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NEWS INDEX page 45
Sep 8: Japanese singer Misia holds press conference in Seoul
Sep 8: Actor Ahn Jae Hwan found dead
Sep 8: Actor Found Dead Inside Car in Suspected Suicide
Sep 8: Actor Ahn Dead in Apparent Suicide
Sep 8: Cimino Inaugurates Chungmuro Competition
Sep 9: Seoul police probe death of a popular entertainer
Sep 9: Apparent Suicide of Actor-Turned-Businessman Shocks Nation
Sep 8: Korean actor Lee Byung Hun to release song in Japanese
Sep 9: "Divine" tops Korean B.O.
Weekly Box Office 2008.09.05 ~ 2008.09.07
Sep 9: Japan's R&B diva to hold first Korean concert (Misia)
Sep 9: Lee Byung-hun to Release Single Album in Japan
Sep 9: Dramas Bring Hero, Gamblers and Orchestra
Sep 10: Upcoming drama paints lives of two Joseon masters
Sep 9: Japanese Actress Makes Film Debut in Korea
Sep 9: Kazakhstan Director's Film to Open 13th PIFF in Busan
Sep 10: Actress Hwang Shin-hye to Host Talk Show on tvN
Sep 8: Actor Ahn Jae-hwan Found Dead
Sep 10: Autopsy Planned for Late Actor Ahn
Sep 10: Boycott by protesters blamed in actor's death
Sep 9: PIFF Selects Opening Film
Sep 10: Korean singers surf into Osaka and Tokyo for a hallyu bonanza
Sep 10: Park calls for a more cosmopolitan hallyu
[ Last edited by katt at 12-9-2008 02:09 AM ] |
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Japanese singer Misia holds press conference in Seoul
Sept. 8, SEOUL, South Korea -- Popular Japanese singer Misia speaks at a press conference in Seoul about her planned concert later this month to be held in the South Korean capital. (Yonhap)(END)
Source: http://app.yonhapnews.co.kr/YNA/ ... E=2&AGINGPAGESIZE=5 |
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September 8, 2008
Actor Ahn Jae Hwan found dead
Actor An Jae-hwan, 36, was found dead in his car yesterday morning. Police suspect suicide and are conducting an investigation.
Police said that An was found dead alone in the back seat of his Carnival minivan, which was parked in a neighborhood in Nowon-gu, Seoul.
A suicide note and two burnt charcoal briquettes were also found in the car. Investigators suspect he died from inhaling toxic gas.
Police said that An probably died several days ago. A witness said that the vehicle had been parked there for several days.
An's body has been taken to a nearby hospital for further examination.
According to local news reports, the suicide note expressed his love for Jung Sun-hee, his famous comedian and DJ wife. The couple married last November.
Business ventures that An had been a part of had recently failed, and he was suffering from deteriorating health. There were also rumors of marital strife.
By Park Min-young ([email protected]), image from empas.com
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/ |
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September 8, 2008
Actor Found Dead Inside Car in Suspected Suicide
Ahn Jae-hwan, an actor and husband of popular comedian Jung Sun-hee, was found dead inside a car Monday in what appears to be a suicide, police said.
Police found a suicide note next to him with two burnt charcoal briquettes inside the Carnival minivan parked in a residential district in northern Seoul. Investigators suspect he killed himself by inhaling toxic gas from the burning briquettes.
"He is believed to have died from smoke inhalation, but we will have to examine the details," Sup Young-choon, a police officer at the Nowon Police Station, was quoted as saying by Yonhap News.
A truck driver delivering beverages to nearby stores, identified as Yeo In-gyu, found the car and called the police around 9:10 a.m., police said. The vehicle, which was rental, had been there for days, raising the possibility that Ahn may have died a few days earlier.
"The black Grand Carnival that was parked on the sidewalk came into my sight. I looked in and saw the body of a man lying on the back seat," Yeo was quoted as saying.
Ahn's body was taken to a nearby hospital for further investigation.
Ahn, 37, who tied the knot with popular comedian and emcee Jung last November, had reportedly suffered setbacks from private business failure and deteriorating health. The actor recently quit emceeing a live music program on cable channel ETN after he failed to show up several times.
