Korean Entertainment News Update (siri 2)

katt

October 21, 2008

Retrospective on Choi Min-sik in Lyon
  


A retrospective on Korean actor Choi Min-sik has been announced as one of the special programs scheduled for the 14th Lyon Asian Film Festival on Nov. 4 in France.

According to Pusan International Film Festival programmer Kim Ji-seok, the actor's five most notable films "Strokes of Fire," "Failan," "Crying Fist," "Oldboy" and "Our Twisted Hero," have been selected to be discussed and analyzed in an open forum.

Choi is slated to make an appearance at the festival and participate in interviews with French media to talk about his life and career, which has spanned over two decades. The 14th Lyon Asian Film Festival closes its curtains on Nov. 9.


Our Twisted Hero (1992), Strokes of Fire (2000)


Failan (2001), Oldboy (2003)


Crying Fist (2005)

In Mumbai, India, director Park Gwang-soo received the Asian Film Culture award at the Third Eye Asian Film Festival on Oct. 16.

The Asian Film Culture award is given to filmmakers who have made significant contributions to the development of films in the Asian region. Park's most notable film, "A Single Spark," will have a special screening in conjunction with his award reception.

Also included in the festival program is a retrospective on the films of maverick indie director and international film festival circuit mainstay, Kim Ki-duk.

By Song Woong-ki ([email protected]), image from mydaily via empas.com; posters courtesy CINE21
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/

katt

October 21, 2008

Song Hye-kyo Returns to Small Screen

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter


Actress Song Hye-kyo, left, and Hyun Bin to star in new drama 'Worlds Within'

Korean dramas are full of entertainment, with cliched yet dramatic plots, cute and handsome male characters, both main and supporting, and always a young pretty heroine.

Among these heroines is Song Hye-kyo, 26, who will appear in the new drama "Worlds Within." She returns to the small screen for the first time in four years after her hit series "Full House" with top singer/actor Rain.

"For the past four years, I have been working on three films and so I was more accustomed to the movie filming atmosphere. TV dramas require quick reactions and with help from the director, I'm now back on track,'' Song said at a press conference of the program Monday at a hotel in Seoul.

The makers of the drama also made headlines, as the producer Pyo Min-soo, who brought "Full House," and writer Noh Hee-kyeong have teamed up. It is the first time in six years for the makers to get together for a program.

Despite criticism that large-scale dramas lack depth in both plot and charm, Pyo said the series will be bigger than any program he has worked on.

"I'm trying to bring reality to the drama making process which takes place within "Worlds Within." The scale has become larger than before, and to be frank, I was worried if I could manage it all,'' he said.

But Pyo assured that he will try to show even the smallest details of the daily lives of producers.

Song plays Joo Jun-young, a producer working her way in the male dominated world of drama creators. Actor Hyun Bin will play her mentor, who makes Joo's character's life miserable at first, but later discovers his affection toward the hard-working and passionate newcomer.

"My character is much like a tomboy. I try to portray the look by being as natural as possible, but I don't try too hard by getting messy. It's the most realistic character I've done in my career," said Song.

The actress has indeed played various roles, from a dying patient and poker dealer to a silly student. Song made her debut as a model, becoming the winner of a school uniform model competition at the age of 14.

She then played the character of a cute and clumsy student in the hit sitcom "Sunpung" (1998), but failed to make a lasting impression among fans.

Song finally made it big starring in "Autumn Fairy Tale" with Song Seung-heon in 2000 and "All In" with Lee Byung-hun in 2003. The dramas' popularity soared not only in Korea, but also abroad including Japan, Taiwan and Europe, and Song finally became one of "Korea's sweethearts."

However, she failed to bring her charm to the big screen with her first movie "My Girl and I". Song continued her journey in the movie industry with the historical film "Hwang Jin-yi."

She recently acted in the American indie movie "Make Yourself at Home" and finally, John Woo's upcoming movie "1949" along with Taiwanese actor Chang Chen.

"The dramas that I worked on were successful, but not the movies. I still have many opportunities, and I will not be discouraged. I think actors grow as they taste failure and so I don't have any fears about the drama not becoming popular,'' she said.

