Korean Entertainment News 2011

katt

August 3, 2009

Supporting Roles Stealing Spotlight

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter



Supporting actors appearing in local dramas have begun unleashing their charms, and more viewers are starting to recognize their presence.

MBC's hit drama "The Great Queen Seondeok" boasts a lineup of interesting characters surrounding the main character, Deok-man, played by Lee Yo-won, who later becomes the first queen in Korea's history.

Lee is not the only actress enjoying the spotlight, as many viewers have taken notice of the villain, Mi-shil, played by Ko Hyun-joung.

Mi-shil dreams of becoming queen, but fails when Seondoek makes a splash in political circles. Ko, who is well known for her sweet and tender roles, has successfully transformed herself into the ambitious Mi-shil, who tries to scheme and threaten her way to the throne.

MBC explained before the drama's airing that Ko was originally offered the role of Seondeok, but she actually chose to take the part of the femme fatale after reading the script. "I thought acting a very clear character would be better for me. I'm breaking out of my original roles, which were balanced and had a certain rhythm. I will do my best not to lose the viewers' attention,'' Ko said at a press conference before the drama's airing.

When the news of Ko's decision broke, many questioned whether both Ko and Lee would be able to portray their respective characters. But worries soon dissipated with the drama's airing.

Numerous viewers posted their thoughts on the drama's Web site, supporting Ko and her fellow actors. Mi-shil is Ko's first attempt as a villainous role and also represents the first appearance in a historical drama in her 20-year acting career.

Meanwhile, SBS' drama "Style'' also has viewers fixed on its various supporting characters, most notably Kim Hye-soo, who appears as Park Gi-ja, a perfectionist deputy editor at a fashion magazine. "I read on the drama's Web site that Lee Ji-ah is the main character, but I can't help but follow every move of Park. Probably because she's portrayed by Kim, who is one of the most fashionable actresses in Korea," Kim Min-jung, a 28-year-old viewer of "Style," told The Korea Times.

Lee plays the assistant whose singular goal is to please her boss, Park, and move up the ladder to become a magazine editor, but she gets tangled up in messy relationships with Park and her fellow male characters.

Working at a fashion magazine firm aided Kim in her full transformation into a fashionista.

At the press conference last month to publicize the show, the actress donned two different outfits, first a sparkly green mini dress, and then a purple dress with a huge bow attached on her shoulder. "Park is very edgy, both in life and style," Kim said at the press conference. Although "Style" began airing just last week, it hit 18 percent in television ratings, according to research firm AGB Neilson Media Research, and topped other dramas in the same time block.

Other dramas and movies have their fair share of attractive supporting roles, including Lee Honey from the KBS drama "The Partner," Moon Chae-won from the drama "Brilliant Legacy," and movie star Lee Byung-hun in the upcoming Hollywood action film, "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.''

Lee, a former Miss Korea, returned to the spotlight as an actor in the drama about lawyers, and despite the low ratings, she has positioned herself as an aspiring actor alongside the main characters played by Kim Hyun-joo and Lee Dong-wook.

Moon first garnered the role of a pretty gisaeng in the drama "The Painter of Wind,'' which starred Moon Geun-young, but failed to attract much attention. The 22-year-old resurfaced in the hit drama "Brilliant Legacy,'' and finally made a lasting impression among viewers, which has led her to appear in another drama, airing this month, called "My Fair Lady" on KBS.

Movie star Lee Byung-hun is also gearing up to attract moviegoers with his role as the ruthless Storm Shadow. Lee may play a supporting role in the Hollywood flick, but his star power still translates well in Asia, proving to be a big plus in promoting the film in Korea and Japan.

Credits: sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr

katt

July 17, 2009

Shop till you drop in Myeong-dong



A street in Myeong-dong

Myeong-dong is the busiest shopping area in Seoul. In some senses, it looks like one huge department store spread over several blocks. The area is packed with items to accessorize your outfit, excite your mind, or change your whole image. As the most popular area among foreign tourists, Myeong-dong is the alpha and omega of traveling in Seoul. Myeong-dong is especially popular among Japanese tourists, and so we sometimes hear more people speaking Japanese in the streets than Korean. For this tour, I went with Mr. Tanaka, a Japanese freelance reporter working in Korea. There is a Korean proverb saying "Eating first, Geumgan-san the next," meaning that one can only appreciate stunning beauty on a full stomach.

Tanaka suggested "Myeong-dong gyoza" as highly reputed dish in the area. Gyoza is simply made by putting chopped meat or vegetables inside dough and steaming it. The dish is widely eaten in China and Japan as well. But, as there is always a long line of people waiting at lunch time, we decided to come back later for a snack.

The second choice was gomtang or gukbab. Both are simple meals that come with meat or bone stew. What is good about these dishes is that they come very quickly and taste good in almost any restaurant. In a narrow alley, between boutiques and accessory shops, is a 40-year old beef stew gukbab restaurant called "Ttaro-jib." A middle aged woman frying sliced zucchinis covered with egg was seen through the small window. This small yet cozy restaurant, also well-known among many Japanese, shows the history of Myeong-dong.

While looking for a fancier place to eat, we found Haemultang Street. Although the street is named after a kind of seafood soup, only a couple of such restaurants remain. In front of the restaurants, sample dishes are displayed with Japanese tags.

