|
|
July 23, 2008
High school is horror
Somewhat late and on its own, but August 7 will finally welcome a Korean horror film to the summer entertainment circuit. The title Gosa stands for midterms in Korean. The horror title will turn the figurative blood, sweat, and tears of exams into palpable blood, sweat, and tears on cinema screens.
Summer horror films are traditionally the playground for new talent, and Gosa will mark the feature film debut of director Chang. He filmed television actress YOON Jeong-hui and female singer NAM Kyu-ri alongside veteran actor LEE Beom-soo (Mr. Gam’s Victory/Superstar Gamsayong), and young actor KIM Beom of the popular television drama Coffee Prince.
Korean horror films are this summer mostly replaced with ambitious big budget projects. Gosa is the only Korean horror title lined-up in the running year’s summer.
Directing brother’s JUNG Beom-sik, and JUNG Sik made their name internationally last year with festival favourite Epitaph (Gidam), and Family Ties’ (Gajeokui Tansaeng) renowned director KIM Tae-yong made the horror film Memento Mori (Yeogogwedam Doobeonjjae Iyagi) back in 1999.
Credits: Yi Ch'ang-ho (KOFIC), image from empas.com
http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/KOFIC/Channel?task=kofic.user.eng.b_filmnews.command.NewsView1Cmd&searchPage=1&Gesipan_SCD=1&Gesimul_SNO=1030
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2008
Korea’s Famous Cartoon Character to Support UNHCR
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Robot Taekwon V
Korean super hero character Robot Taekwon V has become the nation's goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).
The 32-year-old cartoon hero is the first character to become the ambassador of an international organization.
Janice Lyn Marshall, the representative of the Seoul bureau of the UNHCR, and Shin Chul, the president of the Taekwon V Co. Ltd., signed the agreement for the ambassadorship at the "Taekwon V Celebration 2008" held at Puchon (Bucheon) July 24. Puchon is the venue of the Puchon International Film Festival (PIFAN), which ended July 25.
"Taekwon V is a character that protects the weak and gives hope and courage to people. He is more than perfect to be the goodwill ambassador of UNHCR," said Marshall at the ceremony.
"Taekwon V is also a character that has been adored by Koreans through many generations, so we hope this will be a chance to remind them of refugee problems in Korean society," she added.
Robot Taekwon V first appeared in 1976 as an animation movie and became one of Korea's favorite local cartoon characters, being made into toys, action figures and comic books.
"The movie is about a young boy who learns the taekwondo spirit. I was surprised when I received the request for Taekwon V becoming the ambassador, but I think it's time for (him) to work for children around the world," said Shin.
Images from the new full-length animation movie of Taekwon V were also screened at the ceremony. The movie will be in theaters next year.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2008/07/178_28216.html
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New brides become new moms
July 25th, 2008 // by javabeans
Add two more high-profile actresses to the list of the recently knocked-up. (Kim Hee-sun announced her happy news in May and is currently three months pregnant; comedienne Park Kyung-lim announced hers, due January 2009, last month; and frequent variety-show host Kang Ho-dong becomes a father in March.)
“Queen of Cannes” Jeon Do-yeon (so called because of her Best Actress win at Cannes last year for Secret Sunshine) has just announced she is three months pregnant, and planning to give birth next February. Jeon was married last year to a businessman, and has just finished shooting her next project, the Lee Yoon-ki film My Dear Enemy [멋진 하루], which co-stars Ha Jung-woo.
Then there’s also newlywed TV actress Park Eun-hye (Yi San), who was married in April and has also just announced her pregnancy. Hers is the earliest of the bunch, currently only in its tenth week. Congrats to all, and I guess we can all expect to hear a bunch of birth announcements early next year.
Via YTN Star, Mk.co.kr
Credits: dramabeans.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2008
Latest Korean blockbuster attracts 3 million viewers in one week
SEOUL, July 25 (Yonhap) -- The latest South Korean movie, reported to be the nation's highest budget film, has attracted three million viewers in the first seven days of its release, the film's distributor said Friday.
