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September 26, 2008
Questions Surround Actor Ahn's Death
By Kang Shin-how
Staff Reporter
It has been roughly three weeks since the popular actor Ahn Jae-hwan, 36, was found dead in his car in a residential area in northern Seoul. Police have presumed that he committed suicide. However, Ahn's sister is claiming that he did not commit suicide and has asked for the police to re-investigate the case.
His sister demanded police re-question his wife, comedian Jung Sun-hee, claiming she knows something about his death. His sister has asked the police to ban Jung from leaving the country.
"We don’t think the case warrants a ban on overseas travel. But we are going to question Jung again as requested," a police officer at Nowon Police Station said.
It has been reported that Ahn borrowed billions of won from loan sharks and chose to take his own life as he couldn’t repay the debt amid growing threats from the private moneylenders.
Ahn’s sister is alleging that Jung told her that she was kidnapped along with Ahn, but was released.
"She saw the suspect’s face. I don't understand why she is saying nothing now," Ahn’s sister said during an interview with a cable TV channel. "He is not dead because of money. I will continue to ask the police to investigate the case until the truth is revealed."
Police are expected to question Jung again as early as this weekend or early next week.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/09/117_31716.html
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Kwon Sang Woo Elated with Marriage in Sight
September 26, 2008 by coolsmurf
Hallyu star Kwon Sang Woo left a message for his fans at 3am in the morning today via his fan cafe, expressing how blissful he is feeling right now in view of his impending marriage this weekend with Son Tae Young.
Kwon Sang Woo expressed
I can't get to sleep once again. It has been like this recently and there were many important events from the past that flashed before my eyes. But my wedding will become the most important event of my life. I will have to become more mature and responsible 3 days later. I hope that my fans will give me their blessings.
I have been counting down the weeks and days, recollecting every memory I had, the moment when I debuted, my childhood, the present me, etc just appeared in my mind. There are many beautiful moments in my life but nothing is more important than this. To be able to spend the rest of my lifetime with her is probably the most beautiful moment of my life. I watched ‘Notting Hill’ again recently and it really moved me this time. I didn't have that feeling when I watched the movie in the past.”
Kwon Sang Woo and Son Tae Young wedding ceremony will take place this Sunday at Seoul’s Shilla Hotel and will be a closed-door event (only invited guests). Although the number of guests won't be as many as Yoo Jae Suk, many big-names will grace the event including Bae Yong Joon, Jang Dong Gun, Lee Byung Hun, Song Seung Hun, Choi Ji Woo, Ha Ji Won, Won Bin, So Ji Sup, Cha Seung Won, Lee Sung Jae, Park Yong Ha, Ryu Si Won, Lee Mi Yeon, etc. Jo Sung Mo, just out from the army in May will sing the congratulatory song.
Source: coolsmurf.wordpress.com |
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More Details About Kwon Sang Woo and Son Tae Young Wedding Ceremony
September 27, 2008 by coolsmurf
The most highly-anticipated event of the weekend is the celebrity wedding ceremony of Kwon Sang Woo and Son Tae Young which takes place this Sunday at Shilla Hotel at Jangchung-Dong, Seoul starting at 5pm. As the wedding ceremony is by invitation only (closed to fans and media), many are curious about what’s going to happen during the actual event tomorrow.
According to an insider, “The entire wedding ceremony will be at least 3 hours and the newly-wedded couple will go to each table to propose a toast to show their thanks.In order not to disappoint the media and fans, Kwon Sang Woo and Son Tae Young will appear in a photo zone 10m in length in their wedding outfits before the wedding for them to take pictures of them.”
Following the end of their wedding reception, the newly-wedded couple will spend their first night at Shilla Hotel. Thereafter, they will then move into their new home at Samsung-dong to begin their sweet new life together.
Source: coolsmurf.wordpress.com |
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September 27, 2008
Kwon Sang Woo to Marry Son Tae Young Tomorrow
Kwon Sang Woo(L) and Son Tae Young [File Photo: ent.sina.com.cn]
Korean star Kwon Sang Woo will marry Son Tae Young, former Miss Korea in Shilla Hotel, Seoul tomorrow, September 28, web Site sina.com reports Saturday.