When I asked Tanaka what he wanted to have, he answered "sigol babsang." It is a kind of sampler menu that comes with dozens of small dishes, yet it is far cheaper than the formal Korean dish set (hanjeongsik) and more refined than just regular set menu (baekban) provided at small town restaurants. After searching the alleys for a sigol babsang restaurant, we ended up eating at the "Maetdol Sundubu Jib" - Maetdol means mill stone.

Tanaka said the Japanese generally prefer soft tofu and that Japanese use ginger or Chinese pepper to provide a hot taste, which Koreans only used before hot pepper was imported.

When hot pepper became popular among Koreans, they put it in every food, including kimchi. Nevertheless, Tanaka ordered hot seafood sundubu with hot pepper oil topping, whereas I ordered rather bland yet deep flavored perilla seed sundubu. When it came to the taste, our nationalities seemed to be reversed.

It was time to look around Myeong-dong. Where to start? Myeong-dong guides were ready for the tourists. Wearing red vests and straw hats, they help tourists for directions. This service, provided in Japanese, Chinese, and English, began in March this year. As of early July, 3,000 Japanese, 350 Chinese, 50 South Asians, 160 English-speaking foreigners, and 800 Koreans have been helped out by the guides. Although more Chinese tourists are beginning to visit Korea, most of them tour in groups with their own guides, so they don't need public guides' services. On the other hand, Japanese tourists travel freely, mostly in groups of 3 or 4, and are more likely to ask for directions, particularly for new sites to visit.



The "walking information" said that tourists were most interested in beauty items, including cosmetics and massage services. Famous cosmetic brands include Etude House, Missha, The Face Shop, Aritaum, and Innisfree. Foot massages, body massages, and saunas are also popular with tourists.

When I entered one cosmetic shop that was promoting its brand with a Japanese make-up artist and transvestite model "Ikko," it was completely packed with tourists. The prices were affordable, mostly between 10,000 and 20,000 won. Tanaka said these cosmetics were usually just for presents or general use, while most tourists purchased one or two high-priced cosmetic items at duty-free shops.

The second most popular item is food. Most Japanese want to eat gyoza, samgyetang, bibimbap, bulgogi, samgyeopsal, and galbi at resaurants. On the other hand, they buy gim, kimchi, soju, and makgeolli as presents. The third most popular thing to do in Myeong-dong is clothes shopping. Especially, lower priced clothes and shoes are best items. Socks sold by street venders are also popular. These items are popular because they provide good quality for the price, and tourists sometimes buy several of the same items for souvenirs or presents.

The guide took us to Myeong-dong Theater. Originally it was a movie theater built in 1934 in the Baroque style, named then Myeongchijwa. In 1959, the name was changed to National Theater, but in 1975, the building became the property of a private bank. Finally, after 34 years, the old national theater was restored and re-opened in June 2009 under its original name. With the theater's restoration, Myeong-dong has recovered its reputation for artistic performances as well as for shopping.

The hoof-shaped theater is found on the second to fourth floor and has 558 seats. In Myeong-dong Theater, the maximum distance from the seat to stage is 13.5 meters on the first floor, and 16 meters on the second floor, a good distance for performers to interact with the audience.

A series of inauguration performances is currently showing, in which veteran and established actors play together. The "Actor's Platform," the Seoul International Performing Art Festival is scheduled for the fall. There is a cafeteria is on the first floor and a restaurant on the fifth floor.

Coming out of the theater, we went to a foot massage salon where Tanaka had been a couple of times before with other Japanese tourists. There, we encountered a Japanese couple, the Nakatas (both 66) coming out of the salon after a massage session. They said they initially planned to go to Hokkaido, but ended up choosing a 3-night package tour in Seoul because of the affordable price.

They also explained why they came to the foot salon, saying that they took a foot massage at another place yesterday but were not fully satisfied with the service. In Ms. Nakata's bag were shoes, a T-shirt for her grandson, and walnut cookies for presents. They said grilled meat and seafood with salt were among their favorite dishes, and said it was great to eat cow tongue. Unlike Koreans, they said Japanese consider cow tongue especially delicious.

The last stop was the Seoul Center for Culture and Tourism which has a lounge, cultural experience center, and a small theater. There are a few outdoor benches on the way to Myeongdong Cathedral and a small stage in front of Myeong-dong station, but it can be hard to find a place to sit and rest here. The roads in the commercial area are too narrow and crowded to even stand for a while. So we took some rest on the chairs in the center, discussing how to continue our tour with the help of the guide there and the maps and guide books provided.

The main district of Myeong-dong is surrounded by large-scale department stores. Major hotels are located nearby, and cheap yet good quality items can be found everywhere. Moreover, the streets are always bright, safe, and fun for foreigners.

By Heo Shi-myung via koreaherald.co.kr

katt

August 3, 2009

Girls' Generation Captivates Hearts of Russian Youth



Interest in Korean pop culture has been on the rise among young Russians. In the photo is a fan cafe of Girls' Generation on the Russian networking site "V Kontakte."

The popularity of Girls' Generation has skyrocketed among Russian young people. A growing number of young Russians has become interested in Korean pop culture these days. More than 100 fan cafes dedicated to Korean pop culture have opened on the Russian networking site "V Kontakte" as of July 31. Their membership rosters range from as little as hundreds to as many as thousands of members, as more and more Russians are becoming the fans of Lee Hyo-ri, Rain, Wonder Girls, Girls' Generation, 2NE1, 2PM, 2AM and SHINee.