According to CJ Entertainment, "The Good The Bad The Weird," starring well-known Korean actors Lee Byung-hun, Song Kang-ho and Jung Woo-sung, drew 3.03 million viewers on 954 screens across the country as of Thursday.
The movie "Public Enemy Returns," which was distributed last month by the same company, crossed the 3 million mark after 14 days, while "The Chaser," distributed by rival company Showbox, reached the mark 20 days after its release in February.
"The Good The Bad The Weird," directed by Kim Ji-woon, one of the few South Korean directors to have clinched both commercial success and critical acclaim, was anticipated to be the hottest pick of the South Korean box office this summer.
Set in Manchuria with conventions of a Western, the movie depicts three men hunting for hidden treasure.
Source: [email protected], image from CINE21
http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/culturesports/2008/07/25/45/0701000000AEN20080725006500315F.HTML
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2008
Yoon Do-hyun, a Regular on English Program
Rock star Yoon Do-hyun will get a regular spot as a guest DJ on the English radio program “K-Pop Connection” on KBS World Radio. Starting on August 1st, Yoon will host a weekly segment where he introduces noted Korean rockers in English.
Yoon had been invited to “K-Pop Connection” in June, where he was interviewed by show hosts Sarah Jun and Chris Dykas. On the show he impressed the production team with his fluent English, witty comments, and easy-going and friendly personality. “K-Pop Connection” is one of the most popular shows on KBS World Radio with extensive fan bases in the United States, Canada, China, and Southeast Asia. It is aired to all corners of the world through shortwave radio transmission, satellite radio, and other means.
Yoon and his band YB had already tested the waters of the international pop music industry by touring four European nations in 2005. Currently a top-rated show host in Korea with his own programs “Yoon Do-hyun’s Love Letter” on KBS 2TV and “Yoon Do-hyun’s Music Show” on KBS 2FM radio, Yoon will now be able to show off more of his talents on the international stage.
Source: KBS World
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/e ... _detail.htm?No=7884 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 27, 2008
Shinhwa Members Plan Solo Concerts
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Pop group Shinhwa members Lee Min-woo, Andy and Kim Dong-wan are each holding solo concerts for fans this coming fall.
The six-member group Shinhwa is one of the most popular boy bands here and the oldest of its kind. While other members from boy groups like H.O.T. and g.o.d disbanded and went solo, Shinhwa stood together while managing to pursue individual careers as actors and solo singers for the last 10 years.
Lee, also known as M, will be the first to hold a solo concert, along with the release of his fourth album in August. Fans will have the chance to see the 28-year old singer's distinctive and creative stage performance, not as a member of a hit pop group, but as a rising solo artist. The singer will also hold concerts in Singapore and Japan later this year as part of his Asia tour.
M's concert will be held in the Fencing Stadium at the Olympic Park, Aug. 23. For more information call (02) 3446-4967.
Andy, 27, who released his first solo album early this year and held concerts here, China and Japan, will once again return to the stage with a large scale performance. He has been busy as an actor and television show host, appearing in the musical "Polaroid" and television show "We Got Married."
At his concert "Shall We Fall in Love?" Andy will offer romantic and delicate love songs among others. Fans can also discover the singer's tough side, for he has prepared a powerful performance that will wash away his soft image. The concert will also display a musical-like setting with special events for couples.
Andy's concerts will be held at Dom Art Hall located at Children's Grand Park, Sept. 6 and 7. He will also perform in Daegu and Busan, Sept. 20 and 21, respectively. For more information, call 1566-1774.
Fellow member Kim is holding his first concert as a solo singer in September. The 29-year-old singer and actor appeared at the launching of his repackaged second album "The Secret Between Us Part II" last week and thanked fans for waiting. Kim also announced that he was leaving for mandatory military service later this year. Kim's concert "Promise" will be his last gift to fans before leaving.
"I'm actually very worried because this is my first solo concert. It will be a concert that will portray my own colors and style," he said.