The nuptial proceedings will be closed to media and kept a strictly private affair, but the newly-weds will pose in dress for press and fans before the ceremony, a rep of the couple said.
Only about 300 guests will be invited to the afternoon ceremony.
Close friends, including fellow actors Korean actor Bae Yong Joon, Jang Dong Gun, Won Bin as well as actress Choi Ji Woo, were among those on the guest list.
The bride-to-be Son Tae Young will finish bridal makeup in the hotel rather than in a beauty saloon, to shun away from paparazzi.
Reports say the couple's honeymoon will be put on hold as Kwon Sang Woo will start filming in November. Son Tae Young has not scheduled any new work and she would spend more time on family after the marriage.
Source: CRIENGLISH.com
http://english.cri.cn/3086/2008/09/27/1321s409797.htm |
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September 28, 2008
CONGRATULATIONS TO KWON SANG WOO & SON TAE YOUNG!
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September 28, 2008
Actors Kwon, Sohn Tie Knot
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Actors Sohn Tae-young, 28, left and Kwon Sang-woo, 32 wave to reporters ahead of their wedding Sunday at Shilla Hotel, Seoul. The couple invited some 300 guests to their closed-doors wedding ceremony, but fans and reporters swarmed the venue to catch a glimpse of the celebrity duo. / Yonhap
Actors Kwon Sang-woo, 32, and Sohn Tae-young, 28, tied the knot Sunday at a three-hour private wedding that drew a crowd including top Korean stars, reporters and fans from Japan.
Before the wedding, the elegantly dressed couple appeared in front of fans and photographers, smiling and holding hands. "I thank everybody for coming, even those who came all the way from Japan. We promise we will do our best to live happily" Kwon said.
The two actors met through friend and fellow actor Kim Sung-soo and when Kwon was asked if he talked to anybody before the wedding, he smiled and said he talked to Kim.
When asked of how many children they were planning to have, they had their differences. "I would like to have three children, but I don't know about Sohn," Kwon said, while Sohn answered that she wanted to have two in order to stay fit.
The wedding was held at the Shilla Hotel with 300 guests. Singer Jo Sung-mo sang the nuptial song, while Sohn's brother-in-law pianist Yiruma performed just for the occasion. The star-studded guest list was known to include fellow actors So Ji-sub, Lee Byung-hun, Lee Jung-jae and Song Seung-heon.
When asked what they wanted to do after the wedding, the groom smiled and said that he wanted "to dance with the bride to beautiful music."
Kwon shot to stardom by appearing in hit dramas like "Stairways of Heaven (2003)," "Bad Love (2007)" and movies "My Tutor Friend (2003)" and "Fate (2008)."
Sohn, a former Miss Korea who came in as second runner up in 2000, also gained popularity with her acting and her sense of style with movies "Sad Movie (2005)" and "The Railroad (2007)." She currently hosts a cable network beauty and fashion program "Sohn Tae-young's Life Magazine."
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2008/09/139_31817.html |
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NEWS INDEX page 51
September 28, 2008: Must-See Movies at 13th Pusan Film Festival
Sep 28: Seo Tai-ji, RPO heat up cold Saturday night with epic sound
Sep 28: Actor Lee Jun-ki Faces Lawsuit
Sep 29: "King of Ballads" Shin Seung-hun Makes Transformation
Sep 29: Kwon Sang-woo & Son Tae-young Say "I Do"
Sep 29: J.Tune Entertainment's Fashion Line to Incorporate Paul Klee's Works
Sep 29: Stellar period piece brings in poor ratings
» Weekly Box Office 2008.09.26 ~ 2008.09.28
Sep 30: 'Mom's Dead Upset' Ends with 40.6% Viewer Rating
Sep 30: 'Modern Boy': Reinterpretation of Japanese Colonialism?
[13 PIFF] 'The Feast of stars' begins on October 2
Sep 29: Singer M Sizzles in Concert
Sep 30: Bada and Song Chang-eui to Star in “200lb Beauty”
Oct 1: Rain’s 5th Album Teaser to Be Released
Sep 30: Korea, New Zealand ink film pact
[ Last edited by katt at 5-10-2008 10:48 PM ] |
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September 28, 2008
Must-See Movies at 13th Pusan Film Festival
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
“Children of the Pyre”
The 13th Pusan (Busan) International Film Festival (PIFF) ― South Korea's most reputable and Asia's largest cinema event ― will take place in the southern port city Oct. 2-10. "The Gift to Stalin" from Kazakhstan opens the festival while "I Am Happy" by Yoon Jong-chan will wrap up the event.