Each cafe features the latest video materials about their favorite singers. Russian fans even vote on K-pop cafe charts every month to pick the best K-pop song.

Many Russians are also big fans of Korean TV shows and movies. They also vote for their favorite shows. Some cafes even offer access to illegal downloads. Cafes dedicated to actors Lee Jun-ki, Kong Yoo, Kang Dong-won, Kim Ah-joong and Song Hye-gyo have hundreds of members. The latest Korean TV shows, such as "Boys Over Flowers," as well as shows that aired years ago enjoy enormous popularity in Russia.

Many Russian Internet users laud Korean TV shows for their original soundtracks, while others give credit to actors and actresses for their pretty looks. Fans of Korean movies have set up cafes dedicated to directors Park Chan-wook and Kim Ki-deok.

It has been only two years since the Russian youth, who are big fans of Samsung mobile phones, began taking interest in Korean pop culture. Once, many Russians admired Japanese culture, with Japanese sushi being all the rage among affluent Russians. Young Russian women imitated Japanese hairstyles and watched famous Japanese anime films. But recently the popularity of Japanese culture has been on the decline, giving way to Korean pop culture.

College student Anastasya Petuhova, 20, said, "Korean songs are very exciting. The choreography is also unique and stylish. The music industry in Korea is highly advanced because many groups compete for popularity."

One Korean professor who teaches Korean in Moscow said, "A growing number of students want to study Korean. The popularity of Korean culture in Russia will contribute to the development of both nations."

Source: KBS Global

katt

August 3, 2009

TVXQ to Stick Together Despite Legal Dispute

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter


Pop group TVXQ

Three members of the pop group TVXQ ― Micky, Xiah and Hero ― said Monday that their recent legal action against their agency did not signal the disbanding of the group and they, along with members Max and U-Know, will keep their promise to fans to stick together.

In a legal document released through the law firm Kim & Shin, the three stated that their 13 year exclusive contract with SM Entertainment was no different from a binding lifelong contract. They also said that they were not treated fairly by the agency in terms of profit distribution.

The press release explained that they have been carrying out a vigorous schedule ever since their debut in 2004, flying between Japan, China and Korea with only three to four hours to sleep everyday.

"(They) have had health problems and finally reached their physical limits, but SM Entertainment continued to send them abroad and plan excessive activities. Thus, the three members have started to hope they will be able to continue their careers as they wish, instead of being used as tools for the agency's profits,'' the statement read.

It also said that the provisional disposition had nothing to do with the members' private business endeavors in the makeup industry, and was focused on the unfair contract.

"The contract period spans 13 years, and including military services, this can add up to almost 15 years. This is basically until we retire from the entertainment business. The contract also states that if we cancel the contract, even under agreement, we will have to pay several trillion won in penalties,'' the statement said.

The members were given 0.4 to 1 percent of total album sales following a revision of the contract in February. The initial contract stated that the members would be awarded 10 million won each if the previous album sold more than 500,000. If the albums were sold fewer than 500,000, the members would not receive anything.

The statement added that the three members tried to communicate with SM Entertainment, but the agency continually brought up the issue of their makeup business and avoided further settlements. "SM Entertainment's attitude made them realize there was no hope in solving the situation through communication, and the members finally decided to take legal action to further settle the case.''

The members concluded the statement with a comment to their fans, saying that they "were sorry for surprising and disappointing their fans.''Micky, Xiah and Hero stirred fans and the industry by submitting the application for provisional disposition to terminate the validity of their contract to the Seoul Central District Court Friday.

SM Entertainment did not release a follow-up statement, but said that the band would continue performing and that it believed their career would continue.

Credits sanghee@[url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2009/08/178_49540.html]koreatimes.co.kr

katt

August 3, 2009

Korean Actors Play Bigger Roles in Hollywood


  
Thanks to the Korean wave, or "Hallyu" boom, movie lovers can see more Korean movie stars in Hollywood films these days.

Most recently on July 29, a group of Japanese fans flocked to Seoul to see Korean actor Lee Byung-hun at a press conference to mark the launch of his latest movie “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” with his co-stars Sienna Miller and Channing Tatum and the director Stephen Sommers (who made "The Mummy 3" (2008)).

Lee Byung-hun captured the hearts of Asian fans on the popular SBS drama "All In" (2003) co-starring Song Hye-gyo, and also his movies including "A Bittersweet Life" (2005) and "The Good, the Bad, the Weird" (2008). Lee's filmography has attracted the attention of other Hollywood film directors like Steven Spielberg and James Cameron.

Lee will play Storm Shadow, a Japan-trained Korean ninja who is part of the terrorist group Cobra, in his first Hollywood film. Based on the G.I. Joe Real American Hero action figure brand, this movie tells the story of an elite American military squad that fights against Cobra, whose members intend to destroy the earth. Lee will appear in great physical action and fight scenes in the movie, despite the language barrier as a non-native English speaker.

Co-actress Sienna Miller, one of the hottest actresses and trendsetters in Hollywood, will play a femme fatale character, the Baroness, while star of "Public Enemy" and "CSI: Miami Season 3" Channing Tatum is Duke, a special operations forces commander, charged with the task of transporting powerful state-of-the art weapons. The movie will be released in early August.

Also, on July 26, Korean pop singer and Asia-wide music star Rain, or Jung Ji-hoon, showed a glimpse of his upcoming movie “Ninja Assassin” at a meeting with his fans in Seoul. Rain showed some never before seen still cuts and footage of the latest movie, and announced his plan for his next Asian tour "Legend of Rain" this August, while meeting some 3,000 global fans.