The concert will be held at Welch-Ryang Auditorium, Ewha Womans University Sept. 20 and 21. All Tickets cost from 55,000 won to 77,000 won. For more information visit http://ticket.interpark.com.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/ ... 8/07/211_28300.html |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 28, 2008
Jung Woo-sung on Being 'Good'
Jung Woo-sung
There he stood, oblivious to passers-by staring at him. One hand resting on the door, looking up with a faint smile, he looked ineffably cool -- rather than “good” in his new movie.
Released last week, “The Good, the Bad, the Weird” by Kim Jee-woon has topped 2 million in ticket sales, and the Good in the movie, Jung Woo-sung, seems to have benefited the most from the film's success. Sporting a long brown coat and a scarf, he skillfully toys with a long-handled rifle and takes accurate shots in midair with his body dangling from a rope. The action stunts arouse oohs and aahs.
Jung said the stunts were not over the top, which he likes, but many feel that it's his most stylish role since the 1997 film “Beat” by Kim Sung-su, which turned him into a youth icon. Jung describes Kim Jee-woon as a “wise observer,” who precisely extracts each actor's unique color and personality. By praising Kim, Jung is in fact acknowledging his own elegant charm.
The title doesn't really describe the threesome. Jung says the Good is coolheaded, the Weird is humane and the Bad deserves pity. "The beauty of the movie is the ambiguity of identities, which is exactly how humans are. I liked the messiness of human desires depicted here."
But who is Jung Woo-sung? He avoids a direct answer, saying, "It's up to others to determine who I am now. I'm just crafting my future self little by little."
He plans to debut as a film director next year, a long cherished dream. "I like the images of people shown on films, and the visual creation that’s not detected by the human eye. That's the allure of mise en scène."
Is he afraid of failure? "Many actors direct films in other countries. But true respect for your competitors is lacking in Korea. People only want to step on others. If I fail and lose my footing in cinema, someone could still learn from my experience. In this sense, there is no failure," Jung says.
After much talk, he admits he wants to be “cool”. "I’d like to be recognized as a cool guy, which is a good feeling." His honesty brings out the man Jung Woo-sung in the star. Candor is a radiant asset, and Jung shines bright.
Credits: [email protected]
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200807/200807280023.html
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2008
'The Good, The Bad, The Weird' Invited to Sitges Festival
Director Kim Ji-woon's "The Good, The Bad, The Weird" and Na Hong-jin's "The Chaser" have been invited to screen at the 41st Sitges International Film Festival held in Catalonia, Spain from October 2nd to the 12th.
The two films will be featured as part of the festival's main program, "Fantastic Selection," along with Takashi Miike's "Crow's Zero" and "Tokyo!" an omnibus film directed by Bong Jun-ho, Leos Carax and Michel Gondry.
The Sitges International Film Festival was created in 1968. Sitges, Fantasporto and the Brussel International Film Festival are the three top "fantastic festivals" of the world.
In 2005, Lee Young-ae was awarded "Best Actress" at the Sitges festival for her performance in "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" (director Park Chan-wook), and in 2006, "The Host" (director Bong Jun-ho) received the "Orient Express" award.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1536525_11858.html
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Monday, 28 July 2008
PiFan runs with "The Chaser"
Written by Han Sunhee
PUCHON, South Korea -- "The Chaser," Korea's biggest box office hit this year, won best picture at the Puchon Intl. Fantastic Film Festival on Friday. "The Chaser" was selected as the Puchon Choice, the only competition section of the festival. Pic also won actress honors for Seo Young-hee, as well as the European Federation of Fantastic Film Festivals' Asian award.
Swedish film "Let the Right One In" won best director for helmer Tomas Alredson and audience award. The actor laurels went to Ekin Cheng and Shawn Yue for Hong Kong/Singapore co-production "Rule Number One."
Omnibus animation "Fear(s) of the Dark" from France was picked as the jury's choice.