Jung, currently hosting a popular MBC radio noon music program, did not appear for Monday's program.
Ahn's death came as a shock for many, who remember his guileless smile and straight talk that gave him an air of youthful cheer. Stars' suicide have usually been linked with depression at a young age.
Source: The Korea Times, more & pics at dramabeans.com
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/09/113_30721.html |
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September 8, 2008
Actor Ahn Dead in Apparent Suicide
By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
The late Ahn Jae-hwan
Actor Ahn Jae-hwan, 36, was found dead Monday apparently from asphyxiation. His death comes less than a year after he tied the knot with famous comedienne Jung Sun-hee.
The actor, whose real name was Ahn Gwang-seong, was found in his sports utility vehicle parked in Hagye, northern Seoul, Nowon Police Station said. The time of death is assumed to have been several days before. According to interim reports, there were no signs of choking or medication but as briquette ash was found inside the vehicle, the actor is believed to have killed himself using toxic fumes.
"He is believed to have died from smoke inhalation, but we will have wait for a post mortem to find the exact cause," a police officer said.
Observers assume a recent string of business failures could have driven him to kill himself. He reportedly left an apparent suicide note in the car saying he loved his wife and asking people to show her compassion. The note also indicated that he wanted to be an organ donor, if his body was found in time.
Ahn, who owned several bars, restaurants and shoe stores, was reportedly heading for bankruptcy and he recently had to sell a lucrative bar he owned in Gangnam as a last resort. It was revealed that he owed about 4 billion won to private moneylenders. The loan sharks had threatened his wife, calling on her to repay the debt. She had planned to meet with them Monday to discuss the issue.
Some observers said Ahn had long showed signs of suffering problems. A couple of weeks ago, he was sacked from his job as a TV presenter on the entertainment news program ETU, allegedly because he had missed several live broadcasts. Some media reported that he hid himself since then, but his agent explained it was merely an attempt to go on diet.
Ahn gained popularity by appearing in numerous TV dramas such as "Tears of Diamond," and "My 29-year-old Stepfather.'' Along with his elite image as a Seoul National University graduate, he acquired a unique position in the entertainment world and branched out into other businesses. Ahn and his wife of 10 months ran a home-shopping cosmetics business.
He reportedly called Jung on Aug.21, which police believe could have been the last call he made. A resident nearby said he had seen Ahn's vehicle at the same spot for about a month.
His body was taken to Taenung Sacred Heart Hospital, eastern Seoul.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/09/117_30755.html
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September 8, 2008
Cimino Inaugurates Chungmuro Competition
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Jury members of the 2nd Chungmuro International Film Festival in Seoul (CHIFFS)
appear at a press meeting in central Seoul, Monday (from left): Kim Young, Ken Terawaki,
Michael Cimino, Im Sung-soo and Lise Bellynck./ Yonhap
Director Michael Cimino and other esteemed cineastes came together as judges for the 2nd Chungmuro International Film Festival in Seoul (CHIFFS). Chungmuro, the founding ground of South Korean cinema, has turned into a cinephile's playground with some 140 films from 40 odd countries, of which 13 are competing for cash prizes in CHIFF's new competition section.
Cimino, who is best known for his Academy Award-winning film "The Deer Hunter" (1978), leads the panel of judges including Korean helmer Im Sang-soo, producer Kim Young, Japanese film critic Ken Terawaki and French actress Lise Bellynck. While he has not yet viewed all of the competing films, Cimino said they were "generally of a high level." "I have a very simple definition of a good movie: a good movie makes you forget you're watching a movie," he told reporters at a press conference Monday.
Kim, who recently appeared as chair of the International Women's Film Festival in Seoul (IWFFIS), said the competition pool is diverse, and works range from artsy independent films to more commercials endeavors. Terawaki, who is known for promoting exchanges between Korean and Japanese cinema, said the movies from Russia to Thailand are a window to different corners of the world and its eclectic cultures. The colorful selection enables the festival, which was founded as a retro film event, to reflect upon current events.