Jung also gave an impressive performance as Taejo Togokan in his debut Hollywood film "Speed Racer" directed by the Wachowski brothers in 2008. In "Ninja Assassin," directed James McTeigue, director of "V for Vendetta" and produced by the Wachowski brothers, Jung will play a leading role as "Raizo," a man who received special training from birth to kill ninjas. For this movie, Jung underwent special physical training and followed a strict diet to achieve a zero body fat physique. "Ninja Assassin" will be released in November this year.

Meanwhile, Korean actor So Ji-sub and Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi, the heroine of the 2001 hit "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Memoirs of a Geisha" (2005), have appeared together in the latest China-Korea co-production film "Sophie's Revenge."

So, the hero of KBS drama "I'm Sorry, I Love You" (2004), and SBS drama "Cain and Abel" (2009) as well as the movie "Rough Cut" (2008), trained very hard to speak Chinese fluently, to play a handsome doctor named Jeff. In the movie, Jeff dumps his fiancée Sophie (Zhang) for new girlfriend Anna. This romantic comedy movie centers on Sophie's cute revenge plans to win back her man from Anna. Fan Bingbing is another Chinese actress, who will play the role of Anna, who steals Jeff's heart. "Sophie's Revenge" will be released in mid-August.

Another top Hallyu star Jang Dong-Kun will make his Hollywood debut in "The Warrior's Way" next year. Jang will play Asian warrior Yang in this futuristic action movie directed by Korean director Sngmoo Lee along with co-stars including Kate Bosworth, Danny Huston and Tony Cox.

By Yoon Sojung via dynamic-korea.com

katt

August 3, 2009

Is TVXQ Headed for Breakup?



Three members of Korea’s hottest pop group TVXQ – Micky Yu-chun, Xiah Jun-su, and Hero Jae-joong – filed a legal action against its agency, SM Entertainment. The law firm representing the three members said that they signed 13-year exclusive contracts with SM Entertainment, which is essentiall! y binding lifelong contracts. They also claimed that the profit distribution enforced on them by SM Entertainment is unfair.

The press release issued by the lawyers said that the group was subject to grueling schedule since their debut in 2004, shuttling between Japan, China and Korea with very little rest. They can’t get out of this predicament, because they essentially belong to SM Entertainment for 13 years, 15 years if military services are included. The members were also given only 0.4 to 1% of total album sales. Before the contract revision in February, they were promised only 10 million won each if the previous album sold more than 500 thousand copies.

The fans of TVXQ have been in a state of panic ever since the news of a possible breakup made the headlines. Despite the provisional disposition to terminate the contracts, however, the remaining two members – U-Know Yun-ho and Max Chang-min – and the agency both said that the band would continue performing and it would not disband.

Source: KBS Global

katt

August 3, 2009

'Haeundae' continues boxoffice reign
Korean disaster flick holds top spot for second week

By Park Soo-mee


"Haeundae"

SEOUL -- Korean tsunami blockbuster "Haeundae" topped the weekend boxoffice for the second week in a row, making it the first and quickest Korean film to break 4 million admissions this year.

The film, which was released on July 22, hit the million mark in only four days, and drew more than 4.5 million filmgoers as of Monday, according to the Korean Film Council.

Also leading the boxoffice charts next to "Haeundae" is another Korean film, "National Athlete" (KM Culture), a sports adventure based on the national ski jumping team, distributed by Showbox/Mediaplex, with 859,000 admissions on 754 screens, and Pixar's adventure comedy "Up" at 381,900 admissions.

"Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser," a new Japanese animation by Taiichiro Yamamoto, came in fourth at 213,000 admissions, beating "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," which drew more than 2.82 million admissions since opening on July 15.

An exit poll by CJ Entertainment, a co-producer and distributor of "Haeundae," indicated that 40% of filmgoers were family admissions, including teenagers and seniors. The company pointed out that this age group is particularly notable among summer blockbusters that run for an extended period.

"Haeundae" is waiting for theatrical releases in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Source: hollywoodreporter.com

katt

August 4, 2009

New horror special to chill summer nights



After a 14-year hiatus, MBC is bringing back its summer night special with a vengeance. Drawing from classic Asian horror motifs -- vindictive ghosts, spiritual possession and some major grudges -- the upcoming 10-episode series deals with such strong content, that, according to news reports, it received the Korean television equivalent of an R-rating.

In other words, it reportedly received a 19-rating, meaning the program may contain material inappropriate for viewers under 19 -- in accordance with the Korean age system (meaning 17 or 18 in the States).

According to an MBC representative, the rating came about, not so much because the show exhibits excessive violence or cruelty, but because of the subject matter itself.

So, now that they've been rated "R" -- per se -- will the drama get toned-down or will it stick to its guns?

Viewers can rest assured that they won't be served up watered-down horror. According to the representative, changes are not being made to the series.

The MBC series "Hon" (which means "spirit" or "ghost" in Korean), explores the human capacity for evil, primarily by charting the fall of its lead character, played by the dimpled-and-handsome Lee Seo-jin, into darkness.

The premise of "Hon" could easily be considered stale, as it is one we've seen before. A high school girl, with a deceased twin sister to boot, is tortured by spirits.

