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March 13, 2013
Fantagio CEO to train managers
By Kim Ji-soo The Korea Times
Na Byung-jun, 37, former-manager-turned-CEO of Fantagio Company, has opened a “Managers’ Academy,” to properly train “managers” in their work of driving, assisting and promoting stars. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
Want to get closer to a star? Or get an interview?
The first bar to get across is the “manager,” who in the Korean entertainment industry is recruited and trained in an apprenticeship style. They are not office-type managers, but someone who drives, sets the schedule and looks after publicity for the stars.
When the stars are working on a drama or film, the managers accompany them 24 hours a day. It’s one of the most grueling jobs in the industry, and a former manager-turned-CEO is seeking to imbue a new level of professionalism.
Na Byung-jun, 37, the head of Fantagio Company, opened March 4 a “Managers’ Academy” this month, the first of its kind. Fantagio is a relatively new company, and Na, a young CEO. However, the company has big name stars including Ji Jin-hee (“Jewel in the Palace”) and Ha Jeong-woo, whose recent film “Berlin” is flying high at the Korean box office. The maiden program at the academy will be training in acting and speech, film production and media relations, among others.
Na’s move is unique in that he is investing in a niche portion in the industry when K-pop groups fuel the popularity of “hallyu,” or the Korean wave. His company, founded in October 2008, focuses on actors, although it has a girl group “Hellovenus,” and plans to introduce two new groups — one boy band and another girl group — this year.
“People like to doubt hallyu but I believe the demand, if not necessarily for hallyu, but for Korean content will increase,“ said Na. “We want to be prepared to respond to that.”
Na may well be going back to his roots. He was a manager, having started out at Sidus HQ in March 2001. Working at Sidus was a great opportunity. There, he worked with actors Kim Hye-soo, the Cannes-winning actress Jeon Do-yeon and Ji. He realized how hard a manager’s job can be. He himself used to drive and carry bags or luggage for stars as he managed their schedule. “I tell people who are just starting or still in the field that ‘my knee is not my own’” he said, meaning that he’s ready to fold his ego whenever necessary.
But he wanted the job to be more than that, all the more so because of the hardship that he went through. He repeatedly emphasized that his experience has taught him that an enhanced self-awareness and professional pride are crucial.
“A manager has to communicate with the stars, be it about a film or drama and image-making to produce the best outcome. So communication is naturally important. And when this is done effectively, (and the star is highlighted) the value of the manager also rises,” Na said.
“That’s the cycle of the business.”
The Bank of Korea announced in early February that the country posted a first-ever surplus for its culture exports bolstered by hallyu. The nation exported cultural content worth $1.25 billion in 2012 and imported $1.16 billion, resulting in an $85.5 million surplus. Na said the talk among industry insiders is that the market may well grow to where the surplus can expand as much as by tenfold.
For Na and his company, the ultimate market is the Chinese one; at the moment, the Japanese entertainment market remains the largest and the most lucrative market. Before he named his company Fantagio, its name of NOA stood for Network of Asia, a telling sign of where in terms of the market he was focusing. By changing of the name to Fantagio, Na stands among a select number of younger next-generation movers in the hallyu or the Korean entertainment industry.
“For me, fantasy means a dream everyone can dream of,” he said. |
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March 13, 2013
Four actresses indicted for abuse of propofol
By Kang Hyun-kyung The Korea Times
Park Si-yeon
Lee Seung-yeon
The prosecution indicted 11 people, including actresses Park Si-yeon and Lee Seung-yeon, without physical detention Wednesday on charges of abusing propofol for recreational purposes.
The indictment by the Seoul District Prosecutors’ Office came one month after it launched an investigation into habitual use of the drug by celebrities. Those indicted were four female entertainers, two doctors, four housewives and one representative from an entertainment agency.
Non-medical use of the powerful anesthetic is illegal here. It is said that many entertainers are addicted to the drug as it puts them to sleep instantly.
They are easily drawn to the drug as they spend a lot of time in clinics undergoing plastic surgery and other cosmetic treatments. The drug was a contributing factor in the death of Michael Jackson.
