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September 18, 2008
Can BoA conquer US?
Korean star the latest Asian singer to take a stab at US charts
By Chang May Choon
WAS IT an ominous sign or a blessing in disguise? You decide.
TNP DESIGN: PRADIP PICTURES: WARNER MUSIC, AP
K-pop darling BoA announced at a media conference in Seoul last Wednesday that she will make her debut in the US next month with her English single Eat You Up.
But on the night before, she tripped and fell down a staircase. She didn't break a leg, but she did break an arm and ended up with numerous bruises. Yet, with a limp and her left arm in a cast, she insisted on meeting some 200 reporters who had gathered from all over Asia.
The event slogan was 'Best of Asia, Bring on America', clearly inspired by BoA's initials. The singer, loved for her catchy pop tunes and superb dance moves, said she was upset about the accident, especially when she had intended to dress up for the occasion.
But, she would try her best to recover as soon as possible, so as not to affect her US debut plans. Her mentor Lee Soo Man, chairman of SM Entertainment, which manages her pop career, also assured fans that doctors have said the singer will recover fully in six weeks. 'I believe that BoA's accidental injury this time will help avert possible misfortunes in the future,' he added.
BoA, 22, is to unveil her English single and music video on 7 Oct on the Internet, via popular US sites like iTunes, Napster, Amazon and AOL. Picked from thousands of demo songs collected from all over the world within two years, Eat You Up is said to be a dance track that 'stirs booming energy' and harmonises BoA's feminine voice to its fullest.
The song, which will be available for download as MP3 files or ring tones, is also expected to be played intensively on radio, TV and dance clubs in the US. BoA will then release a CD single in the US on 11 Nov, followed by a full English album and a concert tour next year.
Notable help
To ease her into the world's most coveted music market, SM Entertainment has set up a branch office in the US and roped in some notable music companies and producers to help.
Eat You Up is produced by Swedish duo Bloodshy & Avant, whose claim to fame includes Britney Spear's hit single Toxic and Madonna's Like It Or Not. BoA's music video was filmed in New York by hotshot director Diane Martel, who has worked with top stars like Christina Aguilera and Jennifer Lopez.
The K-popster plays a mysterious girl who entrances men with her dance moves, which are choreographed by Flii Stylz who has worked with the likes of Usher, Beyonce and Black Eyed Peas. All of which sounds nice and rosy, but can BoA really succeed in an area where many Asian pop stars have failed before her?
Japan's 1980s pop diva Seiko Matsuda was one of the first to venture into the US in 1990, even scoring a duet with New Kids On The Block member Donnie Wahlberg. But the sale of her debut English album was at best mediocre.
Mandopop singer Coco Lee can boast of becoming the first Chinese person to perform at the Oscars, in 2001, but her two English albums released in the US received only a moderate response.
And Singapore's Sun Ho, whose English singles have hit No 1 on the Billboard dance chart with help from top musicians like David Foster and Wyclef Jean, has postponed the release of her English album time and again.
Before BoA, Korean pop hunks Rain and Se7en also announced plans to break into the US market, but both have not produced any notable results so far.
So, how will BoA measure up against all her Asian predecessors who have failed to woo America? Industry sources whom The New Paper spoke to gave mixed reactions.
No doubt she created a huge milestone by becoming the first Korean singer to conquer the J-pop market and emerging No 1 on Japan's Oricon chart in 2002.
Obstacles to stardom
But to gain recognition in a music market as diverse, volatile and competitive as America's is a far greater feat.
One insider said 'the odds are against her', and it will be hard for BoA to stand out from the new generation of American singers vying for the same pie.
Also, her command of English is said to be 'conversational'. She is not as fluent in the language as New York-born-and-bred Hikaru Utada who was the last Asian pop star to attempt a US debut in 2004. However, some felt the timing is right for BoA, as going to the US is the next 'logical' step for the songbird who has already firmly established herself in Asia.
J-pop expert James Kang, marketing director of Warner Music which distributes BoA's albums here, said: 'It's great for Asians to have such ambition to 'Bring on America'... But I think the stigma of Asian acts in America has to be convincingly removed (for BoA to succeed).