Paying homage to classic Asian horror themes, as exemplified by hit flicks like "The Eye" and "Ju-on," "Hon" steers clear of more upbeat "The Sixth Sense"-like ghost whisperers and spirit guides.

There is no kind spirit to help this heroine come to terms with her supernatural abilities. Instead, Shin Ryu, a criminal profiler, exploits her powers in his quest for justice. His initial plans for good slowly turn sour as he gives into the temptations of the other side.

According to an MBC press release, Lee, whom many will recognize from the SBS romance "Lovers" (2006), revealed that he was fascinated by the moral ambiguity of Shin Ryu.

"I decided to star in the drama because I was attracted to the double-sided nature of the character," the 36-year old actor said.

Lee, who showcased his talent for taking on bad guy roles in the SBS drama "Shooting Stars" (2002), may very well overshadow co-star Lim Ju-eun.

Relative newcomer Lim nabbed the hair-raising role of a spiritually possessed heroine through open auditions; which, according to news reports, "Hon" director Kim Sang-ho said he held because of tight production funds.

News reports also stated that director Kim revealed he was inspired by the Swedish vampire movie "Let the Right One In" (2008). A morbid yet lyrical tale of a boy and a vampire girl, the film charts the boy's poignant friendship with his bloodthirsty girl chum.

How the film will influence the series remains a mystery. Judging from the teaser -- which reportedly racked up 1,000 hits when it was posted on the official website in July -- the series does not look like it will move too far away from the realm of traditional Asian horror.

"Hon" starts tonight on MBC at 10 p.m.

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

katt

August 4, 2009

S. Korean disaster movie draws over 5 million viewers

SEOUL, Aug. 4 (Yonhap) -- Ticket sales for the South Korean disaster movie "Haeundae" have topped 5 million, setting a record among releases so far this year, film distributors said Tuesday.

   The big-budget action, portraying a fictional tsunami that hits a popular beach in the Korean port city of Busan, drew more than 5.22 million viewers as of Monday, the film's 13th day of screening, its producer and distributor JK Film said.



"Haeundae" is first to surpass the 5-million viewer mark among this year's domestic releases and continues to top the local box office.

   The movie, directed by Yoon Je-kyoon, is a local take on the classic Hollywood disaster formula, starring several big names including Seol Gyung-gu, Ha Ji-won, Park Joong-hoon and Eom Jung-wha.

   South Korean films have been holding up relatively well among a deluge of Hollywood blockbusters this summer as they venture into genres normally dominated by U.S. films. South Korean movies saw their worst sales figures in eight years in 2008, falling by more than 20 percent from the previous year.

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

katt

August 4, 2009

SS501 Launches Asia Tour



The boy band SS501 has launched its first Asia tour and first concert in two years. The members frequently descended from the stage to be closer to the audience. The SS501 First Asia Your Concert - Persona began August 1 at the Olympic Stadium in Seoul. SS501 performed its hit songs and each member also sang solo. The repertoire also included songs from the band's new album slated for release this month.

SS501 member Kim Hyun-joong spoke to the audience, saying, "Because of so many fans, I realized that our band was still alive. We have practiced for two months and we had been rehearsing until 6 p.m. today." Opening with the song "Dejavu," the concert featured video clips showing the group members dancing and diverse special effects. Kim Hyun-joong said jokingly that the theme of the concert was "looking cool."

The audience was enraptured by the songs "U R Man" and "Cos I'm A Fool" from the TV drama "Boys Over Flowers." While three of the five members were singing "U R Man," Kim Hyun-joong and Park Jung-min joined them by descending on the stage from above. When SS501 was performing "Cos I'm A Fool," the audience sang along. The concert was attended by the cast of "Boys Over Flowers" including Lee Min-ho, Kim Bum and Gu Hye-seon.

As a solo number, Kim Hyun-joong sang "Treat Me Well" with female dancers dancing backup. While dancing, he showed off his well-toned body by tearing up his shirt. Kim also performed "Hey G," which he wrote himself. Heo Young-saeng, Park Jung-min and Kim Kyu-jong each sang ballads.

At the end of the concert, SS501 sang the new songs "Crazy 4 U," "Just One Day," "Fan Song" (tentative title) and "Love Like This." "Fan Song" was written specifically for SS501 fans to thank them for their support. Throughout the concert, the fans continued to wave light green pearl balloons, which symbolize SS501. In the closing remarks, Heo Young-saeng shed tears and said, "This year is our year because all five of us have reunited. Our fans and the five of us are one."

The Seoul concerts ended August 2. SS501 will tour Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, China, Malaysia and Singapore until early next year.

Source: KBS Global

katt

August 4, 2009

Let Horror Take Control of Summer Heat  

By Han Sang-hee, Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporters


“Possessed” will air on MBC 10 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Local broadcasters and the movie industry are preparing to help viewers kill the summer heat with horror programs and movies this month. Here is some of what's being offered.

Small Screen

MBC, which has had a successful history of horror dramas, including "M," starring popular actress Shim Eun-ha in 1994, hopes to reprise that success with the drama "Possessed."

"'Possessed' is not based on `Korean Ghost Stories' nor is it a part of the movie series `Whispering Corridors.' We used the film `Let the Right One In,' which is about a relationship between a vampire girl and young boy, as a model, and started working from there," Kim Sang-ho, the producer, said at a press conference held at MBC, Ilsan, Monday.

