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September 28, 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 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/ ... 8/09/117_31791.html |
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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
Kwon Sang-woo & Son Tae-young Say "I Do"
Actor Kwon Sang-woo and Son Tae-young tied the knot at the Shilla Hotel in Jangchung-dong, Seoul, on September 28. 350 guests attended the much talked-about event.
The couple's wedding ceremony was hosted by KBS announcer Yoon In-gu and officiated by Grand National Party lawmaker Joo Ho-young. Singer Jo Sung-mo and Son's brother-in-law and pianist Yiruma each performed nuptial songs. The newlyweds will move into Kwon's apartment in Samsung-dong, Seoul.
Kwon made his acting debut in 2001 through the MBC drama series "Delectable Proposal." He rose to stardom through the 2003 film "My Tutor Friend" and starred in numerous hit films including "Spirit of Jeet Kun Do" and "Running Wild." He also starred opposite Choi Ji-woo in the SBS drama series "Stairway to Heaven."
Meanwhile, Son made her debut as a TV entertainer in 2000 after she finished second runner-up at the 2000 Miss Korea beauty pageant. She also starred in numerous TV drama series including "100 Roses" and "I Am Sam" as well as films such as "Sad Movie" and "Gyeongeui Line."
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1548383_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
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 ([email protected])
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/ |
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 Weekly Box Office 2008.09.26 ~ 2008.09.28 3-day Gross/Total Gross (won)
1. Mamma Mia! (U.S.) 1,842,091,000 / 20,673,174,500
2. The Divine Weapon (South Korea) 1,409,017,500 / 21,665,006,500
3. The Truck (South Korea) 1,370,177,000 / 1,619,894,000
4. Hellboy 2: The Golden Army (U.S.) 1,202,276,000 / 1,360,614,000
5. My Dear Enemy (South Korea) 1,145,000,500 / 1,357,821,000
6. Rough Cut (South Korea) 918,670,000 / 7,602,554,500
7. Our School E.T. (South Korea) 206,925,000 / 4,078,859,000
8. Donkey Xote (Spain) 175,344,500 / 186,036,000
9. Mirrors (U.S.) 143,570,500 / 1,278,487,500
10. The Life Before Her Eyes (U.S.) 102,553,500 / 123,015,500
Source: KOFIC |
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September 30, 2008
Korea, New Zealand ink film pact
Written by Han Sunhee
SEOUL -- South Korea and New Zealand signed a film co-production treaty Monday, capping many years of negotiation. The treaty, proposed in 2003, will give co-productions all the benefits of the two countries' own projects, including funding and tax breaks. Pact also allows for temporary immigration and importation of equipment.
South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said the treaty will contribute to the globalization of Korean films. The treaty is expected to expand the exportation of Korean films, as it allows overseas distribution of the co-productions.
"This agreement will provide a further boost to filmmakers to advance these projects," New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said at the signing ceremony in Wellington.
In 2005, Clark signed an Audio Visual Cooperation Agreement with South Korea at APEC in Pusan. In 2007, film producers of both countries signed an agreement to collaborate on co-production projects, led by Film Auckland and the Korean Film Producers Assn.
South Korea has a co-production treaty with France, while New Zealand has such deals with eight other countries including Germany, Canada and the U.K.
Korean films lensed in New Zealand include "Bungee Jumping of Their Own," "Silmido," "Oldboy" and "Antarctic Journal."
More recently, U.S.-Korean co-production "The Laundry Warrior" was lensed in New Zealand with the participation of "The Lord of the Rings" producer Barrie M. Osborne.
Source: Variety Asia
http://www.varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/7051 |
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September 30, 2008
'Mom's Dead Upset' Ends with 40.6% Viewer Rating
The final episode of the hit KBS drama series "Mom's Dead Upset" was aired on September 28. The popular drama series ended with a viewer rating of 40%. According to TNS Media Korea, the drama series garnered a viewer rating of 40.6% on Sunday. The highest viewer rating for the drama series was 42.7% on September 21.