"Worlds Within" starts Oct. 27 at 9:55 p.m. on KBS.

Credits: [email protected]  
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/10/201_33027.html

katt

October 21, 2008

Actor Hwang to Star in New Play

By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter


A scene from 'University of Laughs'

Renowned movie star and musical actor Hwang Jung-min will star in a new play, "University of Laughs" written by Japanese dramatist Koki Mitani.

The play will be shown in Korea for the first time as the ninth work of the Yeongeuk Yeoljeon 2 (Best Plays Series) programmed by veteran actor Cho Jae-hyun. The play will be staged at Dongsoong Art Center in central Seoul Oct. 24 to Nov. 30.

The piece is a comedy based on the story of an artist's freedom of expression when faced with censorship. The work is a two-man play set over seven days amid World WarII in 1940.

A young playwright comes up against a government censor to put a comedy on stage. The censor's job is to prevent anything political or taboo from getting into the pre-war media, but this particular censor has a thing against comedy, too.

Hwang will play the role of a young writer while actor Song Young-chang will take the role of a cold-blooded government censor.

The play was originally performed at Parco Theatre in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan in 1997 to high acclaim. It was also made into a film which was then released in 2004 by Toho Studios, and directed by Hoshii Mamoru.

"It is the first time for me to take a leading role in a play. I will show how exciting the play is," Hwang said in a press conference on Friday. "The script is so well-organized that the audience can spontaneously laugh. This work reflects the scriptwriter's philosophy about laughs," said Hwang.

Hwang gained popularity as a movie star but he began his acting career in theaters. The award-winning performer first began his acting career as a musical actor in "Line 1" (1995) and then starred in various musicals such as "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Cats" and recently "Nine." "I think a movie is the art of a director but the play is the art of an actor," he said.

Starring in various musicals and plays in Daehangno, Hwang is now a household name on the big screen with successful performances in "You Are My Sunshine," (2005) "Black House" (2007) and "Happiness" (2007).''

Hwang's debut film was "The Waikiki Brothers" in 2001. Then he appeared in prominent films like "A Good Lawyer's Wife," "You're My Sunshine," and "Bloody Tie," in which he portrayed many diverse characters.

Tickets of the play cost from 25,000 won to 45,000 won. For more information, call (02) 766-6007.

Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/10/145_33022.html

katt

October 22, 2008

Actors struggle for authenticity in Korean War roles



War is tough, a fact well known by a generation of Koreans caught up in the slaughter of the Korean War (1950-1953).

But despite the chaos of the weeks and months that followed the end of the war, the two teenage boys in the movie “Once Upon a Time in Seoul” learn never to quit.

Instead, Jong-doo (Lee Wan) and Tae-ho (Song Chang-ui) fight for survival during those difficult times. The film is loosely based on Kenzo Kitakata’s “Scars,” a Japanese novel depicting the dark side of Japan after World War II.

Rascal Entertainment, the company that made the film, thought the descriptions of impoverished Japan in the novel were similar to those that Korea experienced in 1953.

The story of Once Upon a Time in Seoul, however, goes beyond the simple retelling of wartime disorder. “The film is an exploration of a man’s heart when life is pushed to its limits,” said the film’s director, Bae Hyung-jun, at the film’s production conference last Tuesday in Apgujeong, southern Seoul.

The movie questions life’s essential values and looks at how friendship and trust help see people through tough times.



Though Korea has transformed into a modern society, a far cry from the desolation of the 1950s, many people, especially the younger generation, face high levels of anxiety and depression.

For example, many teenagers today wander the streets searching for hope and vision, Bae said. In the case of Jong-doo and Tae-ho, brotherhood is what matters.

The two 18-year-olds meet at a postwar camp after losing their families and all their money in the Korean War. The two are not at all like each other in many ways - Jong-doo is aggressive and hot tempered, Tae-ho is rational and clever - but they team up and start to steal smuggled goods from American soldiers and plan their escape from the miserable camp.

With the money they make, they open a street stall and start selling the stolen goods. Other orphans in the neighborhood join in the business. But making the movie was problematic because the actors had to transform themselves into believable characters from that period of history.