"Possessed" revolves around a high school student, Ha-na (newcomer Lim Ju-eun), who can see dead people, and a profiler named Shin Ryu, played by Lee Seo-jin ("Lee San, Wind of the Palace," 2008). When Shin meets Ha-na and discovers her ability, he uses her to pay back his enemy, only to find himself becoming the devil.

"If the story is too distant, viewers will feel lost, but if it's too much of a cliche, viewers will easily get bored. We wanted to show viewers that in the end, it's people who are scary, not the special effects, the makeup or sounds. In our drama, the ghosts mostly appear during the daytime," he said. Nevertheless, the drama is for viewers 19 years or older.

Lee, who will be appearing in his first drama in a year, plays the charismatic profiler with a dark past and evil plans.

"I've always wanted to portray a character who has both good and evil sides, which made it natural for me to participate in this series. For me, it's more of a thriller with ghosts, and I believe it will be a perfect getaway from the heat," he said.

"Possessed" premieres tonight at 10 p.m. on MBC.

IMAGE 2

Last year, when KBS introduced a polished version of "Korean Ghost Stories," a horror program that first aired in 1977, many fans of the genre tuned in with anticipation. And the broadcaster is gearing up for more this month with the drama airing on Mondays and Tuesdays. As KBS sticks to tradition, viewers will get to watch eight different episodes, all related to Korean traditional myths and folk tales.

The makers explained that their goal was not to scare viewers with something new, but to discover horror with a traditional twist. "Korean Ghosts Stories is already a famous brand among Koreans, and so we will try to bring stronger storylines, heighten the horror factor with both computer graphics and analogue techniques, and bring the brand to a whole new level overall," the production crew said.

The episode titled "The Maid" will present the bloody revenge of a maid who was murdered for loving a high-ranking official. "The Wooden Doll" will tell the chilly story of a small wooden doll that starts to kill villagers.

One episode that never fails to be included in the lineup is the traditional tale of "Gumiho," the legendary fox with nine tails. Gumiho is known to change itself into a pretty lady to seduce men, eventually leading to deadly revenge or murder.

"We believe that many viewers felt nostalgia and enjoyed the new content that was fit into the familiar structure, and we are expecting similar reactions this year as well," the crew said.

Big Screen

A lineup of skin-crawling tales awaits moviegoers at theaters, including both homegrown horror flicks and bloody imports.



"Possessed," slated for release Aug. 13, brings traditional shamanist beliefs to modern-day Korea. Screen beauty Nam Sang-mi stars as Heui-jin, an average college student who returns home after hearing that her 14-year-old sister So-jin has gone missing. Her mother, a fanatic churchgoer, resorts to prayer and refuses to work with the lazy police department to find So-jin. Meanwhile, a neighbor commits suicide and leaves a will for So-jin, and Heui-jin hears rumors that her sister had been "possessed." The whereabouts of So-jin becomes increasingly elusive and the dead neighbor begins appearing in Heui-jin's dreams. 15 and over. Distributed by Showbox/Mediaplex.

"Yoga," coming to theaters Aug. 20, brings together popular actresses Eugene, Cha Su-yeon and Park Han-byul as women seeking eternal beauty. Hyo-jeong (played by Eugene) is the star host of a home shopping channel, but fears losing her spot to a charming and much younger colleague. Hyo-jeong runs into an old classmate who supposedly transformed from ugly duckling to gorgeous swan through a special yoga program. She takes part in the class with four other women, but the cost of beauty becomes frighteningly high. Not yet rated. Distributed by Sidus FNH.

In "The Pot," everything seems picture perfect for a family of three ― Hyeong-guk, Yeong-ae and their little daughter Mi-ae. They are about to welcome a second child into their newly purchased home, and their business is also running smoothly. They befriend the neighbors, an elderly Presbyterian couple, and attend church with them. However, the couple starts to feel uncomfortable with the elderly woman's excessive fondness of their daughter. When the woman dies one day and Mi-ae starts behaving in a bizarre manner, the domestic bliss comes to an end. To be released Aug. 20. 15 and over. Distributed by Indiestory.

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In the French-Canadian horror story "Martyrs," two young women must deal with the demons of their past. As a child, Lucie was kidnapped and tortured by a group of anonymous abusers, but she slowly overcomes the trauma through her friendship with Anna, who is also a victim of child abuse. Fifteen years after their incidents, the two women seek revenge against those that wronged them, only to relive the unspeakable horror. In theaters Friday. 18 and over. Distributed by Pan Cinema.

Evil may lurk beneath an angelic facade in the "Orphan" (U.S.A., Canada, France, Germany), coming to screens Aug. 20. Kate (Vera Farmiga) and her husband John are devastated by the loss of their unborn child and decide to adopt. They are strangely drawn to a young girl named Esther, but as soon as she becomes part of the family, a frightening series of events begins to take place around them. Kate becomes convinced that her adoptive daughter is not as sweet as she appears. Distributed by Warner Brothers Korea.

Credits: [email protected] l hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

katt

August 4, 2009

Synchronized Swimmer Inspires TV Character

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter


Hong Yun-jin, a synchronized swimmer
for the Cirque du Soleil. Song inspired
the character played by Sung Yu-ri
in the ongoing SBS TV series
“Swallow the Sun.” / Courtesy of SBS

In the SBS drama "Swallow the Sun," singer-turned-actress Sung Yu-ri plays an aspiring show director who joins the Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas. Hong Yun-jin, who inspired Sung's character, is drawing attention with her unique resume.

