Korean Entertainment News Update (siri 2)

katt

NEWS INDEX page 49

September 21, 2008: Jeon Do-yeon on Pregnancy, Post-Cannes Film
Sep 22: 'Queen of Cannes' Is Back With Lighter Fare
Sep 19: TVXQ! New Models for Lotte Duty Free Shop
Sep 22: Shin Hye-sung to Kick off Asia Concert Tour
Sep 21: Film star Jung Woo Sung coming to HIFF
Sep 22: ‘The World They Live In’ Poster Revealed
Sep 22: 'East of Eden' to be Screened in 8 Japanese Cities
Sep 22: Web Site Targets Fans of Celebrity Style
Sep 23: S. Korean Film festival opener sells out in record time
Sep 23: Korean net cashes in on 'Painter'
Sep 23: Ha Jung-woo to "Jump" on board, "The Chaser" star to headline new film from director of "200 Pounds Beauty"
Sep 22: Poster of "Worlds Within" Released
Sep 23: Wheesung Sings Theme Song for KBS Drama Series
Sep 23: Korea's Sweetheart Moon Becomes Mysterious Artist
Sep 23: The 13th PIFF Opening Film Sets a New Sellout Record
Sep 22: Big Bang Nears Seo Tae-ji in Album Sales  
Sep 23: Korea's Son launches M-Line
Sep 23: Song Seung-heon Passes 20 Billion Offer
Sep 24: Jung Woo-sung to Receive 'Achievement in Acting Award' in Hawaii
Sep 24: Two Top Singers Join to Form a Band
Sep 24: Kim Min-jong to Sing Live in Tokyo
Sep 24: Low Budget Films Gaining Popularity With Good Storylines
Sep 20: Nearly 40 movies lined up for October release
Sep 24: Koreans prefer arrows to ABBA

[ Last edited by  katt at 25-9-2008 01:39 AM ]

katt

September 21, 2008

Jeon Do-yeon on Pregnancy, Post-Cannes Film

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter


Actress Jeon Do-yeon talks about her new film "My Dear Enemy" and her post-Cannes life
with The Korea Times in a private press meeting / Courtesy of Film Bom

Actress Jeon Do-yeon seems to have it all, having won the Best Actress award at Cannes last year and about to enter motherhood. In time for the release of her latest movie "My Dear Enemy," the 35-year-old, five months pregnant but looking svelte in a colorful construction dress, met with The Korea Times in a private press meeting Friday.

"I'm super healthy, I actually wish I had morning sickness," joked Jeon, who is expected to deliver her first child at the end of January. The actress rose to international prominence for her role in "Secret Sunshine" as a woman traumatized by her son's death. "I was afraid I was portraying a stereotypical mother figure in 'Secret Sunshine,' but the director (Lee Chang-dong) assured me that my interpretation is probably right. If I were to tackle the role again after having my own child, it would probably be different," she said.



"'Secret Sunshine' was challenging because the director left everything completely up to me, and I felt cornered. When I'd tell him I didn't know how to interpret something, he would say he didn't know either," she said. She said she simply wanted to rest after wrapping up the emotionally draining film.

The torment paid off with the much coveted prize at Cannes. But the "Queen of Cannes" felt like a nobody at the festival. "No one knew me, nor had any information about me even after watching 'Secret Sunshine.' Seeing all these cineastes and actors I grew up watching was greatly inspiring but it also affected my self-esteem. It made me realize that there is a lot I still need to achieve in the future,'' she said. Following the international spotlight, the actress did receive a few offers for artistic foreign films and was invited to film festivals around Asia. She was also interviewed by CNN.

About possible a foreign film debut, however, she said it would be unlikely to happen in the near future. "First, the language barrier is there. I'm an actor who always thought dialogue wasn't very important, because people don't speak perfectly in real life. But if I were to deliver lines in a foreign tongue, or if my lines were to be dubbed, it's doubtful whether or not it would be natural. (Making a foreign film debut) would be more rooted in ambition than genuine passion," she said."But I would like to learn English so I can converse with (non-Korean) actors and cineastes," she said.