The jury will award four prizes: a $30,000 grand prize; $5,000 special jury prize; $3,000 "Discovery of CHIFFS" award; and an audience's choice award for $2,000. Im, the maverick filmmaker of controversiol movies like "A Good Lawyer's Wife" (2003), and Bellynck, heroine/co-producer of Jean-Claude Brisseau's "The Exterminating Angels" (2006), agreed that it is important to focus on a filmmaker's potential, as cash awards can benefit those who make films under tough conditions.
"The festival is only in its second year. Some may criticize the incorporation of a competition, but there are many wonderful out-of-competition sections. CHIFFS is still in its early development and is trying to attract the general public, and a competition is a means of doing so," said Im.
Cimino expressed concern about the "distorted" role of film festivals in general. "Now, unfortunately, festivals have become consumed with prizes, and too many film festivals measure the quality of what they see against the general quality of Western (Hollywood and European) movies |
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September 9, 2008
Seoul police probe death of a popular entertainer
Ahn Jae-hwan
Well-known male entertainer Ahn Jae-hwan, 36, was found dead at around 9 a.m. yesterday inside his car near his residence in Nowon District, northeastern Seoul, police said. The Nowon Police Precinct reported that the entertainer, whose real name is Ahn Gwang-seong, suffocated inside his Kia Carnival van.
He was known as a smart entertainer, who earned a bachelor抯 degree from Seoul National University, the nation抯 most prestigious school. Ahn also won far more fame when he married popular gagwoman Chung Seon-hee, 36, in November 2007.
According to police officers, there were two charred charcoal briquets, a three-page note and two empty bottles of soju in his locked car. Police said his body was found by a passerby. Police broke the window and transported Ahn to a local hospital. 揥e can抰 find any external wounds on his body. We think that he committed suicide, |
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September 8, 2008
Korean actor Lee Byung Hun to release song in Japanese
TOKYO |
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September 9, 2008
Apparent Suicide of Actor-Turned-Businessman Shocks Nation
Ahn Jae-hwan and his wife, comedian Jung Sun-hee,
pose during the wedding of fellow comedian Park Myung-soo
in Seoul in April./Yonhap
Ahn Jae-hwan, an actor-turned-businessmen who married comedian Jung Sun-hee late last year, was found dead on Monday. Police presume the 36-year old committed suicide at least 10 days ago. He was found in a Carnival minivan in an alley in a residential area in Nowon-gu, Seoul on Monday morning by a truck driver identified as Yeo (28) who was delivering beverages to nearby stores.
Yeo was quoted as saying his suspicion was alerted some three weeks ago, when he saw a man sleeping in the Carnival every morning. The morning of the discovery, he was able to see inside because of the bright sunlight and noticed that the man抯 leg had turned black. He called the police.
Nowon Police in Seoul say they have tentatively concluded that Ahn killed himself. He was found sitting in the center back seat, with his feet stretching toward the front of the car.
Police found two burnt charcoal briquettes on an iron plate in the car. Police presume that Ahn died from smoke inhalation. There was a three-page suicide note on the right-hand seat, but police declined to disclose the details without consent from the family.
Police presume that Ahn died at least 10 days ago, based on his parents' claim that they lost contact with him 15 days before, the witness testimony, and the state of decomposition of his body.
Ahn had reportedly been in financial difficulties. He recently stopped acting and went into business in film production, cosmetics and bars. Last year, he planned to make a film by establishing an entertainment agency but later gave up due to difficulties raising the necessary funds before the shoot even started.
A TV industry insider said Ahn 搘anted to succeed in business rather than in acting. He was too proud to talk about his difficulties."
There have also been rumors of marital problems, but those close to the couple deny this. After questioning at Nowon Police Station, Jung fainted and was taken to hospital. Celebrities including actress Choi Jin-sil and friends keep coming to visit the funeral parlor to pay their respects to the late actor.
Credits: [email protected]
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200809/200809090018.html
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September 9, 2008
"Divine" tops Korean B.O.
Written by Han Sunhee
SEOUL -- Korea's local historical epic "The Divine Weapon" captured top spot at the weekend box office, after five weeks in which the charts were dominated by the sequels of "The Mummy" and "Batman". Having earlier scored $1.4 million at its two-day previews, the CJ Entertainment "Weapon" added 630,000 admissions or $3.9 million during the weekend and has accumulated $6.2 million from 667 screens.