'Her vocals have got to be in tip-top condition and she has to face the US media with proficient English and resonate with both the Caucasian and African American community, based on her R&B and hip-hop positioning.' Still, reporters who heard Eat You Up during BoA's press conference generally felt it was a tune that could catch on easily.
Mr Kang described it as 'contemporary urban American fare' that is 'slick' and 'catchy as hell'.
But, he added a note of caution: 'Whether the market needs another song similar to those in the charts or something totally refreshing from an Asian newcomer is anyone's guess.'
No matter what, BoA seems to have braced herself for the worst. She said: 'I know the journey ahead will be tough, but I'm prepared to do my best when I release my album in America in 2009.'
Her dream is to perform in Las Vegas. 'I watched Celine Dion's concert (in Vegas) and was moved by her performance. I want to do the same too, soon, I hope.'
Source: The Electric New Paper, Singapore
http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/show/story/0,4136,177063,00.html |
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September 17, 2008
Yoo Ji Tae Cast in Star’s Lover
Actor Yoo Ji Tae, who usually only acts in movies, will play in the much anticipated television drama “Star’s Lover”, previously known as “Oh! My Goddess”. He will be playing as an undergraduate trying to woo top star Choi Ji Woo.
According to a representative from SBS, Yoo Ji Tae has already reached an agreement with the production company. The only remaining step is to sign the contract, therefore this is as good as confirmed. The representative continued that with the addition of Yoo Ji Tae, the cast selection for “Star’s Lover” is already completed. The shooting will begin the latest in the start of October.
Although Yoo Ji Tae had acted in many movies, he only acted once in a drama which was a two-episode miniseries, Lost Baggage (Love Story) in 1999. Therefore, the casting of Yoo Ji Tae with Choi Ji Woo will no doubt help push the popularity of the drama.
In “Star’s Lover”, Yoo Ji Tae will play as an ordinary undergraduate, who falls in love with top actress Lee Ma Ri (Choi Ji Woo). “Star’s Lover” is scheduled to premiere in December, replacing “The Painter of the Wind“.
Source: hanfever.com
http://www.hanfever.com/2008/09/17/yoo-ji-tae-cast-in-stars-lover/
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Thanks to the highlight by deka_if at soompi.com
September 18, 2008
Three Korean movies invited to the London Film Festival
Three Korean films, including the much-acclaimed The Good, the Bad, the Weird (directed by Kim Ji-woon), have been invited to the The Times BFI 52nd London Film Festival (LFF) to be held in Britain from Oct. 15 to 30.
According to the list of films invited to this year's festival released on the LFF Secretariat's webpage, The Good, the Bad, the Weird was invited to the "Film on the Square" division and two other Korean films, Night and Day (directed by Hong Sang-soo) and Hansel and Gretel (directed by Yim Phil-sung) were invited to the "World Cinema" division.
The "Film on the Square" section introduces noticeable new releases around the world, while the "World Cinema" division shows movies that reflect the current trends in cinema.
The Good, the Bad, the Weird was inspired by Sergio Leone's classic 1966 spaghetti Western The Good, the Bad, the Ugly, starring Clint Eastwood.
The story line follows three Korean men and their entanglement with the Japanese army, Chinese and Russian bandits, accompanied by many exciting action scenes set in Manchuria in the 1930s.
The movie was screened in the gala section at the Cannes film festival this year and it is reported to have received a standing ovation.
Meanwhile, Hong's Night and Day is the story about a painter who has fled to Paris. Kim Young-ho plays the runaway artist while Park Eun-hye plays an art student studying in France. Hansel and Gretel by Yim is a thriller.
The London Film Festival marks its 52nd anniversary this year and is a prestigious international film festival, where about 300 films from 60 countries are shown annually.
By Han Aran Korea.net Staff Writer
http://www.korea.net/News/News/NewsView.asp?serial_no=20080918018
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September 19, 2008
Stars Join "Hanareum Hope Festival"
Actors Jang Geun-suk, Eric and Park Hae-jin, and singers Super Junior, SHINee, Jang Yoon-jung, Crying Nut and others, will be taking part in the "2008 Hope Festival with Academic Credit Bank System" (Hanareum Hope Festival) on September 23rd and 24th at the Olympic Park in Seoul.