"My nickname (Queen of Cannes) is the only thing that changed," she said about her post-Cannes life in Korea. Jeon expressed concern about the dwindling domestic film market. "I do get maybe one or two more scripts than I normally would, but with the number of films being produced cut to half, I think all the other actresses are struggling as well," she said.



The Cannes title was a big burden for her, but she chose "My Dear Enemy" for its amusing story about a single unemployed woman in her 30s spending an awkward day with her ex-boyfriend. "I was really scared because I felt overrated (for 'Secret Sunshine'). But my heart feels a lot less heavy now because ('My Dear Enemy') turned out well," she said. "My husband thought I was being myself," she said about her stubborn, ill-tempered character. "You might laugh, but I'm actually quite winsome and charming," she protested.

Jeon has starred opposite some of the most reputable South Korean actors. She made her big screen debut in 1997 in "The Contact" with "Shiri (Swiri)" star Han Seok-gyu, followed by works including "Happy End" opposite "Old Boy" hero Choi Min-sik; "Untold Scandal" with hallyu superstar Bae Yong-joon; and "Secret Sushine" with "The Host" leading man Song Kang-ho. She appears in her latest movie with Korea's rising star Ha Jung-woo ("The Chaser").

"If Song Kang-ho is like a preying beast, Ha Jung-woo is like a bunny who can swindle someone's liver," she said, comparing Ha to the Korean folk tale bunny that can talk a king into selling his liver. "He's a very versatile actor," she complimented Ha. Looking back at her acting career, she said "The Contact" was unforgettable because it was her first movie, and "Happy End" helped define herself as an actress while "Secret Sunshine" made her break herself down.

About taking a break from acting for the baby, she said getting roles might become more difficult. "I think things will get tougher. I have no idea," she said. "Now that I'm about to have a baby, I realize that mothers aren't made to be mothers," she said, explaining that one does not necessarily have to be perfectly prepared to become a parent. But one thing she's sure about is that she wants to become a trusting parent who can have complete faith in her child.

But trust is perhaps key to everything, including movies, like director Lee Chang-dong's utter faith in Jeon for her award-winning role, as well as Lee Yoon-ki's confidence in the screen beauty for her charismatic performance in "My Dear Enemy."

"My Dear Enemy'' is due in theaters Thursday. Spongehouse is hosting a Jeon Do-yeon retrospective through Oct. 1 featuring some 10 films. Spongehouse Gwanghwamun is located near exit 6 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5. Call (02) 2285-2095.

Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/09/141_31350.html

katt

September 22, 2008

Queen of Cannes' Is Back With Lighter Fare


Actress Jeon Do-yeon

The Queen of Cannes is back. Jeon Do-yeon seemed somewhat overwhelmed by the title, given to her after her winning the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2007 for her role in “Secret Sunshine,” but she knew she would have to get used to it. The Chosun Ilbo met her for an interview at a café in Apgujeong-dong on Friday afternoon. “This won’t go away until someone else gets the Best Actress award, right? I want to break people’s preconception that I peaked at ‘Secret Sunshine,’” she says.

Jeon is back on the screen with “My Dear Enemy” directed by Lee Yoon-ki, which is to be released this Thursday. She stars as Hee-su, an unmarried woman who goes to her ex-boyfriend a year after their breakup to collect W3.5 million that she had lent him. It is a much lighter, and perhaps duller, character compared to the dramatic Shin-ae in “Secret Sunshine,” a mother whose child was abducted and found dead. “Because the role of Shin-ae was so difficult, I wanted to do something more relaxing and comfortable after ‘Secret Sunshine.’ But it wasn’t as easy as I thought,” Jeon says.

She calls “My Dear Enemy” a romantic film that is different from the average melodrama, where everyone knows how it will end. “I was drawn to Hee-su because she and I have a lot in common,” Jeon says. “She looks as if she often tends to step out of line, but in fact she battles every day to survive.”

Jeon is expecting a baby in January next year, and she seems excited. “I thought a mother is a perfect and impeccable being to everyone, but after I got pregnant, I realized that I wasn’t ready to be a perfect person for anyone,” she admits. But she soon brightens. “I heard daughters are the capital of a family, and it is also fun to see sons growing into young men.”