Among 12 pics in this year's Puchon Choice Shorts, Canadian helmer Rodrigo Gudino's "The Facts in the Case of Mister Hollow" won the short film award and took $5,000.
Korean helmer Chang Hyung-yun's animation "A Coffee Vending Machine and Its Sword" received best Korean short film award worth $5,000 as well as the audience award.
"Shaustein's Final Film" by German director Christian Klandt was the jury's Choice for short film and won $3,000.
Source: Variety Asia
http://www.varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/6555/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 28, 2008
Park Yong-ha Attracts 23,000 Fans to Fan Meeting in Japan
Hallyu star Park Yong-ha met with some 23,000 Japanese fans through a series of fan meetings in eight major Japanese cities, including Sendai.
Some 5,000 fans flocked to see Park, their favorite Korean actor and singer, the first day of the fan meeting held at the Marunouchi Tokyo International Forum A Hall.
During the fan meeting, Park said he plans to shoot a film sometime next year and that he will hold an Arena Tour Concert later this year on December 3.
He also performed the title song from his sixth single album "Behind Love." The song will be featured as the end title of the drama series "On Air" that will be aired in Japan through the Korean cable network MNet starting August 30.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1536894_11858.html
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 28, 2008
Seo Taiji Shoots Blockbuster Music Video on Easter Island
Legendary Korean pop star Seo Taiji, who will be returning this season with his 8th studio album, recently shot blockbuster-level music videos worth 800,000 dollars in Chile and Canada.
In order to share his travel experiences with his fans, Seo produced a music video for his title track entitled "MOAI."
Featured in his music video are some of the world's most famous travel destinations including Chile's Death Valley, Moon Valley, Easter Island's Ahu Tongariki and the Canadian Niagara Falls
Seo's management agency said that while shooting in Easter Island, Seo nearly crashed in a helicopter because of strong gusts. The company said several crew members also had a difficult time while shooting at high atltitudes.
Following the album release on July 29, Seo will appear in a special program entitled "Seo Taiji, student number 25, Class 1, Freshman, Bukgong High School" on MBC on August 6. He will then go on to hold his comback concert entitled "ETPFEST 2008" on August 15 at the Jamsil Stadium in Seoul.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1536944_11858.html |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 28, 2008
Latest Korean blockbuster attracts 4 million viewers in 11 days
Article
SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- The latest South Korean blockbuster, reported to be the nation's highest budget film, has attracted four million viewers in the first 11 days of its release, the film's distributor said Monday.
According to CJ Entertainment, "The Good The Bad The Weird," starring well-known Korean actors Lee Byung-hun, Song Kang-ho and Jung Woo-sung, drew 4.13 million viewers on 954 screens across the country as of Sunday.
The movie became the fourth Korean movie this year to cross the 4 million mark, following "Forever the Moment," "The Chaser," and "Public Enemy Returns."
"The Good The Bad The Weird," directed by Kim Ji-woon, one of the few South Korean directors to have clinched both commercial success and critical acclaim, was anticipated to be the hottest pick of the South Korean box office this summer.
Set in Manchuria with conventions of a Western, the movie depicts three men hunting for hidden treasure.
Credits: [email protected]
http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/culturesports/2008/07/28/33/0701000000AEN20080728004100315F.HTML
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 29, 2008
Popular singer's new album goes on sale
July 29, SEOUL, South Korea -- Hundreds of popular singer Seo Tai-ji's fans line up inside a music shop in Seoul on July 29 to buy his new single, titled "Seotaiji 8th Atomos Part Moai." (Yonhap)(END)
http://app.yonhapnews.co.kr/YNA/ ... ticlePhotoMain.aspx |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 29, 2008
E Hyo-lee Tops K-pop Charts with 'U-Go-Girl'
Korean singing diva E Hyo-lee, who recently faced piracy allegations regarding her latest music video and album cover, nevertheless proved her name value by landing at the top of various K-pop charts.