This year's edition features the biggest ever lineup of 315 films from 60 countries. They will be shown across 37 screens in six venues, and to facilitate festival-goers, multiplex theaters will screen works according to theme: Korean films will mostly be shown at Primus Theater; World cinema at Lotte Cinema; and Asian films at Megabox, etc.
Still, the large selection makes choosing films not that easy, and so to ease the pain the four PIFF programmers have come up with two lists of recommended works: One for cinephiles and another for regular viewers:
For Movie Maniacs
Kim Ji-seok: "Confessional" (R. Antipuesto & J. Tarog, Philippines, 2007; A Window on Asian Cinema) ― "This film blurs the line between truth and lies. The moment the protagonist's camera captures the truth, doubts arise about morality. Filipino cinema gave birth to a truly remarkable work."
"Children of the Pyre" (Rajesh S. Jala, India, 2008; Wide Angle ― Documentary Competition) "This is a shocking documentary from India that portrays children earning their living on a funeral pyre. Seven children dig through corpses and steal personal belongings in order to support their families."
Lee Sang-yong (Korean Cinema): "The Housemaid" (Kim Ki-young, 1960; Korean Cinema Retrospective) "This embodies everything about director Kim Ki-young. Plus the quality of the visuals is topnotch. The digitally restored version co-organized by the World Cinema Foundation and Korean Film Archive will be screened, and the audience will be able to savor an excellent mise-en-scene hitherto unseen in the older print."
"VIY" (Park Jin-sung, 2008; Korean Cinema Today) ― "It's an omnibus of three shorts about witches, and boasts unique styles as well as experimental visuals and finely crafted drama that inspires horror. It is the debutant piece by 'The Epitaph' director Park and is inspired by the Russian novel of the same time."
Jay Joen (World Cinema): "O'Horten" (Bent Hamer, Germany/Norway, 2007) ― "This is a beautiful piece by Horten that tells the story of an aged driver in a way that is at times like a magical storybook and other times surreal."
"Wendy and Lucy" (Kelly Reichardt, United States, 2008) ― "This can be considered the best American independent film of the year. The superb script and beautiful cinematography signals a bright future for the director."
Hong Hyo-sook (Wide Angle- Documentary, Shorts): "American Alley" (Kim Dong-yung, Korea, 2008;) ― " eople call military camp-side towns 'American Alley.' Filipino and Russian female entertainers and grandmothers cannot leave the area even if they want to, and are forced to battle harsh reality."
"Farmer's Song" (Yoon Doc-hyun, Korea, 2008) ― "It captures the daily lives of farmers in Sacheon who are battling to preserve something small. It portrays the ironic situation of farmers having to farm on asphalt-covered land.''
For Ordinary Moviegoers
Kim Ji-seok (A New Window on Asian Cinema): "Cape No. 7" (T-sheng Wei, Taiwan, 2008;) ― "This is an impressive directorial debut by We, who was assistant director for Edward Yang. It portrays the ups and downs of a newly formed band and the heartbreaking story of two lovers."
"Snakes and Earrings" (Yukio Ninagawa, Japan, 2008) ― "This is a hip, young film by an elderly veteran director. This is about a shocking love triangle involving body piercing."
Lee Sang-yong (Korean Cinema Today): "Crush and Blush" (Lee Kyung-mi, 2008) ― "This is about the high flying adventures of a young teacher's efforts to win the heart of her longtime crush, her teacher-turned-coworker.''
"Let the Blue River Run" (Kang Mija, 2008) ― "This is about the loves and lives of 17-year-old Korean-Chinese youths. It captures their witty dialect and candid demeanor. Such an ebullient teen drama is rare to see in an era marked by depression and desperation."
Jay Jeon: "Make Yourself at Home" (Soopum Sohn, Korea/U.S., 2008; Gala Presentation) ― "This film made headlines for starring actress Song Hye-kyo. It is a tense psychological thriller about a woman shaman who chooses to live an ordinary life."