Song had to lose 7 kilograms (15.4 pounds) and shave his head to look shabby enough for his part while Lee had to hide his muscles and look much weaker. “I was born and raised in the 1980s, so it was difficult for me to feel a connection with the postwar period,” Lee admitted. All he could do was immerse himself in the script.

The child actors who played random orphans living off the streets also faced a generation barrier. “Most child actors who came to the audition for the roles were too well fed,” Bae said. “It was difficult finding kids thin enough to look like skeletons who had survived a fierce war.”

According to the director, most child actors come from upper-middle class families and know nothing about poverty, destitution and malnutrition. “The kids in the film had to look desperate for food and nutrition, but it was the opposite,” he said.

The only solution left to express passionate hunger was to ask the child actors to cut down on the amount they ate before the shooting. Sometimes, even starving them wasn’t enough and many scenes had to be reshot over and over again.

“For those who know me, this film may come as a surprise,” Bae said. So far, the director’s short and long films have mostly been romantic comedies. Once Upon a Time in Seoul is Bae’s second feature after the comedy “Too Beautiful to Lie” in 2004.

This time he wanted to make a film about growing up, like Takeshi Kitano’s “Kids Return” (1996), a film that raises child bullying issues.

Once Upon a Time in Seoul opens next Thursday.

By Lee Eun-joo Staff Reporter [[email protected]] , captures from empas.com
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2896357

katt

Tuesday, 21 October 2008

"Eagle Eye" retains top spot at Korean box office

DreamWorks thriller maintains dominance in slow week at theaters

Written by Han Sunhee     

SEOUL – DreamWorks thriller "Eagle Eye" held up well in its second frame at the Korean box office. It dropped only 35% in its second weekend atop the charts, grossing $2.1 million and taking its cume to $6.6 million.

"Crush and Blush", the acclaimed new Park Chan-wook- produced film, failed to meet expectations, earning a bare $1.2 million from 253,000 admissions during its four day run.

Bucking the trend, however, was global phenomenon "Mamma Mia!", which maintained its place at No.3 and added $585,000 from 117,000 admissions in its 7th weekend. Pic has grossed $20.2 million from 4.04 million admissions to date.

Three new foreign releases took their places in the charts. The Keira Knightley-starrer "The Duchess" ranked at No.4, with $590,000, while the Paul W.S. Anderson-helmed actioner "Death Race" followed at No.5, grossing $370,000. British comedy "How to Lose Friends & Alienate People" followed at No.6, with takings of $320,000.

This month's two biggest Korean film releases, "Modern Boy" and "GoGo 70s" slipped to No.7 and No.8 respectively.
"Modern Boy" still played on 306 screens, only to add $185,000 or 37,000 admissions. "GoGo 70s" added $170,000 this week, bringing its cume to $2.8 million.

According to sources, Korean theaters are reporting occupancy rates of less than 30% per screen, even lower than rates experienced during the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

Industry observers expect the current situation will be turned around with the upcoming releases of expected local blockbusters "My Wife Got Married", "Antique" and " Portrait of a Beauty".

Source: Variety Asia
http://varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/7279/

katt

Wednesday, 22 October 2008

CBS Films wants "A Moment to Remember"

Korean-Japanese melodrama remake set up at American network subsidiary

Written by Patrick Frater



TOKYO -- Mark Amin, Sobini Films topper, has set up a remake of Korean-Japanese melodrama "A Moment to Remember" at CBS Films.

"It is earnest but sweet, and that is very hard to find," Amin told Variety after a seminar attended by some 200 bizzers, but over which Tokyo festival organizers attempted to impose reporting restrictions.

Story involves process of painful discovery within a relationship and learning to live with Alzheimer's Disease. Screenplay is to be penned by "Erin Brockovich" scribe Susannah Grant. "There is no schedule yet, we've only just hired the writer," Amin said.

Amin took the project to CBS after it was turned down by Lions Gate Films, where Amin is chairman and a major investor, and with which Sobini has a first look deal.

Project has a complicated and protracted genesis. Original material was a Japanese TV series, "Pure Soul," produced in 2001 for Yomiuri TV. Korean language remake rights were sold to leading production house Sidus FNH, which co-financed with CJ Entertainment a John H. Lee-helmed movie. CJ released the movie in Korea in 2004.