According to the weekly K-pop chart released on July 26, "U-Go-Girl," the title track of the singer's third studio album, topped the Melon Chart. Another song from the same album entitled "Hey Mr.Big" ranked 13th.
"Love and War," a song by female singing duo Davich, which topped last week's music chart, followed right behind at second place, while Wonder Girls' "So Hot" ranked third. Meanwhile, Uhm Jung-hwa's "D.I.S.C.O" took the sixth spot.
Male singing duo Brown Eyes' "Don't Go, Don't Go" and "Because of You" placed fourth and 14th, respectively.
Source: KBS global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/mconten ... /1537092_11692.html |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 29, 2008
New SBS drama looks at working moms
With the 2008 Beijing Olympics on the horizon, television networks are hard pressed to churn out dramas that can draw sports-hungry viewers away from the games.
SBS - who has been scoring high viewer ratings with its dramas "Iljimae" and "Sikgaek" - hopes to draw audiences away from the games with their upcoming Wednesday and Thursday night comedy: "Working Mom - The Taming of the Badness Husband." Featuring the ever-comical Bong Tae-gyu as a philandering husband, "Working Mom" may not deliver the top-notch ratings of its predecessor "Iljimae" but promises to be entertaining.
Set to start airing tomorrow night, the drama takes a look at the life of Choi Ga-young. Played by veteran actress Yum Jung-ah, Ga-young is a career woman who was on the fast track to the top. That is, until she ends up pregnant with her much younger co-worker's child. Soon, she ends up unemployed and married with two children.
"Working Mom" - artfully scripted by Kim Hyun-hee, who wrote the SBS drama "Gangnam Mothers" (2007) - chronicles Ga-young's struggles with her cheating husband, her return to the workforce and her two rowdy sons. Actress Yum, who recently became a mom herself, seems to have no problems getting into character.
SBS
"I just had a baby, so I still have a little bit of weight on me," said Yum, 36, at the press conference held last week. "Now that I am a mom, when I'm at home I want to work, and when I'm at work I think about my children. So I can really relate to my character." The former Miss Korea entrant - Yum was first runner-up in 1991 - hardly looks like the motherly type. The preview, however, dispels all notions.
There, Yum manhandles her character's wicked little sons like a pro. Her co-star Bong Tae-gyu - who recently starred in the sexually comic film "A Tale of Legendary Libido (Garoojigi)" (2008) - however, threatens to steal the show. Bong, 27, manages to turn his character - a spineless, unfaithful husband - into an adorable and lovable boy-man.
In the preview, after getting actress Yum's character into bed, his character cuddles up to her and asks: "Who do you like better, the soccer player Ahn Jung-hwan or me?" For those who are not into Korean soccer, forward Ahn is known for his good looks and for scoring the winning golden goal for Korea against Italy in the second round at the 2002 World Cup, sending his team into the quarterfinals.
When Bong's character delivered the question in the preview, the audience started laughing, a good sign for the upcoming drama. "Working Mom," however, is up against some stiff competition. KBS will start airing a new drama based on the popular horror series "Hometown Legends" on Aug. 6 in the Wednesday and Thursday night time slot.
With summer nights getting hotter, a little horror is always a good way to cool down. Those who have long been fans of "Hometown Legends," which was also made into a movie, titled "The Evil Twin" (2006), may prefer to tune into the bone-chilling series.
"Working Mom" airs on Wednesday night at 9:55 p.m. on SBS.
By Jean Oh ([email protected])
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 29, 2008
TV Program Omits Part About Singer Yoo
By Kim Ji-soo
Staff Reporter
.jpg)
Steve Seungjun Yoo, right, with Jackie Chan. MBC said they decided to omit this part,
because of public protest. / Courtesy of MBC
Singer Steve Seungjun Yoo's attempt at a comeback ― his second one in seven years ―has failed yet again.
The 32-year-old was to appear in MBC's "Never Ending Story" on July 30, as part of a documentary about Chinese action star Jackie Chan. However, after the appearance of Yoo became known, strong public opinion against him made the production team cut out the segment featuring the singer.