The "Academic Credit Bank System" is a system implementing extracurricular activities as academic credit for junior colleges and universities. This festival marks the 10-year anniversary since the system has been in use.
The "2008 Hope Festival with Academic Credit Bank System" is sponsored by the National Institute for Lifelong Education, and participants include institutes who use the academic credit bank system, such as Seoul Art College.
The festival program will include performances by celebrities and students, fashion shows, independent film seminars with renowned movie directors Heo Jin-ho ("Happiness" ) and Oh Ki-hwan ("The Art of Seduction" ), singing contests, and magic shows.
In July, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology had named actors Choi Ran, Jang Geun-suk, Park Hae-jin, Eric, and singer Jang Yoon-jung as spokesmodels for the academic credit bank system.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/mconten ... /1546768_11692.html |
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September 17, 2008
New Drama Series“Water Drops of God” To Star Bae Yong-jun Late 2009
Hallyu Star, Bae Yong-jun, will be returning to television screens in a new drama series about wine. The show, entitled, <Water Drops of God>, will hit screen late 2009.
The series is based on the original Japanese animation series of the same name and soon became a bestseller, stirring up a newfound interest in wine throughout Japan. The Japanese version begins with an internationally renowned wine critic named ‘Kanjiki Yutaka’ who offers his life’s fortune, including his entire wine collection, to anyone able to find the 12 bottles of wine called the ’12 Apostles’ along with a bottle of wine named the <Water Drops of God>. This, in turn, triggers a competition between his son, ‘Kanzaki Sizuku’, and adopted son, ‘Tomini Itze’. Interestingly enough, the original authors of this Japanese cartoon, the ‘Agi Tadashi’ brother and sister, modeled the ‘Tomini Itze’ character after Bae Yong-jun.
As Bae Yong-jun rested up and received treatments for his injuries during his last drama in 2007, <Taewangsasingi>, he began studying about wine in order to prepare for the filming of the drama that is slated to begin in early 2009. Furthermore, Bae Yong-jun will be returning to supply the voice of the male lead in the animated version of the popular drama <Winter Sonata>, along with Choi Ji-wu.
Source: Korea Sparkling, image from Cine21
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/CU/content/cms_view_625220.jsp?gotoPage=1&searchType=&cid=625220&nodeId=4396&searchType=all&keyword=&fontSelect=0&bgSelect=0
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September 19, 2008
Drama Portrays King Sejong's Love for Dokdo
Amidst the continuing Dokdo Islets controversy with Japan, KBS 2TV introduces the fondness that Korea's King Sejong had for Dokdo in its TV drama, "Great King Sejong."
The "Great King Sejong" episode airing September 20th will tell the story of the origins of Shinchanpaldo Jiriji, geographical documents which were drawn up after the first geographical survey conducted of the country in 1432 during the 14th year of King Sejong's reign.
After the death of King Sejong, the Shinchanpaldo Jiriji became the "Sejong Sillok Jiriji," in honor of the king.
Jeon Wu-seong, the assistant director of "Great King Sejong" revealed that the scenes from the September 20th episode will include the process by which Ulleungdo and Dokdo were surveyed for the geographical documents. He added, "This is an important part of history that will remind us of how much King Sejong has done for our nation."
Before the drama ends around the middle of November, producers will also include the process of the making of King Sejong's Hunminjeongeum, or the Korean script, over the course of 10-15 episodes.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1546516_11858.html |
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September 19, 2008
Painter of the Wind” Sold to Japan
Upcoming TV drama “Painter of the Wind” has been sold to Japan prior to its airing in Korea. The drama’s sales representative, SBS Production, announced that it has agreed to sell the broadcasting rights of “Painter of the Wind” to Japan’s top entertainment group and import distributor Avex Entertainment for about 2 million U.S. dollars.
SBS Production anticipates more revenues from this highly anticipated TV series, for it has not sold the full package, which includes the original sound track, behind-the-scenes footage, and other merchandising rights, but only the broadcasting and DVD distribution rights.