"Stone of the Destiny" (Charles Martin Smith, U.K./Canada, 2007; Open Cinema) ― "olitical romanticism, romance and the good old days! This film interprets with finesse a political theme that could otherwise have been rigid. It was inspired by the true story of Scottish university students who became symbols of their country's independence movement."
"63 Years On" (Kim Dong-won, Korea, 2008; Wide Angle-Documentary Showcase) ― "This film will inspire self-examination for those familiar with the subject of comfort women (World War II sex slaves) and enlightenments for those who are not. Women who were repeatedly raped by soldiers in Japanese military brothels spent the past 63 years in silence. This movie documents interviews with former comfort women in Korea, China, the Philippines, Netherlands, etc."
"Boy Meets Boy" (Kim Jho Kwang-soo, Korea, 2008; Wide Angle- Shorts Showcase 1) ― "This film subtly captures the impalpable attraction between two boys, drawing out fresh sentiments."
Another recommendable film is a collection of music videos by popular directors from Taiwan, Thailand, Iran, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines. The 75-minute-long film will be screened in the Special Program Section.
In an effort to service festivalgoers, PIFF introduces a mobile service. "Mobile PIFF" will enable users to check out details about the festival and featured films, related news and events and screening schedules, etc. The service also allows users to make ticket reservations, which were hitherto limited to online (www.netmarble.net) and on-site ticket booths.
Thirty percent of tickets will be reserved for the ticket booth to service those who did not make reservations. Tickets can also be purchased in advance at theater ticket booths, nationwide GS25 convenience store ATMs and the Bank of Busan (ATM, mobile banking).
Visit www.piff.org (Korean and English) for more information.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/09/141_31786.html
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September 28, 2008
Actor Lee Jun-ki Faces Lawsuit
By Park Si-soo
Staff Reporter
Lee Jun-ki
Actor Lee Jun-ki faces a lawsuit as his management agency filed a compensation suit against Lee and his manager identified as Lee for breaking a contract to stash part of his performance fee.
The Seoul Central District Court said Sunday his management agency Mentor Entertainment had filed a suit to demand the actor pay 500 million won ($500,000) in compensation for breaking a contract between the two parties.
In the petition, the agency stated, "The contract signed in May 2004 stipulates the actor belongs to Mentor Entertainment for five years and must work exclusively for the company. But the 26-year-old movie star recently established his own agency in association with his manager."
The company claimed Lee had stashed more than one billion won.
"He must be banned from working for the self-established company until the contract with Mentor Entertainment expires," the company added.
Lee immediately refuted the allegation. "I underwent significant financial damage as the company was poor in dealing with tax affairs and profit distribution," Lee claimed in a statement. "I notified the company of contract cancellation in February."
Lee, born in 1982 in Busan, south Gyeongsang Province, is a popular actor and model. He leaped to stardom by appearing in the epic film, "The King and the Clown" in 2006.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/natio.../117_31791.htm |
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September 29, 2008
"King of Ballads" Shin Seung-hun Makes Transformation
Eighteen years after his debut, Shin Seung-hun is taking a break from his "King of Ballads" title.
The singer has begun a project for three mini-albums to be released starting October 7th. His new music is said to be "of a different style" from his previous songs.
Shin had hinted at this transformation back in 2006, when he released his tenth album. In an interview, he had stated, "My voice is my greatest obstacle." He continued by saying he planned on bringing something new to the public in the following years.
Shin composed and wrote the lyrics for his upcoming mini-albums. "My 'Big Project' will consist of a transition between my tenth and eleventh album," he explained.
The entertainment agency representing Shin announced that his new music will be a "refreshing shock" for fans of Shin's regular music style. His mini-albums will include a blend of British rock, modern rock and new age music.
Shin will be performing at the Seoul World Cup Stadium for the "Asia Song Festival" on October 4th, and the "October Snow" concert to be held at Yonsei University on October 11th and 12th.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1548266_11858.html |
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September 29, 2008
Seo Tai-ji, RPO heat up cold Saturday night with epic sound
As if to persuade the audience that his moniker, "The President of Culture," isn't an overstatement, Seo Tai-ji lit up Seoul World Cup Stadium on an unseasonably chilly night Saturday.