After also previewing the previous week, "Mamma Mia" opened officially this weekend and ranked at No.2. It achieved $3.4 million from 540,000 admissions on 516 screens and pushed its cume to $5.1 million.
After its record-breaking four week atop the Korean B.O., "The Dark Knight" slipped to third place with 137,000 admissions, for $860,000. But it is still playing on 333 screens and has amassed a cume of $24.9 million.
Germany-UK co-produced docu "Earth" opened at No.4, scoring 70,000 admissions or $497,000 from 211 screens for distributor CJ Entertainment. Pic was given a powerful boost by narration voiced by popular star Jang Dong-kun ("Tae Guk Gi".)
Animation "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" took the fifth place with 50,000 admissions or $340,000 million from 261 screens in its first weekend for distributor Warner Bros.
Holdover for local pics occupied lower rungs of the chart. "Death Bell" ranked seventh adding 22,500 admissions or $141,000 on 175 screens and has now grossed $10.2 million. Eighth was "Eye for an Eye" with 13,000 admissions or $81,900, adding up to a $12.9 million cume for distributor Lotte Entertainment.
CJ's "The Good, The Bad, The Weird" finally passed the 7 million ticket sales mark last week, adding 12,000 admissions, or $75,000, and took its cume to $44.2 million.
Source: Variety Asia
http://www.varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/6891/ |
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 Weekly Box Office 2008.09.05 ~ 2008.09.07 3-day Gross/Total Gross (won)
1. The Divine Weapon (South Korea) 4,150,698,500 / 6,560,718,000
2. Mamma Mia! (U.S.) 3,675,309,000 / 5,492,852,500
3. The Dark Knight (U.S.) 919,396,000 / 26,070,846,000
4. Earth (U.K.) 449,197,500 / 509,218,000
5. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (U.S.) 313,125,000 / 340,993,500
6. WALLㆍE (U.S.) 195,962,500 / 6,699,819,500
7. Gosa: Blood Bell (South Korea) 140,448,500 / 10,238,304,000
8. Eye for an Eye (South Korea) 83,000,000 / 13,386,274,500
9. The Good, The Bad, The Weird (South Korea) 83,918,500 / 45,838,987,000
10. The Midnight Meat Train (U.S.) 52,575,500 / 1,935,496,500
Source: KOFIC |
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September 9, 2008
Japan's R&B diva to hold first Korean concert
Back in 2000, Japanese television drama "Yamato Nadeshiko" was a huge hit. Its theme song, "Everything," also took Japan's music chart by storm. The musician behind the ballad was Misia -- an R&B singer with an incredible five-octave range.
"Everything" propelled her music career, which is common knowledge among Misia fans. What's little known, however, is that there she has a growing number of Korean fans.
Up until now, Korean fans have only had the chance buy her records. But that is finally set to change. Misia, who is known for her penchant for live performances and reluctance to perform on TV music shows, is finally coming to Korea to hold her first concert here on Sept. 28.
"I did not know that 'Everything' was so recognized by my Korean fans," Misia said in an interview with The Korea Herald on Monday. "For me, the song means the very special moment in my music life because it introduced my music to many people, who did not know anything about me."
Misia is set to hold her first concert in Korea as part of her Asia tour at Olympic Park
fencing stadium on Sept. 28. [Yang Sung-jin/The Korea Herald]
As with other Japanese musicians, Misia is yet to gain wide recognition in the Korean music scene. The government regulation that bans the broadcast of songs sung in Japanese on major TV networks virtually blocks talented Japanese singers like Misia from entering the mainstream. What's allowed is live concerts - which is Misia's main strength. "One of the pleasures of staging a live performance is that there are many different variations, depending on the location and many other conditions, and I deeply appreciate the location and live performances," Misia said.
"This is my first visit to Korea, and I'm very happy to have a chance to perform for Korean audiences. I used to live in a Japanese city that's not far away from Korea, and there was Arirang Festival each year, so I have long wanted to hold a concert here," she said.
Misia, born in Misaki Ito in Fukuoka, used to live on Tsushima, an experience that introduced her to Korean culture. She says she is familiar with Korean songs and singers, and also aware of the "energetic" Korean fans in live music performances. "I want to present my music to enthusiastic fans here, and I'm very excited about meeting with Korean fans for the first time," she said.