Starring one of Korea’s favorite actresses, Moon Geun-young, “Painter of the Wind” is about a pair of brilliant painters in the late Joseon Dynasty. It’s a historical drama that promises to show the rich details of an extravagant period piece, as well as a tightly woven plot involving a murder and a hidden identity. The first episode is scheduled to air on September 24th and the ensuing episodes will be shown on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Source: KBS World
[url=http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_chart_detail.htm?No=8228http://video.koreatimes.net/]http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_chart_detail.htm?No=8228http://video.koreatimes.net/[/url]
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September 18, 2008
SONG Hye-kyo's Fetish premieres at PIFF
Pan-Asian favourite SONG Hye-kyo sets another step on the global scene with her English-language debut Fetish. The indie film will premiere at this year's Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF). Fetish is the feature film directorial debut of SOHN Su-beom.
SONG's latest film was the costume drama about the historical figure Hwang Jin Yi which also starred YOO Ji-tae and was directed by CHANG Yoon-hyun. The film was partly shot in North Korea where it also enjoyed a special screening.
SONG's other silver screen efforts are the romantic film My Girl and I and John Woo's 1949. Her popularity across Asia is mostly due to the success of her television dramas.
Busan will host the 13th Pusan International Film Festival in October, from the 2nd until the 10th.
Credits: Yi Ch'ang-ho (KOFIC), image from empas.com
http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/KOFIC/Channel/ |
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September 18, 2008
KIM Rae-won stirs up Insa-dong
After two years, KIM Rae-won returns to the big screen with the film Insa-dong Scandal. Insa-dong (officially Insa-dong gil (street)) is a famous street in Northern Seoul which attracts a wide variety of domestic and international tourists, traditional food and tea lovers, and art connoisseurs.
KIM is cast to play Korea's leading art restaurateur, a highly skilled and intelligent but cold person. The plot deals with a conspiracy to let a famous Joseon era painting disappear.The film is rumoured to bring non-mainstream art to the public's attention.
Insa-dong Scandalwill start filming in October. All the attention is centred around KIM's casting and return to the silver screen without information about the director or other cast members.
KIM revealed that he is thankful for being able to tackle a different kind of character again in Insa-dong Scandal. KIM's latest film Sunflowerwas released in 2006. KIM played a young man who tries to come clean with his criminal years and out-of-control youth. Sunflower and Mr. Socrateswere a break from his previous roles in romantic youth dramas like ...Ing and My Little Bride. During his two year break from cinema, he starred in the popular television drama Sikkaek.
Credits: Yi Ch'ang-ho (KOFIC), image from empas.com
http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/KOFIC/Channel/ |
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September 18, 2008
Korean directors among Sitges' official selections
The Catalan fantastic film festival Sitges announced the inclusion of YIM Pil-sung's Hansel and Gretel; NA Hong-jin's The Chaser); KIM Jee-woon's The Good, the Bad, and the Weird and the Tokyo! Omnibus, including BONG Joon-ho's Shaking Tokyo, in its competition section.
In addition, RYOO Seung-wan's Dachiwama Leeis an official selection of Sitges' out-of-competition section. Line-ups of sidebar programs are yet to be unveiled. The 41st edition of the world's greatest genre film festival will commence on October 2 and finish on October 12.
Sitges describes its competition Official Fantastic Selection as a wide choice of fantasy films from around the world. The out-of-competitionOfficial Fantastic Selection is a complementary section consisting of films with instant cult film potential through their "narrative and/or visual formats".
The number one fantasy film festival in the world welcomed numerous distinguished guests, including: Quentin Tarantino and Sir Anthony Hopkins.
Hansel and Gretel's the story of three troubled children in a rich visually attractive fairy tale setting. The Chaser unveils a dark socially critical story. The Good, the Bad, and the Weird is a Korean style star packed western. Shaking Tokyo chronicles socially isolated young people in Tokyo. Dachiwama LEE is spy parody of numerous films and genres.
Credits: Yi Ch'ang-ho (KOFIC)
http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/KOFIC/Channel/
In the out-of-competition Official Fantàstic Selection you will be able to enjoy movies that complement the in competition selection, becoming instant cult movies, reviewing classics or using narrative and/or visual formats bordering on fantasy.