Fusing two seemingly antithetical genres, the 36-year-old rock star and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra created an epic sound that shook the stadium. The grandiosity of the 65-piece orchestra, led by England's Tolga Kashif, paired with Seo's music was not only seamless, but the infusion was so perfect that there will likely be fans who cannot fathom listening to his music in its original form again.
The performance was a blending of violins, violas, cellos, oboes, trumpets, kettle drums, chimes and even a harp, all of which was accentuated by the thrashing sounds of metal from Seo's camp.
A comparison to Metallica's concert with the San Francisco Symphony in 1999 is inevitable, but the difference here is that Metallica's devastating metal sound chewed and consumed the orchestra they performed with through a bombardment of ripping guitar riffs and Lars Ulrich's obnoxious drumming.
Seo and Kashif, on the other hand, seem to have focused more on how they could blend the best characteristics of classical arrangements which would complement Seo's eclectic hard rock. It proved a success on all fronts. The show kicked off with a laboriously long intro featuring a repetitious laser show on the Jumbo-Tron that was more like a Windows Media screensaver.
Just when it got to the point of slight annoyance, the giant screen slowly split down the center to reveal the man of the hour. The stadium roared with chants and cheers as the "president" arrived. By the end of "Take 2," the fans were warmed up and ready to have their engine revved.
It was Seo's third song, "FM Business," that triggered seismic activity in the stadium. From there, it was everything goes and the 30,000 fans never let up.
Seo easily fluctuated between a delicate voice that created an initial calm and a rage-fueled vocal that entranced the audience, such as his 1993 hit, "Swamp of Death." Just before performing his newest single, "Moai," he asked, "Tonight, I would like to bring you with me on a journey. Would you like me to take you there?" Because of his reclusive reputation, this figurative invitation made the crowd go wild.
What followed was a more serene orchestral version of his newest anthemic single that was perhaps a bit too downbeat, given that it's supposed to be an uplifting song. Regardless, the blending of the Philharmonic Orchestra created an almost otherworldly atmosphere accompanied by abstract animation on the Jumbo-Tron that was most likely Seo's intention. It worked.
Near the halfway point, Seo decided to do a bit of market research - with irony, of course. He asked the audience their age range. As it turned out, most were career men and women, along with quite a few college students. There were even high school and middle school students, which was a testament to the appeal his music has had for more than 15 years. He reinvents himself with each record.
Standing out from the rest of the set was the performance of "T'ik Tak Fantasia" and "Classroom Philosophy," which incorporated the 60-member Paju City Choir that enhanced the grandiose theme of the concert.
"Classroom Philosophy" was preceded by a short scathing commentary by Seo on the conditions of the Korean education system. "I feel really bad for our youngsters to have to go through such a horrific educational system here in Korea. Nothing's changed since the release of this song and it saddens me," Seo said before bulldozing through the tune with chaotic fervor.
Signaling the coming end of the show, Seo obligingly introduced his band before tipping his hat to the conductor Kashif. "I am truly grateful to The Royal Philharmonic and The Paju City Choir for enduring months of rehearsals in preparation for this concert," Seo said.
"And, last but not least, please give the man who lost many hours of sleep to make all of this happen applause - Tolga Kashif everybody." With Seo's career-defining first hit, "I Know," The Great 2008 Seo Tai-ji Symphony came to an end, leaving the fans wanting more. That's the best time to exit the stage for a man who has been one of most influential figures in contemporary Korean music.
By Song Woong-ki ([email protected])
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/ |
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September 29, 2008
Actress Jang Jin-young Diagnosed with Cancer
Actress Jang Jin-young (34) has been admitted to a hospital after being diagnosed with stomach cancer.
"Jang Jing-young has been admitted to a hospital in Seoul for further examination," said her agent from Yedang Entertainment. "We are not sure of what stage she's in, but we heard that her cancer should be curable," they explained.
Jang has starred in movies such as "The Scent of Love (2003)," "Singles (2003)," "Blue Swallow (2005)" and "Between Love and Hate (2006)." She has been in numerous commercials as well, and last October she was the star of the SBS TV drama "Lobbyist."
