htm?No=7881 |
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July 23, 2008
Seo Tae-ji’s New Album Title Unveiled
Just one week to go until the release of his eighth album, Seo Tae-ji has unveiled the title song and the cover design of his latest album. The title song is called “Maoi,” which refers to the monumental Moai statues on Easter Island. The mysterious island is one of the world’s seven wonders. It supposedly enjoyed civilization and prosperity a long time ago, but was destroyed by human greed, leaving only the giant statues of human face on the island.
The album cover design shows a fetus inside a mystery crop circle. The umbilical cord of the fetus is connected to the outer circle of the mystery crop formation in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province. The crop circle was artificially created in Boryeong to promote Seo’s new album. Similar in appearance to ancient drawing, the album cover adds a sense of mystique to Seo’s work.
Meanwhile, Seo plans to make an appearance on a TV music show in more than four years on August. Then he will make his first public appearance through the ETPFEST at Jamsil Baseball Stadium on August 15th.
Source: KBS World
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/e ... _detail.htm?No=7882 |
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July 23, 2008
Korean remake attracts Hollywood’s prime players
Major Hollywood directors and actors have expressed their interest in buying the rights to NA Hong-jin’s The Chaser. Current remake right owner Roy LEE of Vertigo Entertainment said that Leonardo di Caprio is among the interested and that he developed a strong interest after watching the film. The remake scenario is currently in development.
Hollywood’s remake industry found a new gold market in Korea. Latest Korean remake to spark major interest is this year’s well-made socially critical thriller The Chaser (Choogyeokja) is directed by feature film debutant NA Hong-jin, and stars KIM Yun-seok and HA Jung-woo.
The Chaser is a sleeper-hit, the film lacks major stars and NA was relatively unknown. After a modest release, positive criticism turned the film into the highest grossing film in the first half of 2008. The thriller reached over 5 million viewers.
The Chaser will succeed My Sassy Girl (Yeopgijeokin Geunyeo), Il Mare (Swiweorae, remake title The Lake House), and a long list of yet unfinished Hollywood remakes of Korean films.
Credits: Yi Chang-ho (KOFIC)
http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/KOFIC/Channel?task=kofic.user.eng.b_filmnews.command.NewsView1Cmd&searchPage=1&Gesipan_SCD=2&Gesimul_SNO=1031 |
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July 23, 2008
The Good, the Bad, and the Weird strikes gold
The fight and race over what is believed to be a valuable map - titled The Good, the Bad, and the Weird (Joheun Nom, Nappeun Nom, Isanghan Nom) - entered cinemas with its guns drawn and left its competition behind in clouds of gunfire. The kimchi western dug up treasure when it surpassed the 2 million landmark in its opening weekend. Its distributor CJ Entertainment announced on Monday morning a total of 2,186 million viewers since its release on Thursday July 17.
Director KIM Jee-woon’s US$ 17 star vehicle (LEE Byung-hun, SONG Kang-ho, and JUNG Woo-sung) grossed US$ 14 million over the weekend alone. The Good, the Bad, and the Weird recorded the third highest opening day with 400,000 tickets. Top opener in Korea is SHIM Hyung-rae’s D-War (470,000) and BONG Joon-ho’s The Host (Gwemool) comes second (450,000). The Good, the Bad, and the Weird is with The Host the fastest film to reach 2 million spectators, namely four days.
The Good, the Bad, and the Weird outperforms this year’s slate of films. KANG Woo-suk’s Public Enemy Returns (Gangcheoljoong: Gonggongui Jeok 1:1) is this year’s second fastest film to overtake the 2 million mark with eight days. Before the kimchi western, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull attracted the largest audiences on its opening day (212,000) in the running year. NA Hong-jin’s The Chaser (Choogyeokja) leads in popularity so far this year, over 5 million people watched the thriller.
Credits: Yi Ch'ang-ho (KOFIC)
http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/KOFIC/Channel?task=kofic.user.eng.b_filmnews.command.NewsView1Cmd&searchPage=1&Gesipan_SCD=1&Gesimul_SNO=1032
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