The 23-year-old is a former synchronized swimmer, and represented South Korea as a national athlete between 2003 and 2006, including the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. She now shows off her water-treading skills as a member of the actual Cirque du Soleil.

"I took up synchronized swimming as a sport from the age of seven but I became interested in performance art," Hong said in a statement released by SBS. The Cirque du Soleil caught her eye and she sent a demo tape of her performance.

Eight months later, in April this year, she received an acceptance letter. The following month she completed a two-week training course and on May 28 she gave her first performance.

She currently performs twice a day and the learning continues. "Now that I am part of the group I am learning things hands on for how to deal with various situations, like when there is a technical error or when people make mistakes. I will make good use of the experience when I become a show director one day," she said.

The Cirque du Soleil is well established in Japan, Macao and other parts of the world, said Hong, but unfortunately gives only visiting tours in Korea. "The Cirque du Soleil is inspired by various cultures from around the world, and I hope one day Korean aesthetics could be introduced through the circus," she said.

The artist went on to express regret that there aren't many Koreans on the team. "Many actors from around the world are part of the troupe, like Japan, China and Mongolia, but not Korea. There are many talented Koreans and I hope more people would challenge themselves and their dreams," she said.

Meanwhile, she expressed great excitement about being a model for Sung Yu-ri's character in the TV soap and making a special appearance. "I was Sung Yu-ri's fan ever since her days as a member of (pop group) FINKL. I'm nervous about being able to perform together and it feels like a dream. I hope the shooting goes well," she said.

Hong, like the TV character, is currently a contract-based troupe member. "When I become a permanent member in 2010, my photo and name will appear in the pamphlet. But even now I'd be grateful if people would come watch me perform," she said.

The synchronized swimming scene featuring Hong opposite Sung airs tonight on SBS at 9:55 p.m.

Credits: hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

katt

August 5, 2009

S. Korea's 'Breathless' grabs more international honors

SEOUL, Aug. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's independent film "Breathless (Ddongpari)" bagged several awards at recent films fests in the Czech Republic and Canada, adding to a long list of received honors, the film's distributor said Wednesday.

   "Breathless," the feature debut by emerging director and actor Yang Ik-jun, received the NETPAC award at the Czech Karlovy Vary Film Festival, and the jury award and best actor prize at the Canadian Fantasia International Film Festival, Jinjin Entertainment Film said.



The movie, about a confused adolescent who finds consolation in accidental encounters with a high school girl, has won 16 international awards up to date, including top prizes at the International Film Festival Rotterdam and the Deauville Asian Film Festival. With Yang himself cast in the leading role, the director was also named best actor at Spain's Las Palmas International Film Festival.

   The low-budget film, which opened April 16 here drawing some 1.3 million viewers, will also be released in France and Japan later this year.

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

katt

August 4, 2009

Ahn Jae-wook to Release a New Album in Korea and Japan



Actor/singer Ahn Jae-wook is scheduled to release a new album simultaneously in Korea and Japan on August 19th. His latest mini album, titled “Living on Love,” was completed recently after he underwent surgery last year to remove a cyst from his vocal cord. The new album features a concept of hope and optimism, which hints at his resolve to get out of despair and hopelessness that had haunted him since the surgery.

Ahn’s representative says the songs in the album suits him well, because his voice has become silkier after he had the cyst removed and quit his 20-year smoking habit. Yu-jin, a former member of girl group S.E.S., supported his comeback by joining in singing “Make Me Smile.” The album will be first disclosed on the internet on August 5th ahead of the market release.

Source: KBS Global

katt

August 5, 2009

2PM Advocates Children’s Human Rights



Idol dance group 2PM has been chosen to represent Korea in “Soft Hands, Kind Heart,” a worldwide campaign to protect the human rights of children and teenager around the world. The Body Shop, sponsoring the campaign, reported that the powerful dance group will take part in the campaign that will begin sometime in August in 60 countries across the globe.

The campaign’s logo is a handprint that visualizes the world’s opposition to human rights violations committed against children and teenagers. The Body Shop said that 2PM was very eager to take part in this meaningful campaign, because the worldwide movement will help raise social awareness on the deprived human rights conditions of children and adolescents and find solutions to the problems. The campaign advertisement starring 2PM will be aired on the lifestyle cable channel Olive for a month.

Source: [url=http://english.kbs.co.kr/Entertain/KpopNews/view.html?page=1&No=10171]KBS Global[url]

katt

News Index Page 32

Aug 5: Hyun and Song Become a Couple
Aug 5: Japanese Media Cover TVXQ's Conflict with Management Agency
Aug 5: Lee Becomes Tourism Ambassador
Aug 6: ‘Worlds Within’ stars couple up
Aug 6: ‘King & Clown’ actor appointed goodwill ambassador
Aug 6: Legal feud threatens boy band TVXQ
Aug 6: Lee Jun-ki Picked to Promote Korean Tourism
Aug 6: ‘High Kick’ gets a second season
Aug 6: Lee Min-ki revels in the art of acting
Aug 6: Two Top Celebrities Admit that They’re in Love
Aug 6: Song Hye-gyo, Hyun Bin Become Couple
Aug 6: New period piece beats status quo
Aug 6: Song Hye-Kyo, Hyun Bin dating
Aug 6: Korean Films Dominate Local Box Office in July
Aug 6: Warners offers Bruce Lee role to Rain
Aug 7: A disaster film, five years in the making
Aug 7: 'GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra' US Premiere
Aug 7: 'Haeundae' Tops Booking Charts for 3rd Straight Week
Aug 7: Shin Seong-il to Star in Historical Drama
Aug 7 : Park Jung-ah of Jewelry Dating Gil of LeeSsang
Aug 7: SM Entertainment Postpones Concert
July 31: Korea’s First 3D Horror Project Soul Mate Announced
July 31: Haeundae Box Office Rampage about to Hit China
Aug 4: Ha Jung-woo becomes a national ski jumper

katt

August 5, 2009

Hyun and Song Become a Couple

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter


Hyun Bin and Song Hye-kyo

Hyun Bin and Song Hye-kyo, the starring duo in the drama “Worlds Within,” have become a real couple off-screen.