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1548268_11858.html |
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September 29, 2008
J.Tune Entertainment's Fashion Line to Incorporate Paul Klee's Works
Rain's management agency J.Tune Entertainment, which recently declared its intent to expand into the fashion business, will incorporate works by Swiss artist Paul Klee into its fashion brand "Six to Five."
The agency recently announced that it signed contracts with a European copyrights management company to use Klee's works in the new fashion brand.
Klee is regarded a master of line and color and is most well-known for his dreamy, intelligent and exquisite watercolor and oil paintings. Meanwhile, Rain is getting ready to release his fifth studio album next
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1548330_11858.html |
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September 29, 2008
Stellar period piece brings in poor ratings
Despite its top notch cast, stellar script and near cinematic perfection, SBS' new Wednesday and Thursday night series "The Painter of Wind" failed to win audiences over last week.
The period piece drew in nationwide viewer ratings of 10.6 percent (AGB Nielsen Media Research) following its first episode, which aired last Wednesday. Its low ratings placed it below rival dramas MBC's "Beethoven Virus" and KBS' "The Land of the Wind," which scored nationwide ratings of 16.5 percent and 15.9 percent (AGB Nielsen Media Research) respectively.
The second episode of "The Painter of Wind" fared only slightly better, with a mere 0.5 percent increase in ratings (AGB Nielsen Media Research). But the drama's poor track record hardly does it justice. While ratings may reflect a viewer's preferences, they do not represent a series' level of quality. Nowhere is this more evident than in the case of "The Painter of Wind."
Based on the bestselling novel of the same name, this drama -- which reinterprets and rewrites the lives of leading Joseon Dynasty painters Kim Hong-do and Shin Yun-bok -- manages to fuse the artistic and human beauty of rival series "Beethoven Virus" with the sweeping epic proportions of KBS' "The Land of the Wind."
Actor Park Shin-yang and co-star Moon Geun-young bring star power and acting prowess to the game, pulling off their leading roles as mentor and pupil, lovers and comrades, with stunning depth and complexity.
If "The Painter of Wind" possesses an Achilles' heel, it is that it chooses to focus on art. For the average television viewer, the combination of art and history can come across as boring and long-winded. "It is a difficult drama," admitted director Jang Tae-yoo at a press conference held on Sept. 17. "It is challenging to make art interesting. I don't know how much of it will get communicated to audiences."
Judging from the first two episodes, Jang and his team have succeeded in breathing new life into a potentially stuffy genre. Soft and sweeping shots of aspiring court painters putting brush to paper and tipping back wine while ogling gisaeng (Korean geisha) paint an entirely new portrait of the Joseon Dynasty.
While the series retains the usual elements of intrigue and murder, politics and warfare take a back seat. Romance and the essence of the late Joseon Dynasty, of an era of reform and cultural renaissance, come to the forefront, imbibing the period piece with a strong sense of humanity and intimacy. More importantly, the series takes on an approach reminiscent of lush period pieces like E. J-yong's "Untold Scandal" (2003), by focusing on issues of sexuality and gender.
Posing the classically Shakespearian question: "What if the famed painter Shin Yun-bok had been a girl pretending to be a boy?" The drama -- like the original novel -- toys with themes of homosexuality and forbidden love while highlighting the inequalities of a male-dominant society.
Actress Moon took up the challenge of playing girl-turned-boy Shin Yun-bok. And she does a surprisingly good job of portraying a confident and rebellious girl struggling to make it in a world ruled by men. "I tried to copy my older male co-stars," said Moon, 21, at the press conference.
The precocious actress did more than just mimic her male colleagues. Within the first two episodes, she managed to convey the mischievous and anguished nature of her character, at times playing a sweet and innocent tomboy, at others a cocky and seductive painter.
Though there is no evidence to show that the real Shin was a woman, his talent at capturing the beauty of women and for creating exquisite intimate paintings remains undisputed. Known by his pen name, Hyewon (b. 1758), he is remembered today as one of the "Three Wons" of Joseon-period painting.
The other two "Wons" include fellow genre painter Kim Hong-do a.k.a. Danwon (1745- c.1806) and 19th century painter Jang Seung-up (1843-1897) -- otherwise known as Owon. While Kim enjoyed a relatively prominent career as an artist, fellow painter Shin -- who was expelled from the royal painting institute, Dohwaseo -- lived a more obscure life.