OFFICIAL FANTÀSTIC SECTION OUT OF COMPETITION
Dachimawa Lee, Ryoo Seung-Wan
JCVD, Mabrouk El Mechri
Long Weekend, Jamie Blanks
Mongol, Sergei Bodrov
Repo! The Genetic Opera, Darren Lynn Bousman
RocknRolla, Guy Ritchie
Soy un pelele, Hernán Migoya
Synecdoche, New York, Charlie Kaufman
The Informers, Gregor Jordan
The Warlords, Peter Chan
Transsiberian, Brad Anderson
The best in competition fantasy cinema
The in competition Official Fantàstic Selection is made up of a wide choice of the best fantasy films from around the world, focusing on current genre tendencies. The resurrection of Asian fantasy films far removed from the coordinates of ghostly horror, the confirmation of a new wave of British horror movies, the return of intelligent and original North American B movies or the interest of European auteur films in fantasy are some of this year’s most outstanding features.
OFFICIAL FANTÀSTIC SECTION IN COMPETITION
Absurdistan, Veit Helmer
Blindness, Fernando Meirelles
Crows-Episode 0, Takashi Miike
Eden Lake, James Watkins
Fighter, Natasha Arthy
Hansel and Gretel, Yim Phil-sung
La possibilité d’une île, Michel Houellebecq
Let the Right one in, Tomas Alfredson
Martyrs, Pascal Laugier
Prime Time, Luis Calvo Ramos
Red, Trygve Allister Diesen, Lucky McKee
Sexy Killer, Miguel Martí
Surveillance, Jennifer Lynch
Tale 52, Alexis Alexiou
The Broken, Sean Ellis
The Burrowers, J.T. Petty
The Chaser, Na Hong-jin
The Cottage, Paul Andrew Williams
The Good, The Bad, The Weird, Kim Jee-woon
The Sky Crawlers, Mamoru Oshii
Tokyo!, Bong Joon-ho, Léos Carax, Michel Gondry
Vinyan, Fabrice du Welz
Your Name Here, Matthew Wilder
Source: cinemasitges.com |
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September 17, 2008
Universal / Focus Features Slake CJ’s Thirst
Article at news.empas.com
Universal Pictures (UPI) and London-based Focus Features will invest in and co-produce director PARK Chan-wook’s latest film, Thirst, currently in production. They will join chief investor CJ Entertainment, which has so far driven the project.
The deal, announced Sept. 11th by UPI president Christian Grass, Focus CEO James Schamus and CJ CEO KIM Soo-jung, marks the first time a USstudio has backed a Korean film in production. UPI will also handle stateside distribution while Focus looks to its UK release.
The move is a sign of great confidence in the film’s commercial prospects. Director PARKis renowned international for his vengeance trilogy, particularly centerpiece Old Boy which won the Cannes Grand Prize in 2004. Lead actor SONG Kang-ho is a big draw locally and highly regarded internationally for his performances in BONG Joon-ho’s The Host and LEE Chang-dong’s Secret Sunshine.
Thirst (Korean title - "Bakjwi") is the tale of a priest who, while undergoing a medical experiment, is transformed into a bloodthirsty vampire.His subsequent nocturnal jaunts become complicated when he winds up involved with the wife of his childhood friend.
This film also stars SHIN Ha-kyun (Save the Green Planet!) and young actress KIM Ok-bin (Dasepo Naughty Girls) in what is rumored to be PARK’s first foray into highly charged eroticism. The director’s own shingle MOHO films is producing with a release date anticipated for mid-2009.
Credits: Nigel D’Sa (KOFIC) |
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September 18, 2008
JEON Do-yeon Returns to Screens Sept. 25
In what has grown into a highly anticipated Fall feature, LEE Yoon-ki’s My Dear Enemy will mark Cannes-winning JEON Do-yeon’s return to the big screen, with a local release scheduled for September 25th. The at-one-time low-profile film has generated media buzz for its pairing of JEON and actor in the limelight HA Jung-woo. JEON has won numerous Best Actress awards for her role in LEE Chang-dong’s Secret Sunshine (2007).