In the final episode, Han-ja, who had left home and her family to enjoy some freedom of her own, returns home after finding out that her pregnant daughter-in-law Mi-yeon was showing signs of a miscarriage. The last scene shows the whole family playing a round of yut. According to GB Nielsen Media Research, the viewer rating for the final episode was 39.7%. The average viewer rating for the drama series from the very first episode to the very last was 28.1%.
Meanwhile, a new drama series entitled "My Love, My Precious Gem," starring Kim Seong-soo and Lee Tae-ran, will take over the time slot of "Mom's Dead Upset."
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1548567_11858.html
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September 30, 2008
'Modern Boy': Reinterpretation of Japanese Colonialism?
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
In the movie "Modern Boy," which is set during the Japanese clonial era
(1910-45), actors Lee Han, left, and Park Hae-il star as "modern boys."
Following the footsteps of "Radio Dayz," "Once Upon a Time" and "The Good, the Bad, the Weird'' comes "Modern Boy," another purely entertainment-driven movie set during the Japanese colonial era (1910-45). Gyeongseong, the name of Seoul at the time, is home to flamboyant flappers (so-called "modern boys and girls"), radio stars and charming bandits who aren't necessarily working for Korea's independence.
The symbolic power of cinema is extensive, as it often showcases a given country's aesthetics, technical achievements and entertainment factors, and moreover portrays to varying degrees its cultural, historical and social values. Period pieces in particular become the subject of scrutiny as they speak for the shared history of a people.
A Japanese newspaper made a misleading report about "Modern Boy" and the above-mentioned Gyeongseong movies in January this year. Katsuhiro Kuroda, managing editor of Sankei Shimbun's Seoul branch, announced "the reinterpretation of Japanese colonialism" in Korea ― how there was an effort to reexamine it as an era of modernization rather than one of exploitation, oppression and resistance, and that the conventional school manual "dark period" version has gotten a facelift and was drawing popularity among the younger generation.
The cheerful characters of "Modern Boy" deliver a colorful story, but by no means do they beautify history. It simply shows that life continued, and that there was love, friendship and fun even in oppressive times. Gyeongseong is another name for exoticism, and rich period details give way to a visually lush film. The film portrays a new side of Gyeongseong, brightly lit with neon signs, where swing dance and jazz music were in full swing.
One can argue that the moral distinction between "courageous" independence fighters versus pro-Japanese "traitors" and evil Japanese authorities has entered a gray zone. "Modern Boy" does indeed feature a sympathetic Japanese character (Lee Han) that suffers over his genuine friendship with a Korean. But this is because the area of central conflict has shifted.
Back in the day, Korean cinema had its fare share of political films. Director Choi In-kyu, for example, made a 180-degree turn away from movies propagating Japanese militarism in the 1930s into making ultra-patriotic ones after Liberation in 1945. Such "nationalistic" filmmaking is not unusual. Hollywood continues to demonstrate the political agenda du jour, as Middle Eastern and even North Korean "axis of evil" terrorists began replacing the public enemy role long held by scheming Russian communists, Neo-Nazis and the ruthless Vietcong.
For Korean cinema's quintessential bad Japanese imperialist, it's a different story. The new Gyeongseong films mark a role shift rather than a reinterpretation of history. The Japanese oppressor is still evil but has melted into the background rather than being a strictly dishonorable character. The bitterness over losing sovereignty remains intact. Some of the most affecting moments in "Modern Boy" are when the protagonist, wealthy but deprived of his country, recalls his childhood dream of becoming Japanese rather than a doctor or such, and how a talented artist cannot sing in her own language.
"Modern Boy" is about a rich, hedonistic playboy played by the fabulous Park Hae-il who cannot care less that his country was colonized and falls head over heals in love with a beautiful independence fighter, ingeniously brought to life by Korean sex symbol Kim Hye-soo. Director Jung Ji-woo crafts a dramatic femme fatale story that evokes "Carmen" and "Original Sin," but which can also be compared to Ang Lee's "Lust, Caution." It is essentially a love story, and the dynamics of the time period set the heartbreaking mood for the narrative.