"The Painter of Wind" takes historical liberties with the lives of Kim Hong-do and Shin Yun-bok, depicting a full-blown romance between Kim, played by Park Shin-yang, and Moon Geun-young's character against the backdrop of 18th century Korea.
"The Painter of Wind" airs on Wednesday and Thursday nights on SBS at 9:55 p.m.
By Jean Oh (<A href="http://eforum9.cari.com.my/mailto [email protected]">[email protected])
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/ |
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NEWS INDEX page 51
September 28, 2008: Must-See Movies at 13th Pusan Film Festival
Sep 28: Seo Tai-ji, RPO heat up cold Saturday night with epic sound
Sep 28: Actor Lee Jun-ki Faces Lawsuit
Sep 29: "King of Ballads" Shin Seung-hun Makes Transformation
Sep 29: Kwon Sang-woo & Son Tae-young Say "I Do"
Sep 29: J.Tune Entertainment's Fashion Line to Incorporate Paul Klee's Works
Sep 29: Stellar period piece brings in poor ratings
» Weekly Box Office 2008.09.26 ~ 2008.09.28
Sep 30: 'Mom's Dead Upset' Ends with 40.6% Viewer Rating
Sep 30: 'Modern Boy': Reinterpretation of Japanese Colonialism?
[13 PIFF] 'The Feast of stars' begins on October 2
Sep 29: Singer M Sizzles in Concert
Sep 30: Bada and Song Chang-eui to Star in “200lb Beauty”
Oct 1: Rain’s 5th Album Teaser to Be Released
Sep 30: Korea, New Zealand ink film pact
Oct 1: Hanwha dials up "Cell Phone"
Oct 1: Singer Yang Sued for Using Own Portrait
Sep 29: Volunteers for Busan film festival
Oct 2: Enemies conquer poverty to rekindle love
Oct 2: Scene-stealing stunt stars thrive off-camera
Oct 2: Top Actress Choi Found Dead at Home
Oct 2: Star actress Choi Jin-sil found dead at home: police
Oct 2: Late Choi Jin-sil was Korea's sweetheart for over 20 years
[ Last edited by katt at 3-10-2008 02:23 AM ] |
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September 28, 2008
Must-See Movies at 13th Pusan Film Festival
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
“Children of the Pyre”
The 13th Pusan (Busan) International Film Festival (PIFF) ― South Korea's most reputable and Asia's largest cinema event ― will take place in the southern port city Oct. 2-10. "The Gift to Stalin" from Kazakhstan opens the festival while "I Am Happy" by Yoon Jong-chan will wrap up the event.
This year's edition features the biggest ever lineup of 315 films from 60 countries. They will be shown across 37 screens in six venues, and to facilitate festival-goers, multiplex theaters will screen works according to theme: Korean films will mostly be shown at Primus Theater; World cinema at Lotte Cinema; and Asian films at Megabox, etc.
Still, the large selection makes choosing films not that easy, and so to ease the pain the four PIFF programmers have come up with two lists of recommended works: One for cinephiles and another for regular viewers:
For Movie Maniacs
Kim Ji-seok: "Confessional" (R. Antipuesto & J. Tarog, Philippines, 2007; A Window on Asian Cinema) ― "This film blurs the line between truth and lies. The moment the protagonist's camera captures the truth, doubts arise about morality. Filipino cinema gave birth to a truly remarkable work."
"Children of the Pyre" (Rajesh S. Jala, India, 2008; Wide Angle ― Documentary Competition) "This is a shocking documentary from India that portrays children earning their living on a funeral pyre. Seven children dig through corpses and steal personal belongings in order to support their families."
Lee Sang-yong (Korean Cinema): "The Housemaid" (Kim Ki-young, 1960; Korean Cinema Retrospective) "This embodies everything about director Kim Ki-young. Plus the quality of the visuals is topnotch. The digitally restored version co-organized by the World Cinema Foundation and Korean Film Archive will be screened, and the audience will be able to savor an excellent mise-en-scene hitherto unseen in the older print."