There is more good news for Jeon fans. From Thursday last week until Oct.1, a retrospective devoted to her is being held in the Gwanghwamun and Apgujeong branches of the Sponge House. It’s a small film festival consisting of Jeon’s entire filmography of 10 films, such as “The Contact (1997),” “Happy End (1999),” “Untold Scandal (2003),” “You Are my Sunshine (2005)” and “Secret Sunshine (2007).”

A film festival homage to a 30-something active actress is an extremely rare thing. “At first, I consented to the idea without giving it much thought. I just said yes out of curiosity and for the fun it might bring. But afterwards, I felt a lot of pressure,” Jeon says. “But these films are like my children, and they compare quite well with any other films. So while I feel the pressure, I also feel confident and proud.”

Source: english.chosun.com
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200809/200809220014.html

katt

September 19, 2008

TVXQ! New Models for Lotte Duty Free Shop



The members of Korean pop group TVXQ! are the new faces of Lotte Duty Free Shops (DFS).

A Lotte DFS representative explained, "TVXQ! is a well-known group all across Asia, so we believe that they are the most suitable choice as spokesmodels of Lotte Duty Free Shops."

At the beginning of this month, TVXQ! shot the advertisements for Lotte at a studio in Seoul with photographer Kwon Young-ho. These ads will be released in November, which is also when the K-pop group begins participating in various events sponsored by Lotte DFS.

TVXQ!'s comeback to the Korean music industry will be on September 24th, following the early release of "Mirotic," the title track to their fourth album.

Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1546839_11858.html

katt

September 22, 2008

Shin Hye-sung to Kick off Asia Concert Tour


  
Singer Shin Hye-sung will hold his second concert tour in Asia, starting in Seoul. Shin, who recently returned to the K-pop music scene with his third studio album, will hold a concert entitled "2008 SHS Live Tour Side 1 - Live and Let Live in Seoul" at the fencing stadium of Seoul Olympic Park on October 18 at 6:00 p.m. Following his Seoul concert, Shin will go on to perform in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Shanghai.

Unlike his past concert, which mainly featured ballad songs, Shin plans to perform a wide range of pop genres including British rock, R&B and big band. Ticket sales for the Seoul concert began on September 18th. Shin plans to hold a fan meeting to celebrate the official launch of his Japanese fan club "Always Hyesung" on September 28 in Odaiba, Tokyo.

Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1547125_11858.html

katt

September 21, 2008

Film star Jung Woo Sung coming to HIFF

By Jeff Chung

Korean film megastar Jung Woo Sung will attend The Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival in October for the closing-night film, "The Good, The Bad and The Weird," a Korean western that has been a blockbuster hit for 2008.

Jung will be at HIFF to screen his film and also to receive the Achievement in Acting award for his accomplishment in cinema.

Jung Woo Sung had his debut in 1994, in the film "The Fox with Nine Tails." He was born on March 20, 1973, in South Korea. Although he has not done TV dramas, he has several movie hits that have been successful in other Asian countries.

He starred with Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi in the 2001 movie "Musa," and with Son Ye Jin ("Summer Scent," "April Snow" and "The Art of Seduction") in 2004's "A Moment to Remember," which was successfully released in Japan in 2005. Jung became a big hit in Japan, making it into the top 10 list for Korean actors in that country.

Jung starred in "Sad Movie" in 2005 and was invited to HIFF for the opening night film, but he had a prior commitment in Japan for the release of "A Moment to Remember."

In 2006, Jung appeared in "Daisy" with Jun Ji Hyun ("My Sassy Girl"), notable because it was directed by Hong Kong director Andrew Lau, and filmed in the Netherlands. Also in 2006, Jung was in the film "The Restless" with actress Kim Tae Hee. There was a huge party celebrating the release of "The Restless" at the Pusan International Film Festival. Side note: Mayor Mufi Hannemann was invited to the CJ Entertainment party launching the film "The Restless" and took pictures with stars Jung and Kim at Pusan.