"The program is about Jackie Chan. We thought a scene of Chan meeting Yoo wouldn't cause such a big problem. However, considering the public opinion, we made the final decision to leave it out," a staff member on the program said.
Yoo was the reigning idol star when in 2002, he chose American citizenship just before he was supposed to begin his Korean military service. The move created a backlash that ultimately resulted in him being barred from re-entry into Korea.
Yoo had planned a comeback in Korean television through the "Never Ending Story" featuring Jackie Chan. It is known that Yoo, who signed contract with Chan's management company, was to speak of his current state and future plans through the program. The singer had attempted a comeback in 2005 through a documentary made by the cable musical channel Mnet, but the plan fell through because of public opposition.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/07/201_28397.html
Korea Times Intern Karen Song reported for this article. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 29, 2008
SBS Drama to Spotlight 'Working Moms'
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
From left, actors Yoon Ju-sang, Kim Ja-ok, Cha Ye-ryun, Yun Jung-ah and Bong Tae-gyu
pose for the cameras at the press conference for the new drama "Working Mom" at SBS July 23. / Yonhap
Being a working mother in Korea involves many responsibilities ― from taking care of the children and supporting the family to managing work ― and sometimes it just seems too much. To sympathize and give these mothers a break from all the hustle, SBS is airing its new drama "Working Mom" tonight.
Starring Yum Jung-ah ("A Tale of Two Sisters," 2003) as a businesswoman and mother, the drama depicts the life of Choi Ga-young. Choi, who was an attractive career woman, is now a full time mother of two boys with husband Park Jae-sung, who is two years younger. Park is played by Bong Tae-gyu ("Sunday Seoul," 2006). She is torn between the responsibility of being a mother, wife, and herself.
This is the first drama for Yum in four years. The actress is a real life working mom, who recently gave birth to a baby girl.
"I love looking after my daughter, but I realized that I missed working. Although I'm here at work, I miss her and sometimes feel sorry for not being there. I believe it's an emotion that many working moms go through," she said at the press conference promoting the drama.
Bong plays the troubled yet charming Park, and when asked about his image as a comical character, he laughed, explaining that he was the one who was actually an average guy.
"There are many women who dream of younger boyfriends who are sweet and handsome, but I think this is just about five percent out of all the older women and younger men couples. I chose this character because he seemed real, he's not good-looking or anything. He's real," Bong said.
The story unfolds as Choi, determined to return to her glory days as a businesswoman, decides to leave her children with someone and start working again. It would have been her mother, but she died a few years ago and now the only way is to persuade her father to get married.
Through ups and downs, Choi's father gets married and all seems to go smoothly. However, Choi's plan takes a turn as her stepmother says that she will not take care of her grandsons, and the quest to win back her job, her husband who is secretly dating his fellow colleague, begins.
The drama fits into the real world as many grandmothers these days, in fact, refuse to baby-sit their grandchildren, thus putting more young working moms at a crossroads between work and their kids.
With comical sequences and characters and a story that will touch the hearts of many working moms and husbands, the drama "Working Mom" airs tonight at 9:55 p.m. on SBS.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/07/201_28383.html
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 29, 2008
Long-awaited comeback: Dozens of fans wait in line to buy Korean pop star Seo Tai-ji’s much-anticipated 8th album “SEOTAIJI 8TH ATOMOS PART MOAI,” Tuesday, at Hot Tracks, Kyobo Book Center, Gwanghwamun, downtown Seoul. This is Seo’s latest album since 2004. Seo will make a comeback performance at the rock music festival ETPFest 2008 (Eeerie Taiji People Festival) on Aug. 15./ Yonhap
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/ ... 8/07/139_28403.html |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 29, 2008
Entertainers' Performance Fees at Nightclubs Unveiled
By Park Si-soo
Staff Reporter
People may wonder how much popular entertainers get paid for nightly appearances at clubs. But an investigation into brokers who organized deals between entertainers and nightclub managers has given a clue showing that one entertainer received more than 40 million won ($40,000) for a one-time appearance. Many of them are also suspected of evading taxes.