Launched in 2007, CBS Films aims to develop and produce four to six movies a year with production budgets up to $50 million per film. The company's development slate includes the Harrison Ford-starrer "Crowley"; "Permission," penned by Karen McCullah Lutz; and the romantic comedy "Plan B."

Source: Variety Asia, image from CINE21
http://varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/7288/

katt

October 20, 2008

Kim Jong-gook Returns after 3 Years  



Stud singer Kim Jong-gook returns after a three-year hiatus. His first comeback appearance will be on “Yoon Do-hyun’s Love Letter” on October 24th.

Kim has finished his military duty last May and has since then worked on a comeback album. On “Yoon Do-hyun’s Love Letter,” he will introduce songs from his fifth regular album – “More Today than Yesterday” and “Thank You” – and sing some of his hits with surprise guests.

The title song “More Today than Yesterday” in the latest release is noted for its lovely lyrics and familiar melodies. “Thank You” is a mellow love song about how men can’t express their feelings of gratitude for the women in their lives.

Kim is reportedly very excited about appearing on a TV show and introducing his new songs. Although he was invited to a number of variety programs, he wanted to make a fresh start as a serious singer first. His new album goes on sale on Wednesday, October 22nd

Source: KBS World
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/e ... _detail.htm?No=8411

katt

October 21, 2008

TVXQ Climbs to No.1 on Oricon Again



Korea’s hot idol group TVXQ (known as Tohoshinki in Japan) has climbed to the top of Japan’s Oricon weekly single chart for the fourth time this year.

TVXQ’s agency SM Entertainment said that the quintet’s 24th single in Japan “Mirotic” has reached No.1 in Oricon’s both daily and weekly single charts. Consequently, all four of TVXQ’s singles released in Japan this year – “Purple Line” in January, “Beautiful You” in April, “Why Did I Fall in Love with You?” in July, and “Mirotic” in October – have topped the most prestigious Japanese music chart. In fact, TVXQ is the only singer in Japan, foreign or Japanese, to finish on top four times in this year’s Oricon weekly charts.

Meanwhile, TVXQ is creating a sensation in Korea as well with their latest album “Mirotic.” They were the top-placer for two weeks straight on both offline music shows and online music charts.  

Source; KBS World
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/e ... _detail.htm?No=8412

katt

October 22, 2008

SM Entertainment Searching for 'Next BoA' in U.S.



SM Entertainment, a management agency for some of Korea's biggest K-pop names such as BoA and TVXQ, will hold an SM USA Weekly Audition in the United States.

The auditions, which will be held at SM Entertainment's U.S. branch office, will be held every Saturday at 3:00 p.m. starting on October 25. The audition is open to aspiring singers, dancers, actors, comedians, MCs, VJs, models, composers and songwriters. There are no limitations on nationality or age.

Interested people can visit the audition venue every Saturday before 7:00 p.m. without prior registration. For those who cannot visit the venue, SM will hold auditions through e-mail ([email protected]) and by mail.

SM said finalists will be given an opportunity to sign a contract with SM and all costs for training and promotional activities will be paid for by the company.

Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1551945_11858.html

[ Last edited by  katt at 22-10-2008 03:33 PM ]

katt

October 22, 2008

"Sisters on the Road"      

Written by Russell Edwards     

A DNA production. (International sales: Indiestory, Seoul.) Produced by Yoo Seung-young. Directed, written by Boo Ji-young.

With: Shin Min-a, Kong Hyo-jin, Chu Guy-jung, Kim Sang-hyun, Mun Jae-won.

Sibling rivalry is fueled by paternal absence in the South Korean meller "Sisters on the Road." Feature bow by helmer Boo Ji-young turns sisterly polarization -- one very uptight, one excessively relaxed -- up to the max while maintaining an affectionate view of both protags. Gay-themed finale may be too soap-operatic for Western fest auds, but this endearing HD effort has a good chance of making inroads with local auds thanks to solid distaff perfs and a bold script.