Coming to town: Korean megastar Jung Woo Sung
will attend HIFF next month

"The Good, The Bad and The Weird" premiered at Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. It is one of the most successful films this year in the domestic Korean market. It has already taken in more than $7 million 7 million admission at the Korean box office.

Megastar Lee Byung Hun ("All In," "Bittersweet Life") and Song Kang Ho ("Memories of Murder," "JSA," "The Host" and "YMCA Baseball Team") are co-stars.

The Weird is played by Song, who steals a treasure map from the Japanese. The Bad is played by Lee, who is paid to get the map back. The Good is played by Jung, who is a bounty hunter who tracks down the other two. The setting is in Manchuria in the 1930s.

Director Kim Ji-woon's films "Bittersweet Life" and "Tale of Two Sisters" have been showcased at HIFF in previous years. Kim was in Hawai'i three years ago with Lee Byung Hun for the screening of "Bittersweet Life." The director is also invited to this year's screening of "The Good, The Bad and The Weird," Oct. 1 at Dole Cannery. The director and Jung are expected to make an appearance at the screening.

Jung has expressed that he is honored to accept the Achievement in Acting Award from HIFF and looks forward to attending this year. Past recipients of the award include Samuel Jackson, Maggie Cheung and Ken Watanabe. This will be Jung's first award outside of Korea.

You can watch Jung's previous movies on KLIFE, channel 81, Oceanic Cable digital video on demand channel. "Sad Movie" and "Daisy" will be available in October.

For more information on HIFF, go to www.hiff.org. For more on Jung, visit www.sidushq.com/star/jwsung.

Source: The Honolulu Advertiser, thanks to the highlight by Kuri-LBH.SG
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080921/ENT16/809210328

katt

September 22, 2008

‘The World They Live In’ Poster Revealed



The main poster of the much anticipated new drama, “The World They Live In“, casting Song Hye Kyo and Hyun Bin, was revealed recently by the production company YEG.

As the production company took a conservative approach during the previous filming and not releasing any production stills, this main poster release is a surprise to many fans. It immediately sparked discussions among netizens. In response to their stance of not releasing the production stills and posters, the representative of YEG expressed that in order to satisfy the fans, they would rather release the beautifully taken posters instead of letting the media publish bits and pieces of them.

In this poster, Song Hye Kyo and Hyun Bin look couple-like beside each other, which aroused the curiosity of fans, wanting to know their relationship in the drama. Aside from Song Hye Kyo and Hyun Bin, other casts also include Uhm Ki Joon, Seo Hyo Rim, Bae Jong Ok and others.

I have seen the landscape version of this poster during the press conference in Singapore. That was a little better, I feel but both are very well-taken. Notice that the english name of the drama on the poster is “WORLDs within……“, should I use it instead or stick to my “The World They Live In”? Hmm, it doesn’t matter much I guess.

“The World They Live In” has finished their scene taking in Singapore and are currently filming intensely in Korea. The drama is scheduled to debut on the 27th of October on KBS2TV, replacing “Love Marriage“.

Source: Newsen, empas.com via hanfever.com
http://www.hanfever.com/2008/09/ ... in-poster-revealed/

katt

September 22, 2008

'East of Eden' to be Screened in 8 Japanese Cities



"East of Eden," a popular new MBC drama series starring Hallyu star Song Seung-heon, will be screened in Japan. To mark Song's 32nd birthday, the best scenes from the drama series will be screened, free of charge, in eight major cities around Japan including Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka and Hiroshima over 23 sessions. The first screening in each city will only be open exclusively to members of Song's fanclub and will feature special scenes.

The event will be organized by Hanbang Cosmetics Company to support Song, who was recently chosen as the model for the brand's ad campaign. Song plans to attend the ceremony marking the opening of the Ginza branch of the Korean cosmetics brand on October 19.

Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1547161_11858.html

katt

September 22, 2008

Web Site Targets Fans of Celebrity Style

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter


Korean celebrities are endorsing fashion brands available on online shop Starvista.
From leff are Han young, Lee Sun-jin, Hwang Bo and You Ho-jung. / Courtesy of Starvista

Celebrities are undeniably today's style icons. Everyone looks at what stars like Jennifer Lopez, Lindsay Lohan and Rhianna are wearing, to see what's hot in fashion this season.