So whether it's Hollywood or Chungmuro, a common denominator is that no matter who plays the bad guy, movies shift their focus away from the political problem at hand. That's entertainment.
In theaters Oct. 2. 121 minutes. 12 and over. Distributed by CJ Entertainment.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/09/141_31923.html
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 13th PIFF GUEST LIST
September 27, 2008
'The Feast of stars' begins on October 2
Celebrated actors from all over the world gathers at the opening ceremony of the 13th Pusan International Film Festival
The 13th Pusan International Film Festival has announced the actors and actresses who will show up for the upcoming opening ceremony on October 2nd. In this year, rising film stars from across the world will visit Busan, making the festival glorious.
For Korean Actors, Hyun Bin and LEE Bo-young of the closing film <I Am Happy>, AHN Sung-ki, KANG Soo-yeon, PARK Hae-il, KIM Hye-soo, LEE Byung-heon, KONG Hyo-jin, JUNG Jin-young and YE Ji-won has already booked the ticket to Busan.
Juri UENO, who secured a bunch of fans with Japanese serial drama <Nodame Cantabile>, Xiaolu LI, called as one of the four little Empresses of China, Aron YOO from US, actress Moon Bloodgood of Korean extraction, Lun-mei KAWI from Taiwan and Tien-you CHIU from Hong Kong are planning to meet the audience at the festival.
The 13th Pusan International Film Festival, the biggest film festival in Korea that is also gaining its fame for Asia’s representative international film festival, invites 315 films from 60 countries, the largest number of all time. The magnificent festival will start on October 2nd until 10th.
* Korean Actors list for the opening ceremony (in Korean alphabetical order)
- The list is subject to change due to the actor’s schedule.
- There might be other actors who will join the ceremony. The lists will be updated later on.
Soo-yeon Kang Hye-jung Kang Hyo-jin KONG Kang-woo
Kim Nam-gil Kim So-yeon Kim Soo-mi Kim Jung-eun
Kim Jung-hak Kim Jun-sung Kim Hyang-ki Kim Hye-na
Kim Hye-soo Kim Hye-seong Kim Seung-hun Myung Chae-won
Moon Ji-hea Min Sang-myun Park Yong-woo Park Eun-hye
Park Joon-hyung Park Hae-il Park Sung-hyun Baek Taeg-yu
Bong Dong-won Seo Chang-ui Song Chang-ui Song Mi-na
Shin Shin Lee Hyun-joon Shin Ji-ho Shim Nae-sang Ahn Sung-ki
Ahn So-hee Ahn Ji-won Uhm Ji-won Ye Jung-se Oh Ji-ho
O A-in Yu June-sang Yu Eugene Yu-jung Yoon Ji-min
Yoon Jin-seo Yun Ki-woo Lee Da-hui Lee Min-gi LEE Byung-heon
Lee Bo-young Lee Sun-kyun Lee Yeon-hee Lee Jeong-jin
Lee Jin LEE Han-wee Lee Hwa-sun Lee Hwan Lee Har-yung
Lim Hyung-Jun Lim Yeong-nam Jang Kyung-ho Jung Jyu-won
Jung Yu-mi Jung Jin-young Jung Min-ki Jo Eun-ji Jo Jin-woong
Jo Gang-hee Choi Jung-yoon Choi Ja-hyeon Choo Yea-suil
HAN Eun-jung Han Suk-chun Hong
* Overseas Actors list for the opening ceremony (in alphabetical order)
- The list is subject to change due to the actor’s schedule.