Moody, fastidious twentysomething career woman Myung-eun (Shin Min-a), based in Seoul, returns to Jeju Island and is reunited with her thirtyish half-sister Myung-ju (Kong Hyo-jin), an uneducated fishmonger, when their mother suddenly dies. Still resentful that her father disappeared before she was old enough to know him, Myung-eun enlists Myung-ju to accompany her on a search for him.
Myung-ju thinks it's a waste of time but agrees to hit the road with her pushy sibling anyway. Whether they're taking a ferry to the mainland, staying in dingy motels or driving around the Korean peninsula, odd-couple dynamics play out with the boozy and flirty Myung-ju consistently rubbing the straight-laced Myung-eun the wrong way.

Narrative uses a flashback structure to fill in the blanks on the sources of Myung-eun's childhood frustrations, and provide the first clue to the pic's rather audacious resolution. Western auds will be quicker on the uptake than Myung-eun, but overall, her final connecting of the dots makes for an awkwardly realized denouement, which might have played more convincingly on the page than it does onscreen.

Despite scripting issues, the one-on-one scenes between the two sisters have a familial authenticity and allow both leads to flaunt their thesping chops. Kong (also in Pusan fest entry "Crush and Blush") is particularly impressive in a lively role that also allows for greater emotional range than that of her onscreen sister.

Boo Ji-young's helming is generally confident, with a functional simplicity. Unfortunately, a subplot featuring Myung-ju's own daughter is initially confusing, as these scenes appear too similar to Myung-eun's childhood flashbacks. HD lensing varies in quality, but other tech credits are solid. At times, pic looks flawless in a good 35mm transfer, but scenes employing warm light sources reveal HD technical limitations and create fuzzy images. Other tech credits are solid.

Camera (color, HD-to-35mm), Kim Dong-eun; editor, Kim Soo-jin; music, Choi Seung-hyun; production designer, Lee Jong-pil; sound (Dolby), Song Soo-duk. Reviewed at Pusan Film Festival (Korean Panorama), Oct. 3, 2008. Running time: 90 MIN.
     
Source: Variety Asia
http://varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/7293/

katt

NEWS INDEX page 59

October 22, 2008: "Kang Mae Syndrome" Sweeps Marketing
Oct 22: Japanese Women Rate Kwon Sang-woo Asia's Second Best Actor
Oct 22: [MOVIE REVIEW] 'My Wife' celebrates bigamy
Oct 22: Film Fests Offer Retrospective, Award to Korean Movie Stars
Oct 23: Kim Hye-soo to Grace the Asiana Festival
Oct 23: Evokative grabs Korean sports pic "Fist"
Oct 23: Variety Hails BoA as Asia's Top Female Pop Artist
Oct 23: TVXQ! Sets Record on Oricon Charts
Oct 23: KOICA honorary ambassador (Park Jung Sook)
Oct 23: Actress Choi's Last Conversation Disclosed (Choi Jin Sil)
Oct 24: The Golden Bride” Wins a Tokyo Drama Award
Oct 24: Hollywood Films with Korean Actors Due Out in Spring
Oct 24: Jang Geun-suk and Tim Appear in Son Ho-young Video
Oct 24: 3 broadcasters to dominate market
Oct 24: Bae Yong-jun Appointed 2010-2012 Promotional Ambassador
Oct 24: Choi Min-sik retrospective at Lyon fest
Oct 24: Park Chan-wook finishes filming Thirst
Oct 24: The Chaser extends awards lead
Oct 24: The Chaser; The Good, the Bad, and the Weird vie for international awards
Oct 25: Song Hye-kyo Goes Behind the Scenes in New Drama
Oct 23: Ahn Sung-ki to present Asiana Short Film Fest
Oct 24: Hawaii awards Kim Jee-woon and Jung Woo-sung
Oct 25: BoA's Single, "Eat You Up", Heats Up in the U.S.
Oct 26: New drama takes on an old theme

[ Last edited by  katt at 27-10-2008 12:07 PM ]

katt

October 22, 2008

"Kang Mae Syndrome" Sweeps Marketing



One of the hottest TV series these days is “Beethoven Virus,” a story about a talented yet extremely harsh conductor and his attempt to lead an orchestra made up of amateurs. Nicknamed Kang Mae, the leading character Maestro Kang Gun-woo is played by acclaimed Kim Myung-min of the “White Tower” and “Immortal Yi Sun-shin” fame. His sharp quips, voice, attitude and his outfits are creating a sensation in Korea’s advertising, fashion, and even album industries.