Seoul Central Prosecutors' Office said Monday that it secured information about the age-old "secret," while investigating six brokers who allegedly helped entertainers appear at nightclubs without authorization. The six were indicted without physical detention on charges of running an illegal brokerage business.
Shin Jung-hwan, 33, a popular singer and entertainer, received as much as 40.5 million won ($40,500) for a one night appearance at a nightclub in Incheon, Gyeonggi Province.
Kim Gun-mo, 40, who holds the record for the best selling K-pop album, received 35 million won from a club in Incheon. Another top singer, Lee Seung-cheol, 42, was paid 30 million won. Second-rated singers and entertainers also received about 10 million won.
Most of the entertainers gave approximately half of the fees to unlicensed brokers, according to the data.
"Singers stay for about 20, 25 minutes, sing three or four songs and chat with guests," a nightclub manager told The Korea Times. "Those engaging in other fields such as actors, serve as a DJ. They are paid less than a singer."
The prosecution plans to investigate the entertainers in question on suspicion of evading taxes. "The National Tax Service plans to trace entertainers' income to check whether they paid taxes properly," a prosecutor said.
But the nightclub manager said it is easy for entertainers to evade taxes since they are usually paid in cash.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/07/117_28429.html |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 28, 2008
'Proof' Lacks Depth
By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter
A scene from “Proof”
A small and humble theater in Daehangno was packed with people eager to see the hit play "Proof" by American playwright David Auburn.
Some of the audience might have come to the theater to see TV star Kim Ji-ho, while others were attracted by the drama's Broadway reputation.
Whatever the reasons were, they seemed strongly moved by the drama, which delves into human relations, identity, love and finally belief through mathematics.
The Korean production of "Proof" makes good use of the reputation of the main actress as well as the drama itself.
Kim returns to the stage two years after her latest work, "Closer" as the troubled 25-year-old Catherine.
The play revolves around the mathematically talented Catherine, the daughter of a renowned Chicago mathematician who suffers from a mental breakdown and finally dies of a heart attack.
Catherine sacrifices a promising career to take care of her father in his later years and is gradually captivated by the fear that she might have inherited her father's mental illness.
Meanwhile, Hal, a former Ph.D. student of her father who probes through the posthumous papers of the late professor in search of mathematical achievements, which have not been proved yet, relieves Catherine's depression and develops a relationship with her.
Her sister Claire, a successful New York currency analyst, returns to Chicago for her father's funeral. Self-centered Claire asks Catherine to sell her father's house and join her in New York.
When Catherine refuses the offer, a pent-up emotional rift resurfaces between the sisters.
The conflict escalates when Catherine shows one of her mathematical proofs written in her father's notebook. However, Claire and even Hal ― who Catherine truly trusts ― don't believe her authorship of the newfound theory.
Catherine is blessed with intellectual capability but is as emotionally vulnerable as an adolescent and shows the conflict with Hal and Claire through her anger.
Kim plays Catherine as a tomboy as she faces up to Hal and Claire, rather than a worn-out and vulnerable character who had devoted herself to taking care of her father.
Catherine portrayed by Kim is too strong and overshadows the spontaneous flow of the drama. Without the sophisticated and detailed depiction of her complicated persona, this just leaves awkward ear-splitting angry voices.
The flashbacks of Catherine and her father are effective in revealing her authorship over the mathematical achievement and her intertwined emotions in a heart-felt way.
But it is disappointing to see the play abruptly end up as a melodrama despite maintaining the tension between the characters.
In spite of these, the play is a breath of fresh air for an audience seeking the emotional touch.
The drama was first staged in Korea in 2003 starring actress Choo Sang-mi and had a second run in 2005.
The running time is two hours. Tickets cost 35,000 won. The play will run at Doore Hall in Daehangno until Sept. 7. For more information, call (02) 764-8760.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/07/135_28339.html |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Author