Korean stars are also known for starting fashion trends that everyone follows. It's no wonder why many fashion companies are always after celebrities to promote their brands, and why many celebrities are also starting their own fashion brands.

A new Web site (www.starvista.co.kr) was launched last Friday, as a "celebrity-based premium brands select shop." Starvista encourages shoppers to "create your own style with the stars," through several new Korean clothing brands.

Celebrities such as Hwang Bo, Han Young, Lee Sun-jin and even B-boy team Gambler are endorsing Starvista's brands for women and men's clothes. It also has a line of kids' wear endorsed by celebrity couple Lee Jae-ryong and You Ho-jung.

Hwang Bo, who appears in the hit MBC reality television show "We Got Married", appears to be the perfect model for the Beaucomb. On the Web site, Hwang Bo is seen wearing the season's trendy balloon shorts, trench coats, ankle booties and European leather bags.

Beaucomb, designed by Lee Bo-mi, has two clothing lines: career and casual. The career line is described as young, chic and classic modern clothes, while the casual line features London-style, hip and layered clothing.

S170, endorsed by Lee Sun-jin, is another brand that will catch any fashionista's attention. S170, designed by Cho Soo-youn, it features sexy drape dresses, frilly organza tops, silk jackets and ribbon skirts.

For a more casual but still sexy style, Kiss & Emilie would probably be the brand to go for. Designed by Hwang Bo (not the celebrity) and Rachel Yeum, Kiss & Emilie is a "French chic and trendy casual brand."

Endorsed by a perky Han Young, Kiss & Emilie's fall collection features hand-stitched T-shirts, slim tuxedo jackets, Swarovski-embellished denim jeans and open-backed one piece dresses.

The different pieces from the Beaucomb, S170 and Kiss & Emilie brands can be mixed and matched depending on one's style. The Starvista Web site recommends several ways to coordinate one's outfit.

Starvista also has a brand for men's wear called Freezeburn, which caters more to fans of urban street style. Popular B-boy group Gambler was chosen to model for Freezeburn, featuring a line of denim jeans and vintage T-shirts. Caps, sneakers and backpacks from other brands are also available.

Young mothers would love the cute and stylish outfits for children by IKKS, 3pommes and Jeanbourget. Celebrity mom You Ho-jung even gives advice on how to dress up children in a fun way on the section "Mama's Styling Tips."

Mothers can dress up their daughters in colorful printed tops, tunics, pants and skirts, and boys in denim jeans, plaid polo shirts and comfortable T-shirts.

As for the price, Starvista offers vintage T-shirts that start at 70,000 won, one-piece dresses at 230,000 won and jackets at 290,000 won.

Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2008/09/139_31409.html

katt

13th PIFF soompi thread

S. Korean Film festival opener sells out in record time

By Kim Young-gyo

SEOUL, Sept. 23 (Yonhap) -- Tickets to the opening film of South Korea's largest annual film festival early next month sold out in a record one and half minutes through sales on the festival's Web site, organizers said Tuesday.

The Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) said tickets for "The Gift to Stalin" were sold out Monday, breaking the record time of two minutes and four seconds set by "The Coast Guard," which was the opening film for the festival in 2002.

Directed by Kazakh film maker Rustem Abdrashev, "The Gift to Stalin" deals with the grim suppression of minority ethnic groups in the Soviet era. It will be screened at the festival on Oct. 2.

Tickets to the closing film "I Am Happy," by South Korean director Yoon Jong-chan, sold out in seven minutes and six seconds. Based on the novel "Mr. Cho Man-deuk" by the late Lee Cheong-jun, who left an enduring mark on South Korea's contemporary literature and film industry, the film relates the story of wounded souls in a psychiatric ward.

The film festival in Busan -- previously Pusan -- has been held annually since 1996. It begins this year on Oct. 2 for a nine-day run.