The so-called “Kang Mae Syndrome” is most evident in fashion. LG Fashion’s Maestro line has introduced the Kang Mae line, which consists of 16 different outfits worn by Kim Myung-min in the series. An LG Fashion official said that all 16 different outfits were sold out in just three weeks since its launching on September 24th. It’s very rare for men’s wear to see every outfit in a certain line sell out.

Also Kang Mae’s cynical voice has been in demand in the advertising industry. His intonation with a sarcastic twist has led to several commercial contracts for Kim. The Kang Mae Syndrome has spread even to the music industry. According to an online music chart site, two original soundtracks of “Beethoven Virus” have climbed to second and third places, following the “Mamma Mia” OST. “Beethoven Virus” has released two versions of soundtracks – one a typical drama OST and a classic version. The 2-CD classic version has sold 6,000 copies in just two weeks since its release.  

Source: KBS World
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/e ... _detail.htm?No=8413

katt

October 22, 2008

Japanese Women Rate Kwon Sang-woo Asia's Second Best Actor



New groom Kwon Sang-woo was ranked number two in a recent survey that asked Japanese women to choose the best young Asian actors.

According to Phantom Entertainment, Kwon placed second in the survey conducted by "SmaSTATION," a popular show on Asahi TV. The show is hosted by a member of the popular Japanese idol group SMAP. The recent survey was conducted on 500 Japanese women.

Taiwan's F4 took the number one spot while China's Jay Chou took the number three spot. Song Seung-heon and Lee Jun-ki ranked fourth and sixth, respectively.

Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1552014_11858.html

katt

October 22, 2008

[MOVIE REVIEW] 'My Wife' celebrates bigamy



She is cool, diligent and sexy. But her real specialty is juggling her time -- between two husbands.

"My Wife Got Married (Ane-ga Gyeolhon Haeta)," directed by Jung Yun-su, appears to center upon an irresistibly attractive female character who can manage two marriages at the same time, but Korean audiences, especially men, might think otherwise.

The refreshingly provocative movie, adapted from a best-selling novel of the same title by Park Hyun-wook, presents a heroine named In-ah (played by Son Ye-jin), a hardworking programmer who has no intention, at least initially, of getting married. Her life gets complicated when she encounters Deok-hoon (Kim Joo-hyuck), a former colleague, in the subway.

It turns out that the two are huge soccer fans who love to spend hours talking about the European leagues and major players, throwing in all the mind-boggling statistics. Deok-hoon instantly falls in love with In-ah, which is hardly surprising. What's surprising, though, is In-ah's smooth seduction. Her punch line: "Why don't you come inside and have a cup of coffee?" Naturally, coffee at her house - which is filled with numerous used books (whose collection is her hobby) -- leads to something steamier, dragging Deok-hoon into the path of full-blown romantic passion.

So far, so good. Deok-hoon believes he's finally found a soul mate. The sex is also great. But he is made increasingly antsy by her mobile phone always being off. Her frequent boozing doesn't help, not to mention not coming home until early in the morning. Deok-hoon's anxiety gets out of hand when he imagines she's offering a cup of coffee to another man.

In Korea, there is an old saying that marriage is the tomb of all the love affairs. Deok-hoon, reminded of this great wisdom by a close friend, decides to end all possibility of In-ah having relationships with other men by proposing to her.

Tenacious courtship by Deok-hoon finally bears fruit in the middle of the wild crowd cheering for the Korean squad in the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup finals. As the Korean team makes it to the quarterfinals, Deok-hoon finally gets what he wants: monogamy with In-ah.

Yet the sweet honeymoon period does not last long, particularly for Deok-hoon. One day, she declares that she's going to get married to another man. Dumfounded, Deok-hoon asks her again and again about her real intentions. But In-ah remains firm. She has found a new love, but she does not want to give up on her current relationship, either.