"VIY" (Park Jin-sung, 2008; Korean Cinema Today) ― "It's an omnibus of three shorts about witches, and boasts unique styles as well as experimental visuals and finely crafted drama that inspires horror. It is the debutant piece by 'The Epitaph' director Park and is inspired by the Russian novel of the same time."
Jay Joen (World Cinema): "O'Horten" (Bent Hamer, Germany/Norway, 2007) ― "This is a beautiful piece by Horten that tells the story of an aged driver in a way that is at times like a magical storybook and other times surreal."
"Wendy and Lucy" (Kelly Reichardt, United States, 2008) ― "This can be considered the best American independent film of the year. The superb script and beautiful cinematography signals a bright future for the director."
Hong Hyo-sook (Wide Angle- Documentary, Shorts): "American Alley" (Kim Dong-yung, Korea, 2008 " ― "People call military camp-side towns 'American Alley.' Filipino and Russian female entertainers and grandmothers cannot leave the area even if they want to, and are forced to battle harsh reality."
"Farmer's Song" (Yoon Doc-hyun, Korea, 2008) ― "It captures the daily lives of farmers in Sacheon who are battling to preserve something small. It portrays the ironic situation of farmers having to farm on asphalt-covered land.''
For Ordinary Moviegoers
Kim Ji-seok (A New Window on Asian Cinema): "Cape No. 7" (T-sheng Wei, Taiwan, 2008 " ― "This is an impressive directorial debut by We, who was assistant director for Edward Yang. It portrays the ups and downs of a newly formed band and the heartbreaking story of two lovers."
"Snakes and Earrings" (Yukio Ninagawa, Japan, 2008 ) ― "This is a hip, young film by an elderly veteran director. This is about a shocking love triangle involving body piercing."
Lee Sang-yong (Korean Cinema Today): "Crush and Blush" (Lee Kyung-mi, 2008) ― "This is about the high flying adventures of a young teacher's efforts to win the heart of her longtime crush, her teacher-turned-coworker.''
"Let the Blue River Run" (Kang Mija, 2008) ― "This is about the loves and lives of 17-year-old Korean-Chinese youths. It captures their witty dialect and candid demeanor. Such an ebullient teen drama is rare to see in an era marked by depression and desperation."
Jay Jeon: "Make Yourself at Home" (Soopum Sohn, Korea/U.S., 2008; Gala Presentation) ― "This film made headlines for starring actress Song Hye-kyo. It is a tense psychological thriller about a woman shaman who chooses to live an ordinary life."
"Stone of the Destiny" (Charles Martin Smith, U.K./Canada, 2007; Open Cinema) ― " Political romanticism, romance and the good old days! This film interprets with finesse a political theme that could otherwise have been rigid. It was inspired by the true story of Scottish university students who became symbols of their country's independence movement."
"63 Years On" (Kim Dong-won, Korea, 2008; Wide Angle-Documentary Showcase) ― "This film will inspire self-examination for those familiar with the subject of comfort women (World War II sex slaves) and enlightenments for those who are not. Women who were repeatedly raped by soldiers in Japanese military brothels spent the past 63 years in silence. This movie documents interviews with former comfort women in Korea, China, the Philippines, Netherlands, etc."
"Boy Meets Boy" (Kim Jho Kwang-soo, Korea, 2008; Wide Angle- Shorts Showcase 1) ― "This film subtly captures the impalpable attraction between two boys, drawing out fresh sentiments."
Another recommendable film is a collection of music videos by popular directors from Taiwan, Thailand, Iran, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines. The 75-minute-long film will be screened in the Special Program Section.
In an effort to service festivalgoers, PIFF introduces a mobile service. "Mobile PIFF" will enable users to check out details about the festival and featured films, related news and events and screening schedules, etc. The service also allows users to make ticket reservations, which were hitherto limited to online (www.netmarble.net) and on-site ticket booths.
Thirty percent of tickets will be reserved for the ticket booth to service those who did not make reservations. Tickets can also be purchased in advance at theater ticket booths, nationwide GS25 convenience store ATMs and the Bank of Busan (ATM, mobile banking).
Visit www.piff.org (Korean and English) for more information.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/09/141_31786.html
[ Last edited by katt at 29-9-2008 11:40 PM ] |
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