The concert titled "Misia Live in Seoul: The Tour of Misia Discotheque Asia," is part of her first Asian tour, which also marks the 10th year since her debut in 1998.
The tour, like Misia's other live concerts in Japan, will see her singing soul music, a genre that combines R&B and gospel. Misia said she grew up listening to gospel music.
"When I first listened to gospel music, I felt a wave of shock in my body. I did not understand the meaning of the words, but I was very curious about the strong appeal of the music," Misia said.
She said the underlying power of the particular music genre lies in its clear religious message. By extension, she came to realize that songs should come with such a clear message in order to reach deep into the heart of listeners.
But Misia is open to other genres. "As long as the songs reach the hearts of my listeners, I am willing to explore many different music genres. Regardless of genre, however, I want to turn the music into what can be readily identified with Misia," she said, adding that Korean fans will get a taste of different music genres ranging from ballad to hip-hop to jazz in the Seoul concert.
Misia said she was fully devoted to live concerts, because they allow her to communicate with her fans at a deep level. "I want to be an artist who can perform on the live stage even at an old age. To that end, I'm doing an intensive physical training, but it is not enough, because the best training is to perform on the live stage," she said.
"I use up a lot of energy at live concerts, but I also get a lot of energy from my audiences," Misia said.
The concert will be held at the Olympic Park fencing stadium, and tickets are priced from 55,000 won to 77,000 won. For ticket reservation, call 1566-1369 or visit www.geniworld.com
By Yang Sung-jin ([email protected])
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/ |
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September 9, 2008
Lee Byung-hun to Release Single Album in Japan
Hallyu star Lee Byung-hun will release his first studio album in Japan. Lee's official Japanese website reported that the actor was recently chosen by Japan's leading automaker Toyota as the model for its ad campaign for its latest SUV, the "RAV 4." Lee will be making his first TV commercial appearance in three years.
The site added that the actor will release a single album this season featuring the new song "Some Day," which was featured in the Toyota TV ad campaign. "Some Day" was composed by renowned Japanese songwriter and producer Yasushi Akimoto.
Lee performed the song during a fan meeting tour in Japan last year and received a favorable response. Lee's single album will feature two versions of the song--rock and ballad.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1545143_11858.html
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September 9, 2008
Dramas Bring Hero, Gamblers and Orchestra
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
The cast of drama "Beethoven Virus,'' pianist Lim Dong-hyek and conductor Seo Tae-hee pose
after performing at the press conference held at Seongnam Arts Center Thursday.
From left, Jang Keung-suk, Lim, E Ji-ah, Kim Myung-min and Seo. / Courtesy of MBC
Summer is coming to an end and broadcasters are getting ready for a chilly season full of colorful dramas depicting historical heroes, musicians and gamblers.
Starting today is KBS's "The Land of Wind," and MBC's "Beethoven Virus," while next week will see the start of SBS's "Tazza."
The three programs have already made headlines several times because of their star-studded casts, interesting plots and distinctive settings.
"The Land of Wind" stars Song Il-kook, the 36-year-old actor who rose to stardom as Jumong in "Jumong-Prince of Legend (2006)." Interestingly enough, Song will play Jumong's grandson Mu-hyool, who later becomes King Daemushin of the Goguryeo Kingdom (37 B.C.-A.D. 668) in the upcoming drama.
At the press conference of the drama last Thursday, KBS revealed a clip showing the team shooting in China. The backdrop of the war scene resembled Petra, Jordan in ``Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.'' With sharp cliffs towering the area, the combat scene was filmed amid sandstorms, making it difficult for actors to even open their eyes.
King Yuri abandons his son Mu-hyool, as he is born with a destiny that will destroy Goguryeo. Unable to kill his son, the king sends him away, only to find him return as an ambitious soldier. The story takes a twist as Mu-hyool falls in love with Yeon, the niece of Goguryeo's adversary.
"The drama is not just about fighting and killing, but about family. It's about a father and a son and their emotional relationship. War is just a tool and family is what we tried to portray,'' Kang Il-soo, the producer, said.
"The Land of Wind" will air tonight at 9:55 p.m. on KBS.