Kawi Lun Mei
Jacqueline Li(Xiaolu)
Mercedes Cabral
Moom Bloodgood
Fan Wing(Chi Wei)
Chui Tien Yu
Aaron Yoo
Apinya Sakul Jaroensuk
Ueno Juri
Kelly Lin
James Kyson Lee
Source: www.piff.org |
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September 29, 2008
Singer M Sizzles in Concert
Singer M has made a splash with a sizzling club concert on Sunday. Lee Min-woo of idol group Shinhwa, who also performs as a solo artist M, has celebrated the release of his fourth solo album “M Rising” with concerts in the hip Cheongdam-dong neighborhood in southern Seoul Sunday night. He showcased most of his hits, such as “Just One Night” and “If You,” as well as all the songs from his latest album.
In a press conference held prior to the concerts, M said that he couldn’t forget the excitement and appeal of a live concert, which prompted him to hold one again. He also said that he wanted to get closer to his fans.
The concerts were for only mature audience of 19 or older. M once again impressed his fans with his powerful and sexy dance moves, as well as some risqué silhouette performance. M’s special concert guests included Sohn Dam-bi and his fellow Shinhwa members Jun Jin, Kim Dong-wan, and Andy. Some 1,200 fans from Japan and China also came to the concert. M plans to hold three more rounds of concert before starting his mandatory military service.
Source: KBS World
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/e ... _detail.htm?No=8294 |
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September 30, 2008
Bada and Song Chang-eui to Star in “200lb Beauty”
Singer Bada and actor Song Chang-eui have been finalized as lead characters in the musical version of “200-pound Beauty.” The musical production company Shownote said that former SES vocal will play the lead female role of Kang Han-byeol and acclaimed actor Song the male lead of Han Sang-joon.
Song debuted in the musical “Blue Saigon” in 2002. Since then he has starred in a number of hit TV series, such as “Golden Bride,” “Yi San,” and the movie “The Boy Does Not Cry.” Currently he is starring in the legal drama “The Scale of Providence.” His last musical appearance was two years ago in “Hedwig.”
Korea’s noted diva Bada has built a solid musical career by putting on memorable performances in “Peppermint” in 2003 and “Tell Me On a Sunday” and “Notre Dame in Paris.”
Based on the hit movie of the same title, the musical “200-pound Beauty” will include three songs from the film’s original soundtrack. They are “Maria,” “Beautiful Girl,” and “Byeol (Star).” A special effects and makeup team will be ready to transform Bada’s appearance from a fat girl to a slim beauty right before the audience’s eyes. The musical is scheduled to run from November 27 through February 1 at Chungmu Art Hall in Seoul.
Source: KBS World
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/e ... _detail.htm?No=8295 |
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October 1, 2008
Rain’s 5th Album Teaser to Be Released
A teaser music video of the hottest K-pop star Rain’s fifth album will be released on Thursday, October 2nd. Rain’s agent said that the teaser video of “Love Story” will be first posted on online music sites like MNet and major portal sites. Now Rain’s fans will be able to get a taste of his new music video shot in some of the trendiest places in southern Seoul.
Actress Ha Ji-won has co-starred in the music video opposite Rain, who will show the sexy, yet dangerous aspect of himself. Rain himself has planned and starred in the video, which is about the dark and sizzling love story between a bad boy and a femme fatale.
The teaser video will be released on Naver, Daum, Cyworld, and MNet.com on October 1st, which will be followed by the second round of teaser release as well as the disclosure of music source and the full version of the music video.
Source: KBS World
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/e ... _detail.htm?No=8296 |
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September 30, 2008
Korea, New Zealand ink film pact
Written by Han Sunhee
SEOUL -- South Korea and New Zealand signed a film co-production treaty Monday, capping many years of negotiation. The treaty, proposed in 2003, will give co-productions all the benefits of the two countries' own projects, including funding and tax breaks. Pact also allows for temporary immigration and importation of equipment.
South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said the treaty will contribute to the globalization of Korean films. The treaty is expected to expand the exportation of Korean films, as it allows overseas distribution of the co-productions.
"This agreement will provide a further boost to filmmakers to advance these projects," New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said at the signing ceremony in Wellington.