For most Korean men accustomed to male-oriented culture, In-ah's proposal is both preposterous and rebellious, to the extent of attempting to shake up the entire traditional family structure. That's how Deok-hoon reacts to the double play of his wife. But this also raises a question about whether he is applying a double standard.

Aside from the legitimacy and effectiveness of polyandry in Korea, it has long been reported that many Korean men are no strangers to polygamy. Back in the Joseon period, having second or third wife was not only possible but also socially acceptable for the upper class.

In modern Korea, men still venture out to form alternative relationship outside of marriage. In some cases, they get away with having a long-term affair. Their wives know for years that their husbands are cheating, but they never get divorced, citing children and other excuses. This might well be seen as a mutation of polygamy, but wayward husbands probably care little about such moral complications.

"My Wife Got Married" will certainly come as an eye-opening shocker for Korean men who secretly desire adulterous relationships and still espouse the patriarchal family system. The marriage system in this movie is apparently unrealistic, but all the emotions -- jealousy, helplessness, desire for spreading genes -- are unexpectedly realistic.

The great puzzle is In-ah's ability to love the two men equally. She's faithful to them at the same time, doing all the household chores and taking care of their emotional instability. In contrast, Deok-hoon believes that such multitasking is neither possible nor desirable. But Deok-hoon is also helpless because it is In-ah who calls the shots -- a reversal that will give a liberating feeling to female viewers, most, if not all, of whom have been brought up under a male-oriented family system.

"My Wife Got Married," which opens today nationwide, also showcases Son Ye-jin's disarming smile and natural beauty, and Kim Joo-hyuck's dedicated portrayal of a Korean husband who is poor at multitasking.

By Yang Sung-jin ([email protected]), poster from empas.com
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/

katt

October 22, 2008

Film Fests Offer Retrospective, Award to Korean Movie Stars

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter


Actor Choi Min-sik

Two film festivals in France and India are paying respect to local actors and directors by holding retrospectives and offering awards.



The 14th Lyon Asian Film Festival will hold a retrospective on Korean movie star Choi Min-sik Nov. 4-9.

Kim Ji-seok, a programmer from the Pusan International Film Festival which ended Oct. 10, announced Tuesday that the renowned film festival will screen five of Choi's movies ― "Our Twisted Hero" (1992), "Failan" (2001), "Chihwaseon" (2002), "Oldboy" (2003) and "Crying Fist" (2005) ― at the event.

Choi is planning to fly to Lyon, France, to attend the event and also appear for the press and fans.

The 46-year-old veteran actor is one of Korea's favorite movie stars, thanks to his superb acting and down-to-earth image. He has starred in numerous films including hits like "Swiri" and "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance.' He is currently working on the movie "Himalaya, Where the Wind Dwells," which will be in theaters next year.



Meanwhile, director Park Kwang-su won the Asian Film Culture Award at the Third Eye Asian Film Festival, being held in Mumbai, India through Oct. 23.

The award is given to filmmakers who have contributed to the development of movies in Asia. Park's film "A Single Spark" (1995) had a special screening to celebrate the director's win.

The festival has also prepared a retrospective on Korean director Kim Ki-duk with screenings of some of his films including "Crocodile" (1996), "The Coast Guard" (2002) and "Time" (2006).

Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/ ... 8/10/139_33135.html

katt

October 23, 2008

Kim Hye-soo to Grace the Asiana Festival
  

Actress Kim Hye-soo speaks at a press conference
for the 6th Asiana International Short Film Festival last Tuesday

A press conference for the 6th Asiana International Short Film Festival was held last Tuesday morning at the Kumho Art Hall in Gwanghwamun, downtown Seoul. Present were actor and festival director Ahn Sung-ki, film director Yoon Jong-chan, festival programmer Lee Joo-yeon, actress Kim Hye-soo and actor Chung Bo-hoon.

A total of 1,734 films from 69 countries have been submitted to this year’s event. “Although more films were submitted this year than last, we had to reduce the number to be screened during the festival due to time restraints,” said Lee Joo-yeon.