HA caused a sensation for his tense performance in the year’s first runaway hit, The Chaser, in which he played a psychotic prostitute killer. He then returned to screens as a charming but sleazy male host in Moonlight in Seoul. In My Dear Enemy, he plays JEON’s undependable ex-boyfriend Byeong-woo. The two have acted together previously, when HA had a supporting role as JEON’s bodyguard in the hit TV drama Lovers of Prague (2005).
In the new film, JEON plays Hee-soo, an unemployed single woman in her mid-30s, who decides to collect on an outstanding debt her ex-boyfriend owes her. The two spend an unusual day together as Byeong-woo tries to gather the money together by borrowing from other female friends.
Director LEE has claimed much critical attention for his previous three films. His previous feature, Ad Lib Night screened in the 2007 Berlin Film Festival. Both Love Talks (2005) and This Charming Girl have screened at the Pusan International Film Festival with the latter winning the New Currents best feature award in 2004.
Produced by b.o.m Film and Sponge Entertainment, the film is being distributed locally by Lotte Ent.
Credits: Nigel D’Sa (KOFIC) |
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September 18, 2008
Pop Star Cool K Indicted for Evading Military Service
Prosecutors Thursday indicted Cool K, a music video director and model, on charges of evading military service by feigning high blood pressure, according to Yonhap News.
Cool K, whose real name is Kim Doh-kyung, was enlisted for the 24-month compulsory conscription in his initial medical checkup but was later switched to civil service usually reserved for those with prescribed illnesses or whose presence in the military may affect others' health, investigators at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office was quoted as saying.
They said the 27-year-old sought a new medical checkup in 2006 after being tipped off via the Internet on how to evade military service by claiming artificial health risks.
The information was allegedly bought by Kim for 2 million won ($1,700). Shortly before being tested, he allegedly drank a large amount of coffee and then contracted certain muscles while his blood pressure was being measured, elevating the results. Kim was diagnosed with high systolic blood pressure.
Investigators have also charged a member of the rap group Honey Family, Won Shin-jong, also known as Digiri, on similar charges.
Source: The Korea Times
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/ ... 8/09/113_31215.html |
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Thanks to deka_if for the highlight at soompi.com
September 19, 2008
CNN lists ‘Host,' ‘Mandala' among best Asian films
Two Korean films were included among CNN's list of best Asian films.
Director Bong Joon-ho's The Host (2006) and Im Kwon-taek's Mandala (1981) were named on a list of the 18 best Asian films of all time on a Sept. 18 story on CNN.com.
"Arguably one of the greatest monster films ever made," wrote the U.S.-based Cable News Network about The Host, noting that "a staggering 20 percent of the population of South Korea have watched this film."
As for Mandala CNN wrote that the movie "is considered to be [Im Kwon-taek's] breakthrough as a cinematic artist," that "takes a contemplative look at the nature of individualism, religious belief and enlightenment" through following the lives and interactions of two Buddhist monks.
Other Asian films that made it to the list include director Jia Zhangke's Still Life (2006), Thai director Apichatpong's Weerasethakul Syndromes and a Century (2006), Hong Kong director Andrew Lau's Infernal Affairs (2002), New Zealand director Niki Caro's Whale Rider (2002), Hong Kong director Wong Kar-wai's In the Mood for Love (2000), Chinese director Yang Zhang's Shower (1999), Japanese director Suo Masayuki's Shall We Dance? (1998), Iranian director Mohsen Makhmalbaf's Babbeh (1996), Chinese director Zhang Yimou's To Live (1994), Vietnamese director Dang Nhat Minh's When the Tenth Month Comes (1984), New Zealand director Geoff Murphy's Utu (1983) and Filipino director Ishmael Bernal's Himala (1982).
Older films included are Japanese director Kurosawa Akira's Ikiru (1952) and Kino#a Keisuke's The Ballad of Narayama (1958), Indian director Mehboob Khan's Mother India (1957) and Hong Kong director King Hu's A Touch of Zen (1969).
By Kim Hee-sung, Korea.net Staff Writer
http://summit.korea.net/news/news/newsView.asp?serial_no=20080919006&part=106&SearchDay=&page=1&source= |
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September 19, 2008
Lee Hyo-ri 'Angry Over Rumors of a Love Affair'.. Management Company "Legal Countermeasure Investigations"
Singing sensation, Lee Hyo-ri (30), was enraged at recent rumors of her having a love affair with a second-generation plutocrat.