In 2005, Clark signed an Audio Visual Cooperation Agreement with South Korea at APEC in Pusan. In 2007, film producers of both countries signed an agreement to collaborate on co-production projects, led by Film Auckland and the Korean Film Producers Assn.
South Korea has a co-production treaty with France, while New Zealand has such deals with eight other countries including Germany, Canada and the U.K.
Korean films lensed in New Zealand include "Bungee Jumping of Their Own," "Silmido," "Oldboy" and "Antarctic Journal."
More recently, U.S.-Korean co-production "The Laundry Warrior" was lensed in New Zealand with the participation of "The Lord of the Rings" producer Barrie M. Osborne.
Source: Variety Asia
http://www.varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/7051/ |
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NEWS INDEX page 52
October 1, 2008: 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
Oct 1: Hanwha dials up "Cell Phone"
Oct 2: Top Actress Choi Jin-sil Found Dead at Home
Oct 2: Stars to gather at opening ceremony of S. Korean film festival
Oct 2: '90s TV Icon Discovered Dead in Her Apartment
Oct 2: Celebrity Volunteer Group Reaches Out to Disabled Children
Oct 2: He sparks kissing frenzy; Korean actor-singer Ryu Si Won mobbed by nursing aides during visit to Bishan Home
Oct 2: Choi Jin-sil leaves behind tragic legacy
Oct 2: Actress Han Chae-young Cast in NZ Horror Flick
Oct 2: Uhm Jung-hwa to Play Evil Role in New Movie
Oct 2: Youthful drama targets weekend audience
Oct 2: From Ad Star to Celeb-Mom
Oct 2: 13th Pusan Film Festival Opens
Oct 2: Kong Hyo-jin Shines in 'Crush'
Oct 2: Choi Jin-Sil Found Dead, Speculated Suicide
Oct 2: Star actress' death looms over S. Korea's largest film festival
Oct 2: Pusan opens with a bang; Domestic film industry woes are forgotten for one glamourous night
[ Last edited by katt at 5-10-2008 10:51 PM ] |
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October 1, 2008
Singer Yang Sued for Using Own Portrait
By Kim Rahn
Staff Reporter
Singer Yang Dong-geun and his album jacket
Singer and actor Yang Dong-geun has been sued for using a portrait of himself on his album jacket without getting approval from the artist who painted it.
The painter, Bae Hee-gwon, known professionally as Sion Khan, filed the lawsuit Tuesday against Yang for copyright violation. Yang used a croquis portrait of himself, which Bae gave him as a present, for the jacket of his third album released in 2006.
Yang, 29, is currently serving in the army in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province.
Bae, after meeting Yang at a theater in Daehangno in central Seoul in spring 2006, drew two sketch portraits of Yang and gave one of them to him as a present. "Yang used it without seeking approval from me. Yang has the ownership of it but I have the copyright, so Yang's using it was definitely in violation of copyright law," Bae said in the written accusation.
The painter, who frequently works overseas, learned of the use in July and claimed he had never heard from either Yang or his agency.
"I'm indignant as the portrait, which I gave him without any cost or conditions, was used as promotional material to sell his album. Copyright is like a soul to artists, and I hope this case will show it to the people," Bae said.
Bae also sued G's Us & Company, an entertainment agency to which Yang belonged at that time.
Yang's current agency, NH Media, said it is trying to confirm the allegation but having difficulty in contacting Yang.
Bae is famous for his claim of drawing the faces of one million people.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/10/117_31978.html
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Volunteers for Busan film festival
Sept. 29, BUSAN, South Korea -- Some 700 volunteers take an oath to help make the 2008 Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) a success at South Korea's Busan Metropolitan City Hall on Sept. 29. The festival runs from Oct. 2-10. The southern port city officially changed its name to Busan several years ago. (Yonhap)(END)
Source: http://app.yonhapnews.co.kr/YNA/ ... E=5&AGINGPAGESIZE=5 |
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October 2, 2008
Enemies conquer poverty to rekindle love
Love and hate, as the saying goes, are two sides of the same coin. This is nowhere more apparent than in Lee Yoon-ki's "My Dear Enemy," a story which explores the way love can create hatred and vice versa. The film's two main characters, Hui-soo (Jeon Do-yeon) and Byung-un (Ha Jung-woo), share a tempestuous relationship.