Kim Hye-soo, one of Korea’s top actresses, was notably appointed as a special member of the jury. Kim has appeared in some 20 movies since her 1986 debut with “Ggambo” to her most recent release, this year’s “Modern Boy.”

“I graduated from university one year later than my fellow students, mainly due to the fact that I was working in the film industry while I was attending classes. Another reason is that I wasn’t the most conscientious student. The only thing I loved as a film major student was to watch films. As a huge fan of short films, I will do my best to discover actors with great potential through watching many good short films,” said Kim.

One of the noteworthy aspects of the festival is its showcase of films selected for in-flight entertainment schedules. In order to seek alternative ways to distribute films, each year the organizing committee chooses about ten films in competition to screen during Asiana’s international flights until June of the following year.

The 6th Asiana International Short Film Festival will be held from Nov. 5 through 10 in Cinecube in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. For further information, refer to the festival’s website, www.aisff.org.

Credits: [email protected]
http://english.chosun.com/w21dat ... 0/200810230001.html

katt

October 23, 2008

Evokative grabs Korean sports pic "Fist"

Distributor takes Canadian rights to lauded film

Written by Patrick Frater



TOKYO - New Canadian distributor Evokative Films has acquired local rights to "Crying Fist," a sports action-drama by South Korean helmer Ryoo Seung-wan. Film, previously repped by Show East is now handled by new Korean sales agent M-Line Pictures and former Show East sales topper Michelle Son.

"Fist," which stars leading character actor Choi Min-sik, preemed in 2005 edition of Cannes' Quinzaine des Realisateurs section and had a glittering festival career with appearances at Karlovy Vary, Melbourne and Vancouver.

Formed earlier this year Evokative describes itself as "a new kind of distribber" focusing on home entertainment and limited platform releases in theaters. Company, which has picked up a string of Asian titles including "Adrift in Tokyo," "Hazard" and ""Parking," says it will give "Fist" a "prompt DVD releases in early 2009."

Source: Variety Asia, poster from CINE21
http://varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/7298/

katt

October 23, 2008

Variety Hails BoA as Asia's Top Female Pop Artist



The American entertainment magazine Variety reported in its latest edition that Korean pop artist BoA made her debut in the United States. In its October 16th edition, Variety reported that BoA, one of Asia's most popular pop singers, released her first U.S. single "Eat You Up" in English on October 21.

The magazine added that BoA's management agency AM Entertainment has set up its U.S. branch and that BoA's album will be distributed by Fontana. The magazine said BoA was fluent in Korean and Japanese and that she has sold millions of albums in both countries since her debut.

Quoting an SM Entertainment official, the magazine said BoA's U.S. single targets the American mainstream, not just Korean-Americans and Asian-Americans. It also added that BoA will soon launch a U.S. and world tour.

Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/mconten ... /1552118_11692.html

katt

October 23, 2008

TVXQ! Sets Record on Oricon Charts



This year, TVXQ! sets a record on Japanese Oricon Weekly Charts for the most number of "First Place" rankings this year.

The group's 24th single, "MIROTIC," was released in Japan on October 15th and on the day of its release, the album took first place on Oricon's Single and Weekly Charts.

MIROTIC is TVXQ!'s fourth single to rank first on the Oricon Weekly Charts, following " Purple Line" (January release), "Beautiful You" (April release), and "How Did I End Up Loving You" (July release).

"This is the first time anyone has ranked first on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart four times in one year," said a TVXQ! representative from SM Entertainment agency. He added, "This has never happened with a Japanese singer, let alone a group from overseas, and it proves that TVXQ! has become a top group in Japan, as well."

MIROTIC is also the title track of TVXQ!'s fourth album in Korea, where the song has also proved to be successful. The title track ranked first place for the past two weeks on SBS TV's " Popular Music" program and on the weekly charts of the music website, "Dosirak."

Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/mconten ... /1552171_11692.html

katt

October 23, 2008

KOICA honorary ambassador



KOICA honorary ambassador: Actress-MC Park Jung-sook, left, poses with Park Dae-won, president of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), after being appointed honorary ambassador for the KOICA, at its headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, Wednesday./ Courtesy of KOICA

Source: The Korea Times
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/ ... 8/10/173_33163.html