MBC's "Beethoven Virus" drew attention for being the first drama to depict the lives of classical musicians and orchestra a few weeks ago. With high expectations, the press conference Thursday surprised fans with a concert complete with a full orchestra.
Kim Myung-min, who plays the talented yet difficult maestro Kang, actually conducted Ennio Morricone's "Gabriel's Oboe'' and Brahms' "Hungarian Dances" with the orchestra in front of reporters and fans who came to the venue. Famed pianist Lim Dong-hyek also offered his tunes. Lim will make a special appearance as himself in the drama.
"I had to memorize the whole piece. I wanted to show that what we are doing is real. I listened and practiced until I heard the music in my dreams," said Kim.
Along with Kim, who practiced conducting for more than five months, actors E Ji-ah and Jang Keun-suk will also share their musical talents by playing the violin and trumpet, respectively.
"Beethoven Virus" will depict the lives of ordinary people who have dreamed of becoming musicians since they were young, but didn't have the chance for various reasons.
"It will be a heartwarming story about people who strive to make their musical dreams come true," Jang said.
The drama airs tonight at 9:55 p.m. on MBC.
SBS will bring their long-awaited "Tazza" and invite television fans to the world of gambling.
A short clip of the drama was unveiled at the press conference Monday, showing how the actors and directors have strived to combine reality with style.
With fast-paced sequences, energetic music and stylish clothes, it was evident that "Tazza" was trying hard to live up to the expectations of fans who enjoyed the 2006 movie of the same title. Although based on cartoonist Hur Young-man's popular cartoon, the television version will be quite different, with new characters and a more thrilling storyline.
"The drama will show the ups and downs of life through gambling," Kang Shin-hyo, the producer of the drama, said.
While the cartoon depicted the life of gambler Go-ni growing up as a man and professional gambler, the movie portrayed ruthless revenge between gamblers. The drama will offer the competitive race between two friends-turned-rivals.
The actors, Jang Hyuk, Kim Min-jun, Han Ye-seul and Kang Sung-yeon, posed for the cameras holding cards and Hwa-too, Korean playing cards, in their hands, wishing for the best.
"The characters have been adored by fans in the movie, and we are trying hard to bring some new elements to the drama. The thrilling story of young and passionate characters will be fun and interesting, so don't miss it next week,'' Kang said.
"Tazza" airs next Tuesday at 9:55 p.m. on SBS.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/09/201_30779.html |
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September 10, 2008
Upcoming drama paints lives of two Joseon masters
In their atelier in Sinchon, northern Seoul, these oriental painters are busy reproducing masterpieces
by Shin Yunbok and Kim Hong-do for the upcoming television drama 揟he Painter of the Wind. |
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September 9, 2008
Japanese Actress Makes Film Debut in Korea
揟he cup in my mind has lots of holes. No matter how many times I try to fill it, I cannot remove all of the emptiness. This is why I`ve been inquisitive about everything since childhood. |
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Official Website http://www.piff.org/eng/index.asp
Opening
The Gift to Stalin
Country: Russia, Kazakhstan, Israel, Poland 2008
Director : Rustem Abdrashev (World Premiere)
Closing
I Am Happy
Country: Korea 2008
Director : Yoon Jong-Chan (World Premiere)
Gala Presentation - Introduction
This year抯 慓ala Presentation |
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September 9, 2008
Kazakhstan Director's Film to Open 13th PIFF in Busan
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
A scene from "Gift to Stalin,'' which will open the 13th Pusan International Film Festival.
Asia's largest film fest will open Oct. 2 in the southern port city of Busan. / Yonhap
The 13th Pusan (Busan) International Film Festival (PIFF) will open Oct. 2 with "The Gift to Stalin" by Rustem Abdrashev (Kazakhstan/Russia/Israel/Poland, 2008). Asia's largest and South Korea's foremost cinema event will run for 10 days, showcasing the longest lineup ever of 315 films from 60 countries including 85 world premieres. Korean helmer Yoon Jong-chan's "I Am Happy'' will wrap up the festival Oct. 10.