According to Hyun’s agency, A.M. Entertainment, the two 27-year-olds developed into a couple two months ago, after spending time as friends on and off the set of last year’s KBS drama.

The program received poor ratings, but made headlines because it starred the young hallyu stars and was backed by famous screenwriter Noh Heekyung.

The two actors portrayed drama producers struggling to create the perfect soap opera, while still maintaining their relationship. Despite the ratings, the series garnered fans who enjoyed watching the couple and appreciated Noh’s realistic storyline and script.

Hyun is currently filming the drama “Friends, Our Story,” while Song is taking time off to look for her next project. Hyun, who made his debut in 2003 with the television drama “Bodyguard,” became a household name in Korea with the drama “My Lovely Sam-soon” in 2005.

The picky, yet cute, character touched other Asian fans as well, placing him onto the roster of hallyu stars. Song entered the entertainment business when she was 15, through the 1997 television series “Wedding Dress.”

Starring in various films and dramas, she became famous around Asia for her work in the popular series “Full House,” which she starred in with singer and actor Rain.

Credits: sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr

katt

August 5, 2009

Japanese Media Cover TVXQ's Conflict with Management Agency



Japanese media have shown great interest in the legal battle between some of the TVXQ members and their management agency. The rumors that TVXQ might be disbanded soon have shocked the band's Japanese fans. Japanese major sports dailies and TV shows covered the news on August 3.

The Nikkan Sports wrote that the group's Japanese fans rushed to read the news on the Japanese-language sites of The Chosun Ilbo and The Joongang Ilbo. The Sankei Sports reported that TVXQ's fans were blasting the band's agency for forcing a 13-year contract on the group members and paying them too little.

The Japanese news sources also added that three of the TVXQ members - Xiah, Hero and Mickey - had announced their official stance through their legal representatives. The popular Nihon TV show "Miyaneya" broadcast a debate on the issue with actress Midori Utsumi, who also acts as a PR ambassador for Korean food and is a fan of Korean pop culture. The show host and the actress agreed that it would be sad to see TVXQ get disbanded given its unrivaled status in entire Asia and that it was heartbreaking to see the kindhearted members of the group having financial problems with their agency. The two also expressed hope that very soon TVXQ would resume its singing activities.

Japanese sports dailies covered the members' announcement of their official stance on August 4 as well. They wrote that the TVXQ members had filed the lawsuit because of unfair treatment and reported in detail the terms and conditions of their contract with the agency. They also added that TVXQ would appear at the Jingu Gaien Festival in Tokyo on August 6.

The Junichi Sports wrote, "TVXQ tried to negotiate the terms and conditions of its contract but the group's agency has provided no response. The TVXQ members don't have any problems with regard to how they are dealing with the issue. The lawsuit is not based on the premise that the band might be disbanded."

Source: KBS Global

katt

August 5, 2009

Lee Becomes Tourism Ambassador

By Kim Rahn
Staff Reporter

Actor Lee Jun-ki will now promote Korea tourism, after being named an ambassador by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Wednesday.

The hallyu star from the films "The King and the Clown," "Hotel Venus'' and dramas "Time Between Wolf and Dog" and "Iljimae," has gained popularity both here and abroad.

"I enjoyed working as an honorary ambassador of hallyu last year. I'm proud of being appointed as tourism ambassador this time, and will try my best to promote Korea,'' Lee said in the appointment ceremony held at the KTO headquarters in Seoul.

Some 20 journalists from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong covered the ceremony where about 200 foreign fans also attended.

In his fan meeting held in Korea last April, 2,500 Asian fans, including 180 from China, came to see him. Some 10,000 Chinese and 9,000 Japanese fans also attended fan-meeting concerts in Suzhou and Yokohama in May and July, respectively. He recently released his second EP, "J-Style."

The KTO has appointed 45 celebrities as tourism ambassadors so far. For the first six months of this year, Korea attracted 3.79 million visitors, up 15.3 percent from the same period last year.

Credits: rahnita@koreatimes.co.kr

katt

August 6, 2009

‘Worlds Within’ stars couple up


  
Hyun Bin and Song Hye-kyo have gone public as an item.

The two met last October while filming the KBS drama “Worlds Within” and played a couple on the show.

According to the management agencies of both actors, Hyun and Song were just friends during the run of the series and only began dating in June.

Rumors that the two were dating began to circulate recently, after the two were spotted in cafes in Apgujeong-dong and Cheongdam-dong.

Fans have welcomed the news with open arms, and have posted comments on the stars’ official Web sites. One blogger congratulated the pair, saying, “It’s like the show is coming to life, they go so well together.”

Credits: INSIDE JoongAng Daily