Credits: [email protected]
http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/culturesports/2008/09/23/25/0701000000AEN20080923002500315F.HTML

katt

Tuesday, 23 September 2008

Korean net cashes in on 'Painter'
SBS Productions sells TV drama distrib rights to Japan's Avex for $2 million
     
Written by Han Sunhee
   


SEOUL -- Korea's SBS Prods. has sold broadcast and DVD distribution rights to TV skein " Painter of the Wind" to Japan's Avex for about $2 million.

The drama, which will air in Korea from Wednesday to Nov. 27, is based on author Lee Jung-myeong's historical novel about real-life painter Shin Yun-bok, who was born in 1758. The 2007 novel suggests that Shin may have been a woman who hid her gender and chose to live as a man.

Moon Geun-young ("Dancing Princess" ) plays the painter.

The $2 million price is among the highest for an SBS skein, according to SBS.

Source: Variety Asia, image from daum.net
http://www.varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/6991/

katt

September 23, 2008

Ha Jung-woo to "Jump" on board
"The Chaser" star to headline new film from director of "200 Pounds Beauty"
   
Written by Han Sunhee     

SEOUL - Ha Jung-woo, star of this year's Korean crime-thriller "The Chaser", has signed to star in hot helmer Kim Yong-hwa's new sports actioner "Jump Broadly."

In the same vein as the hit 1993 Disney movie "Cool Runnings," "Jump" tells the story of five members of Korea's oft-overlooked national ski jumping team. Ha will take on the role of the team leader.

Pic is Kim's third outing after hits "200 Pounds Beauty" and "O Brothers." "Beauty" scored 6.62 million admissions in Korea, for a B.O. of over $40 million, topping local comedies for 2006."

Production and sales firm KM Culture will provide the $7 million budget for "Jump" and will handle local and int'l distribution. Producer is Park Moo-seung. Pic will lense from this month and is skedded to wrap in February.

Source: Variety Asia
http://www.varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/6993/

katt

September 22, 2008

Poster of "Worlds Within" Released



A poster of South Korean TV drama "Worlds Within" starring Song Hye-Kyo and Hyun Bin has been released recently. [Photo: korea.sohu.com]

Source: CRIENGLISH.com, empas.com
http://english.cri.cn/3086/2008/09/22/1321s408020.htm

katt

September 23, 2008

Wheesung Sings Theme Song for KBS Drama Series


  
Singer Wheesung recorded the main theme song for a TV drama series for the first time since his debut. Wheesung sang "Alive...and Dead...," the theme song for the brand new KBS drama series "The Land of Wind" starring actors Song Il-guk and Choi Jung-won. The song was aired for the first time on September 18.

The song was composed by Park Geun-tae and written by Kang Eun-kyung. The producers of the original soundtrack said the song has been getting a favorable response from both K-pop fans and drama fans.

Wheesung plans to release his new album in October.

Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1547305_11858.html

katt

September 23, 2008

Korea's Sweetheart Moon Becomes Mysterious Artist  

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter


Actress Moon Geunyoung will play
Joseon Kingdom painter in “The Painter of Wind.”

Actress Moon Geun-young started her acting career at the age of 12 in a low budget film "on the Way'' in 1999. The aspiring actress then appeared as the young Eun-Seo in the hit drama "Autumn in My Heart" the following year.

Now, 21, Korea's sweetheart is returning to the television screen for the first time in five years as a gifted artist who lives as a man to figure out the mysterious death of her family during the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) in the drama "The Painter of Wind."

Although Moon only appeared in her first shows as the younger characters of already famous actresses including Song Hye-gyo in "Autumn" and Lee Mi-yeon in "Empress Myeongseong (2001)," she left an impression among the Korean public as A young, pretty actress who could act.

She soon started to play the heroine in films and dramas, and eventually became known as "Korea's little sister," especially with her cute role as the young bride in the movie "My Little Bride (2004)" co-starring with heartthrob Kim Rae-won.

She proved once again that she was one of Korea's favorite actresses as reporters and cameramen filled the press conference of the drama "The Painter of Wind." Dressed in a long navy gown, she waved to the cameras with her trademark shy yet ravishing smile.

"It feels awkward in a dress, I'm so used to being a man. Even my voice seems to be more like a boy than a girl," she said laughing.