Young director Abdrashev brings a story set in 1949 Kazakhstan, where a Jewish boy survives the former Soviet Union's forced migration of ethnic minorities to Central Asia. Yoon ("Blue Swallow," 2005) brings yet another story about deeply pained, "unhappy" individuals in "I Am Happy."
The southern port city will turn into a cinematic playground, with 37 theaters around Haeundae Beach hosting the screenings. PIFF's feature film competition section, New Currents, features 14 works. In other sections, there will be 48 international premieres (first overseas screening after a film's domestic screening) and 95 Asian premieres (first screening in the Asian region).
There are 11 sections, including the Gala Presentation featuring the latest works by maestro filmmakers and Flash Forward showing pieces by rising young directors. The competitive short film and documentary divisions have expanded to include films from other Asian countries.
PIFF also introduces Romanian cinema that swept the Cannes Festival in May in "Romania New Wave" as well as the latest Asian feature animations in "Ani Asia!'' The Korean Film Retrospective highlights classics by Kim Ki-young and Han Hyoung-mo.
The Asian Film Market will take place Oct. 3-6 in various venues around Busan to facilitate international film exchange. Programs include the pan-Asia project Pusan Promotional Plan (PPP) and the Busan International Film Commissions and Industry Showcase (BIFCOM), Asia's foremost film industry and technology showcase.
PIFF will welcome cineastes from near and far. Guests include Hong Kong filmmakers Tsui Hark and Wong Kar-wai and Italian helmer Paolo Taviani, and actors like Hyun Bin, Lee Bo-young and Haruka Ayase.
"PIFF has become Busan's most symbolic cultural asset," said PIFF festival director Hur Nam-sik, "I welcome everyone to the 'sea of cinema,' Busan.''
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2.../135_30792.html |
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September 10, 2008
Actress Hwang Shin-hye to Host Talk Show on tvN
Actress Hwang Shin-hye will host a new talk show entitled "The Queen" on the cable channel tvN.
"The Queen," which will begin airing on September 23 at 11:00 p.m., is a variety talk show that will feature behind-the-scene stories of celebrities, social issues, latest trends and fashion.
Other celebrities cast in the talk show include comedian Ji Sang-ryul, Yoon Hyun-sook, Kim Shin-young, Yoo Chae-young and Kim Shi-hyang.
The talk show will be Hwang's first official TV appearance in four years since her role in "Destined for Love" on MBC TV in 2004. Hwang had launched her own lingerie brand, "Elypry," in the interim.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1545247_11858.html
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September 8, 2008
Actor Ahn Jae-hwan Found Dead
TV actor Ahn Jae-hwan was found dead Monday morning in his van parked in the northeastern part of Seoul. A delivery man found Ahn lying on his back with his legs badly blackened and reported the discovery to the police. An initial police report says that Ahn probably died of carbon monoxide poisoning in an apparent suicide, judging from the two burnt coal blocks found inside his van, two bottles of soju and a two-page note to his wife, comedienne Jung Sun-hee. An autopsy is planned for Wednesday to determine the exact cause of his death.
It is presumed that Ahn has been dead for at least 10 to 15 days, given the advanced state of decomposition. His cell phone showed that the last call was made to his wife on August 21. Ahn抯 close friends say that he has been out of contact since then and his family has been thinking about filing a missing person抯 report.
Speculations abound about what drove Ahn to take his own life. Although no official statement has been made, the most convincing explanation is that he was under extreme pressure to pay off debts amounting to 4 billion won (about 3.7 million dollars) from private lenders. Ahn was running a number of businesses on the side of his acting career, including a bar in the Gangnam district, a cosmetics line for Hyundai home shopping channel, and a film production, which was suspended due to a lack of funds. His businesses ran into financial trouble when internet users mounted a boycott against his makeup products and bar, after his wife Jung was accused of belittling the May candlelight vigil on her radio program and was forced to take a leave from most of her shows.
His wife Jung Sun-hee, a famed comedienne and show host of her own right, is reportedly in a state of extreme mental and physical distress. According to her closest friends, she has fainted numerous times and still has not fully accepted her husband抯 death.
Ahn抯 funeral is planned for Thursday, September 11th, at a crematorium in Seongnam, a southern suburb of Seoul.
Source: KBS World
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainme...ail.htm?No=8167 |
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