Hui-soo, single, jobless and poor, is desperate for money. While searching for ways to earn a living, she remembers the 3.5 million won ($3,073) that her ex-boyfriend Byung-un borrowed from her a year ago. She asks him for the money but he’s in equally dire straits. He is also jobless and worn out.
He got married after breaking up with Hui-soo but divorced two months later. His business failed, miring him even deeper in debt. His bad luck forces him out onto the streets. Despite the breakdowns, Byung-un is optimistic. He still dreams of becoming a jockey and opening a makgeolli, or rice wine, shop in Madrid.
While the two dispute over money, their love for each other begins to blossom once more. My Dear Enemy, which was released last Thursday, follows a day in the life of the couple, the day their hatred turns back into love.
"The story is simple," said Lee at a press screening two weeks ago at Seoul Cinema in Jongno, central Seoul.
"It [the story] can happen to anyone or anyone around you. Hui-soo and Byung-un are very familiar characters," said Lee, who directed "Ad-Lib Night" (2006) and "Love Talk" (2005). The film took 40 days to shoot at around 58 locations in Seoul, including the back streets of Jongno, Itaewon and a few overpasses and crossroads.
Jeon felt comfortable filming around the capital. "Making the movie was like going on a long trip all over the city," Jeon said. Jeon won Best Actress for "Secret Sunshine" (2006) at the Cannes International Film Festival last year, and she says the Korean public have high expectations of her.
This movie should be an interesting follow-up.
By Lee Eun-joo Staff Reporter [[email protected]], posters from empas.com
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2895530 |
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October 2, 2008
Scene-stealing stunt stars thrive off-camera
'Growing up, I preferred the bad guys in action films who had spectacular falls to the good guys who beat them up.'
You think actress Lee Ji-ah played the violin herself in the new television drama "Beethoven Virus"? Fat chance. And those chef characters in "Le Grand Chef" that prepared sushi with incredible dexterity? Not themselves, either.
Violinist Song Won-jin
It’s a remarkable era of TV performance that we’re living in today. The same actor who was a top surgeon in one drama becomes an eccentric orchestra conductor in his next show. Another actor who was a gangster in his previous gig turns into a chef who wields a blade for wholly different reasons.
As more and more dramas deal with professionals, actors and actresses are under increasing pressure to learn the necessary skills. And more often than not, they need expert help.
Enter the stunt guys.
The JoongAng Ilbo met with three individuals who have recently pulled off stunts in cooking, fighting and music. They told us the story of their lives behind the scenes and explained why they like to stay out of the spotlight.
The recently concluded comic book-based drama "Le Grand Chef," which was earlier released as a feature film, is about rival cooks dueling for control over a restaurant. The show was famous for how its actors had hands-on kitchen training. For months leading up to the shoot, the actors committed themselves to the trade. Some have improved to a point where they performed most of the cooking without stunt doubles helping out.
Underline "most." Even the well-trained actors needed help in one area: preparing blowfish dishes.
Because blowfish contains poison, only certified chefs can handle the dish. Lee Gyeong-woo, who works at the restaurant Sushi Kuni in Yeonsinnae, northwestern Seoul, first got his Le Grand Chef connection through the film.
Chef Lee Gyeong-woo
"They said they needed someone to prepare blowfish sushi," Lee recalled. "It's challenging because you have to deal with the poison and each piece should only be about 0.3 millimeters thin. You also need to slice pieces in specific angles."