Rumors started flying when Lee Hyo-ri was recently caught on camera enjoying a swim with the man in question at one of Seoul’s high-class hotel swimming pools. 29-year-old Mr. Choi is the second eldest son of wealthy entrepreneur of Korea’s D Group.
However, shortly after rumors leaked to the press, Lee Hyo-ri and her management company immediately denied the claims and expressed that they will be taking legal action, claiming defamation of character. Lee Hyo-ri told friends, “I swear that we are only friends and nothing more”, while her management company made arrangements to take matters to court.
A representative of Lee Hyo-ri’s management company stated, “It’s true that Lee Hyo-ri visited a hotel swimming pool in Seoul and Jeju-do, but she did not go alone with him and was with 10 other friends.” He denied rumors as he continued, “The photographs only made it seem like Lee Hyo-ri was on a date with Mr. Choi.”
Furthermore, Lee Hyo-ri’s management company spoke of her relations with Mr. Choi through the press, stating, “They knew each other since middle school and they were old neighborhood friends. Lee Hyo-ri has maintained a close relationship with him through these gatherings for a period of over 10 years, and has received great support from him ever since she debuted in Finkl. Mr. Choi also volunteered to be her guide every time Lee Hyo-ri visited America, and she was only repaying the favor by acting as his guide in Korea.”
The six-foot-tall, handsome Choi is currently studying abroad at a reputable university on the American east coast and is reported to have visited Korea during his vacation time and returned to America before Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving).
Copyrights ⓒ 2008 The Chosun Ilbo& Digital Chosun Ilbo All rights reserved
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/CU/content/cms_view_626377.jsp?gotoPage=1&searchType=&cid=626377&nodeId=4396&searchType=all&keyword= |
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September 19, 2008
Sparks Fly In Kwon Sang Woo - Son Tae Yeong's Fashion Magazine Photo Shoot
With their wedding ahead, the Kwon Sang-woo – Son Tae-yeong couple steamed up the scene at their recent photo shoot. Under the banner, 'A Moment Like This', the Kwon-Son couple heated up the 'W' magazine photo shoot in London, England, seemingly unable to keep their hands off each other.
The shooting location was chosen by none other than Kwon Sang-woo himself, and took the couple to various locations throughout London, including the famous Borough Market from the movie ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’ and a social dance hall built in the 1920’s.
The photographer, Kim Bo-ha, expressed his feelings about the shoot, stating, “The two seemed to be in perfect harmony. Even though Son Tae-yeong had a cold, she never complained about having to wear thin clothing, while Kwon Sang-Woo warm-heartedly took care of her. They looked great together.”
The Kwon-Son couple left for London on October 31st and returned to Korea on September 7th. During their arrival and departure, Kwon Sang-woo became the subject of attention as he was seen taking thoughtful concern over Son Tae-yeong’s well-being by blocking the press himself in order to hide his bride.
As soon as Kwon Sang-woo’s photo shoot ended, he wrote on his homepage, “Our scheduled photo shoot in London went according to plan. I wanted to show our relationship (with Son Tae-yeong) to everyone for the first time.”
The Kwon-Son couple wedding is to take place on the 28th at The Shilla Hotel. Their wedding pictures will be publicized in the October issue of ‘W’ Magazine.
Copyrights ⓒ 2008 The Chosun Ilbo& Digital Chosun Ilbo All rights reserved, images from empas.com
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/CU/content/cms_view_626379.jsp?gotoPage=1&searchType=&cid=626379&nodeId=4396&searchType=all&keyword= |
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September 21, 2008
Pop idol makes shaky start in musical
Having well-known singers and actors on theater stage is a formula for success in musicals and plays, but the trend has become so prevalent that it seems almost passe.
Still, public attention was generated when two members of the popular Korean boy band Super Junior -- Kang-in and Hee-chul -- decided to make their musical debut in "Xanadu," sharing the lead role.
The show -- a 1960s movie turned into a Broadway musical about a muse who comes to the human world and finds true love -- seemed to be a perfect match for the pop idols.