Moon Geun-young, left, and Park Shin-yang
will star in "The Painter of Wind," which will start
airing today on SBS./ Courtesy of SBS

Moon plays legendary artist Shin Yun-bok, while star actor Park Shin-yang will act as fellow artist and mentor Kim Hong-do. Based on the bestselling novel of the same title by Lee Jung-myung, Shin is born as a girl, but due to restrictions of education and other activities among women, she lives as a man her whole life, later finding herself in love with her tutor Kim.

"I'm more used to Western paintings, but I got to learn so much about Shin and Korean traditional paintings through the drama. I learned painting both in practice and theory, and I came to realize how hard it is to paint with a brush. Large strokes are easy, but it's so hard to show thin lines and describe the smallest details. But that was what Shin did best during his time,'' she said.

Painting was not the only thing Moon learned through the drama: she learned to tone down her image from the usual fun and bright to a more romantic and mysterious one.

"I chose this work because I like the calm and mysterious atmosphere. I didn't want to be called `Korea's little sister' anymore. When we first started shooting, I think I tried too hard to change my cute image. But now, I'm more comfortable. I've learned to respect my assets and try out for new ones steadily," she said.

From a young empress to a high school bride and now a painter, Moon is up to the task, both as a favorite among television and movie fans and also as a talented actor who can bring a character into life in her own style.

"The Painter of Wind" airs today at 9:55 p.m. on SBS.

Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/09/201_31482.html

katt

September 23, 2008

The 13th PIFF Opening Film Sets a New Sellout Record

The first Kazakh Opening Film at PIFF, 'The Gift to Stalin', sold out in 1 minute and 30 seconds while Closing film, 'I Am Happy', sold out in 7 minutes and 6 seconds

Opening Film of the 13th Pusan International Film Festival, <The Gift to Stalin> by Rustem ABDRASHEV, sold out in just 1 minute 30 seconds after online ticketing for the opening and closing films began at 6 p.m. on September 22nd, setting a new all-time record. The Kazakh film <The Gift to Stalin>, in its World Premiere, will warm the eager audience with its positive values of love and trust standing above nationality and age.

The 7th PIFF Opening Film <The Coast Guard> sold out in 2 minutes 4 seconds, the 6th Opening Film <Last Witness> recorded 2 minutes 28 seconds, and the 11th Opening Film <Traces Of Love> was sold out in 2 minutes and 45 seconds. However, <The Gift to Stalin> this year set a new record of 1 minute 30 seconds, thanks especially to the stable booking service realized through the efficient online system.



Closing Film <I Am Happy> sold out in 7 minutes and 6 seconds. The film by YOON Jon-chan, director of <Sorum> and <Blue Swallow>, is based on an original short story <Mr. Mandeuk Cho> by LEE Chong Chun who passed away lately , and is invited to hold its World Premiere at this year’s PIFF. Movie goers can still purchase Opening and Closing tickets – 300 of each have been set aside for on the spot sales on opening/closing day.

Ticketing for general screenings start at 9:30 AM on September 24th on the exclusive website (http://piff.netmarble.net) of Netmarble, the online-game site of CJ Internet Co., ltd. Audiences can also book tickets through ‘MobilePIFF’, the first mobile one-stop ticketing service, and at all Busan Bank branches and GS25 convenience stores across Korea. PIFF has allocated 30% of total tickets to on the spot availability to facilitate ticket purchases.

Source: www.piff.org, image from daum.net

katt

September 22, 2008

Big Bang Nears Seo Tae-ji in Album Sales  



Today’s hottest band Big Bang is threatening to overtake Korea’s “Cultural President” Seo Tae-ji in album sales.

According to Hanteo Chart, an online album sales site, Big Bang’s third mini album “Stand Up” has sold 122 thousand copies between September 22, 2007 and September 20, 2008. This figure is right behind the title song “Atomos Part Moai” in Seo Tae-ji’s eighth album, which posted 130 thousand in sales.

Just one week ago Big Bang was in third place in album sales, immediately following Brown Eyes’ third album “Two Things Needed for the Same Purpose and 5 Objets.” But this week Big Bang outsold Brown Eyes by 4,000 copies to take second place away from the ballad duo. Big Bang’s latest mini album has been in the market for six weeks already, but is still going strong in all music charts.