Lee, 43, has worked at several blowfish restaurants across Seoul and is regarded as a local authority. But he had his reservations about helping out in the film. "I felt chefs belonged in the kitchen, not in front of the camera," Lee said. "But I had been a fan of the original comic book series and I wanted to make at least a small contribution to the film."
That experience led to his appearance in the drama as well. Because the TV edition is spread over 24 episodes - compared to just two hours for the film - Lee had more work to do.
But he said it was worth it. "Sometimes, you can get complacent in this line of work and tend to stick with what you already know," he said. "And shooting for the drama made me realize my job requires a lot of creativity. And it was the new inspiration I needed after a quarter century in this field."
Kwon Hyuk-seok is a stunt actor who takes on physically
challenging action scenes. By Kwon Hyuk-jae
Kwon Hyuk-seok is someone who needs inspiration nearly every day. The 27-year-old, after all, is a stuntman and that means he has to do the acting with just his body. "When your character is putting his own life on the line to save someone else's, your action has to show the desperation,” Kwon said.
"And when he is the heroic leader of the pack, your action should drip with charisma."
Kwon, who began his stunt career in 2005, has done battle scenes for Choi Soo-jong in the historical series "Haeshin," and for Lee Jun-ki in action-packed "Iljimae." Both were popular dramas starring household names.
Kwon admits to occasional moments of frustration.
"I would watch my fight scenes on television and then at the end of a sequence, the real actor would pop up," Kwon said. "That's when I grow a bit upset, knowing those scenes really belong to me."
Kwon stressed that athleticism is only part of the job requirement in his line of work. Having a similar frame as the real actors helps and then the stuntman has to pick up on the real actors' mannerisms. Because it is a physically demanding job, stunt work has its moments of danger.
Kwon knows this all too well. When shooting the historical epic "Daejoyoung," Kwon fell off a horse that was going full speed. His head was protected by his helmet as he crashed into a rock, and he said he had the presence of mind to scramble out of the way of a herd of horses chasing him. "I was quite scared," Kwon recalled. “I knew I could die if I got stomped by those horses.”
Still, Kwon says he has no complaints about what he calls "a dream job." "Growing up, I watched a lot of action films and I always liked the bad guys who had spectacular falls rather than the good guys who beat them up," he said. "I want to become a true action star, someone who expresses himself through action."
Song Won-jin expresses herself not through action, but through music. The 29-year-old violinist currently plays her instrument for Lee Ji-ah’s character in "Beethoven Virus," a popular series about a motley crew of an orchestra. Song takes care of the character’s solos.
But she wasn't the stuntman that the producers had in mind. Song doesn't have Lee's lean fingers and thus doesn’t actually appear on the screen in place of the actress. Instead, Song plays the part off camera.
She graduated from the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow and is currently teaching at Gwangju University. In 2007, Song was named "The Artist to Watch" in the classical music category by the Korean Arts Critics Association.
Even for an accomplished artist, Song said playing for a TV show isn’t nearly as simple as it seems. "Unless the player is a veteran, it can be a tough job," Song said. "Sometimes, they give you only two days' notice on what they want you to play. It's not very different to performing on stage."
A 60-second scene that you see on TV may have taken up to five hours to record. Even if a piece only ends up being used partially, Song has to perform the entire piece. She said she never feels 100 percent satisfied. She cites Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 as her toughest piece to date. She played it with a male lead during the show’s second episode and it took two full days to record.
There have also been re-shoots when the movements of Lee's fingers or the location of the bow did not match the actual music. "Be afraid of the Internet," Song said. "Believe me, there are people who notice."
But Song said you can't satisfy everyone. "A medical doctor will always find faults watching an operation scene in a drama," she said. "But you have to give credit to actors, too. It's not as though they get all the time in the world to master different crafts."
Then why would she want to play the music behind the scene and help out actors? "I wanted the general public to get easier access to classical music," Song said.
"I hope people can listen to my playing on television and feel a chill down their spines."
By Lee Young-hee, Lee Do-eun JoongAng Ilbo [[email protected]]
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2895569 |
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