Although Super Junior fans eagerly awaited the musical, there was a lingering doubt about whether the two young stars would be able to sing and act in the theater.
Prior to the show's opening, the two pop idols seemed determined to showcase their talent for musical acting. They even said that they would rehearse far more than required to disprove the claim that they got the roles because of their boy-band success. In last Tuesday's performance, where Kang-in played the main character Sonny, he succeeded in drawing his fans to the theater. At first, a number of doe-eyed teenage girls could be seen gazing at their idol in admiration.
Kang-in made a strong presence on the stage with his cute appearance and trademark smile, to wild responses from his fans. But he did not seem not fully prepared for the show, which required a combination of singing, acting, and roller skating. In most parts of the show, the main characters are on roller skates, due to the show's unusual setting.
Kang-in's singing and acting was far from professional, falling short of the level you would expect, and he gave the impression that he was not comfortable with his performance.
Kang-in was also shaky and unstable when skating -- at one point he tripped and almost wiped out, prompting chuckles from the audience.
Kang-in's less-than-impressive performance raised questions about the musical industry's preference for high-profile entertainers from other fields, even if their presence does help ticket sales.
Meanwhile, the "Panadu" seats -- where people could watch the show right up close to the actors, who would occasionally come and play with them -- were a refreshing experiment as audiences seated in the special section enjoyed interacting with actors.
"Xanadu" will run through Nov. 23 at Doosan Art Center in Yeonji-dong, northern Seoul. For further information, call (02) 745-5570.
By Koh Young-aah ([email protected])
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/ |
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Thanks to kdramafanusa at soompi.com
Most Popular Stars Of 2nd Half Of 2008
Period: 2008.08.25 ~ 08.31
Participants: 1301 people (13~65 years old) in 5 major cities nationwide
ACTOR
1. Jang Dong-Gun 장동건 (27.5%) {#1 since 2005}
2. Jo In-Sung 조인성 (9.8%)
3. Kwon Sang-Woo 권상우 (9.3%)
4. Won Bin 원빈
5. Jung Woo-Sung 정우성
6. Ahn Sung-Ki 안성기
7. Kim Rae-Won 김래원
8. Song Kang-Ho 송강호
9. Bae Yong-Joon 배용준
10. Cha Seung-Won 차승원
ACTRESS
1. Kim Tae-Hae 김태희 (20.1%)
2. Jeon Ji-Hyun 전지현 (9.5%)
3. Lee Young-Ae 이영애
4. Son Ye-Jin 손예진
5. Kim Hye-Soo 김혜수
6. Kim Hye-Ja 김혜자
7. Song Hye-Kyo 송혜교
8. Han Ye-Seul 한예슬
9. Jeon Do-Yeon 전도연
10. Lee Na-Young 이나영
MALE SINGER
1. Big Bang 빅뱅 (19.7%)
2. Rain 비 (18.1%)
3. Lee Seung-Ki 이승기
4. Tae Jin-Ah 태진아
5. SG Wannabe
FEMALE SINGER
1. Lee Hyo-Ri 이효리 (36.7%)
2. Wonder Girls 원더걸스 (15.9%)
3. Girls' Generation 소녀시대 (11.1%)
MALE COMEDIAN
1. Yoo Jae-Suk 유재석 (51.1%)
2. Kang Ho-Dong 강호동 (25.6%)
3. Lee Soo-Geun 이수근
4. Park Myung-Soo 박명수
5. Yoo Se-Yoon 유세윤
FEMALE COMEDIAN
1. Shin Bong-Sun 신봉선 (48.5%)
2. Park Mi-Sun 박미선
3. Kim Shin-Young 김신영
4. Park Ji-Sun 박지선
5. Lee Kyung-Shil 이경실
MALE ATHLETE
1. Park Tae-Hwan 박태환 (51.8%)
FEMALE ATHLETE
1. Jang Mi-Ran 장미란 (55.3%)
Source: Yonhap News 2008-09-20 15:35 / IB Times 2008-09-20 20:05 KST / SSTV 2008-09-20 17:23 / Sports Khan 2008-09-20 17:26:33 |
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Author