Big Bang has outranked Seo Tae-ji in music programs as well. The five-member band competed with Seo for the top spot in Music Bank, a music ranking program on KBS2, on September 5th. Big Bang also held onto No.1 spot against Seo in the cable channel MNet’s M Countdown on September 4th.  

Source: KBS World
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/e ... _detail.htm?No=8250

katt

September 23, 2008

Korea's Son launches M-Line

Written by Han Sunhee

SEOUL – Michelle Son, for six years head of sales at Korean production and sales combine Showeast, has launched her own sales outfit, M-Line Distribution.

"I'd like to focus on international coproductions and sales of international films, while handling Korean films as well," Son said. Company will present a slate of six movies at the upcoming Asian Film Market in Pusan.

Line-up is headed by trio of Korean films; "Evil Spirit: VIY", which will be screened in the Vision section of the fest, romantic drama "Hello, School Girl," by Ryoo Jang-ha ("The President's Barber") and Shin Min-a ("GoGo 70s") starrer "Kitchen."

Through an agreement with U.S.-based movie investor Film Financial Services, M-Line is also handling int'l sales for the U.K.-New Zealand comedy "Sisterhood", the Fred Dresch drama "Little Bear and the Master" and the Nichelle Nichols-starrer "The Torturer."

Source: Variety Asia
http://www.varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/6994/53/

katt

September 23, 2008

Song Seung-heon Passes 20 Billion Offer



A Japanese management firm has offered hunky Korean actor Song Seung-heon a three-year contract worth 20 billion won. However, Song has reportedly passed the offer, saying that he needs to concentrate on his role as Dong-cheol in his latest TV work, “The East of Eden.”

Song’s popularity and worth have soared ever since he starred in the spectacular new drama. Posting more than 25% rating, “The East of Eden” has emerged as another drama to lead the Korean Wave in Japan and Southeast Asia.

Song is already a huge star in Japan, having earned a wide following with “Autumn Tale (also known as “Autumn in My Heart” and “Autumn Story”) and “Summer Scent.” In fan meetings held after he was discharged from the, he drew 5,000 fans in Korea and 17,000 in Japan, demonstrating his drawing power as one of Asia’s top stars.

Source: KBS World
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_chart_detail.htm?No=8251

katt

September 23, 2008

Jeong honored with achievement award

Popular Korean actor Jeong Woo-seong will be the recipient of the "Achievement in Acting Award" at The Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival which will be held from Oct. 9 to 19.

Actors chosen from around the world are given the award every year for their positive contributions to the film industry.

While Jeong has received numerous accolades domestically, this will be his first international award. Past winners include Samuel L. Jackson, Hong Kong's Maggie Cheung, and Japan's Ken Watanabe.

Along with Jeong's award reception, his recent domestic box office smash, "The Good, the Bad, and the Weird," has been invited to be screened at the festival.

In 2006, genre-bending auteur Bong Joon-ho received the audience award for his hit film, "The Host," and last year, Kwak Gyeong-taek received the same award, along with the best director prize.

Credits: [email protected]

http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/

September 24, 2008

Jung Woo-sung to Receive 'Achievement in Acting Award' in Hawaii



Famous actor Jung Woo-sung will receive the 'Achievement in Acting Award' at the 2008 Hawaii International Film Festival, to be held from October 9 to 19. According to Sidus HQ, Jung's management agency, and the film festival headquarters, Jung will receive the coveted award which is given out to one actor for his or her outstanding performance every year. The headquarters also plans to introduce "The Good, the Bad, the Weird," the latest film featuring the popular actor.

The Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival was established in 1981 and is one of the leading international film festivals in the Oceania and Pacific regions. In 2006, film director Bong Jun-ho received the "Audience Choice Award" for his film "The Host" and last year, director Kwang Kyung-taek received the "Audience Choice Award" and "Best Director Award" for "A Love."

Jung plans to attend the award ceremony and meet with the local audience and movie industry personnel.

Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1547606_11858.html