According to the results of the investigation, Park, 34, received 185 injections at two different hospitals in Seoul from February to December in 2011 under the guise of undergoing surgery to burn fat. Actress Lee, 45, also had 111 injections from February to September in 20011.
The actresses, however, denied the allegations they used the drug illegally. Prosecutors, however, said they secured sufficient evidence to prove them wrong as they secured statements from doctors and other pieces of evidence.
It said the doctors, who injected propofol to the abusers of the drug, shredded medical documents of their patients in an attempt to destroy evidence. |
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March 13, 2013
GG Entertainment signs China deal
By Lee Sun-min Korea JoongAng Daily
Aiming to expand its presence in China, GG Entertainment has signed a contract with Comic Ritz Production in the growing market.
The group is a great partner to GG Entertainment as it has its headquarters in Taiwan and its subsidiary CNR Media in Korea, a representative of GG Entertainment told local media.
The agency also counts Eugene, formerly of S.E.S., and actor Ryu Jin of “Baby Faced Beauty” fame among its talent.
“The group will help Eugene and Ryu Jin get their work distributed in China and have a smoother transition when working there,” the agency added when discussing potential new projects.
Comic Ritz Production was established by a producer of “Meteor Garden,” the Taiwanese version of “Boys Over Flowers,” and brought stardom to the members of boy band F4 who starred in the show.
From its main office in Taiwan, Comic Ritz has been expanding to mainland China and even into the movie industry. |
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March 13, 2013
Actresses indicted for propofol use
By Lee Sun-min Korea JoongAng Daily
Actresses Park Si-yeon, Jang Mi In Ae and Lee Seung-yeon were indicted yesterday by the Seoul Central District Office for alleged illegal propofol use after a monthlong probe by the prosecutors’ office.
Prosecutors also requested a fine of 5 million won ($4,555) for broadcaster Hyeon Young, one of the four women entertainers who were under the probe, as she used the alleged illegal drug the least among them.
A total of 11 people, including doctors who administered the drug, have also been indicted.
Park had propofol injections 185 times at medical clinics for more than a year until December last year. Lee had the shot 111 times, while Jang had 95 shots. Hyeon had a relatively low number of shots at 42.
Park’s agency rebutted the indictment immediately in a release.
“Although it is true that Park visited clinics for medical treatment and aesthetics care, she was just following her doctors’ prescription,” the agency said. “The agency and Park will do our best to be exonerated by the allegations that are not true.” |
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March 13, 3013
Sung Yu-ri to return with an SBS drama
By Lee Sun-min Korea JoongAng Daily
Singer-turned-actress Sung Yu-ri may be coming back to television with a new SBS drama that is scheduled to go on air on April 27.
The producing team of the drama, tentatively named “Secrets About Your Birth,” asked Sung to play the leading role in a new weekend drama, according to a local media report yesterday.
It is said that Sung is reviewing whether she would accept the offer or not.
Her agency, King Kong Entertainment, said the 32-year-old actress will give her answers after reading the script.
She has been away from the TV screen since her MBC drama “Feast of Gods” last year.
The drama is about a woman who suffers from memory loss. |
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March 13, 2013
Song Hye-gyo has long been a friend of animals
By Lee Sun-min Korea JoongAng Daily
Actress Song Hye-gyo has been volunteering her time to care for abandoned dogs for about a decade, according to a recent report by cable channel show “Brave Reporters.”
While many may automatically think of Lee Hyo-ri when talking about abandoned dogs as Lee has been actively championing animal rights and caring for abandoned dogs, Song seems to have been doing the same without the publicity, according to an entertainment reporter at the show.
“Song does not want to tell others about her volunteer works, and that’s why it has not been widely publicized,” said the reporter.
One time while she was volunteering at an animal shelter, she even called a crane to empty the overflowing garbage cans, as the center initially tried to send Song back, saying no cleaning can be done. |
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March 13, 2013
Taecyeon says ring has no romantic meaning
By Lee Sun-min Korea JoongAng Daily
Taecyeon of 2PM said that his new ring is a gift from his parents, disclaiming rumors that it might have a hidden romantic meaning on Tuesday.
He posted a photo of himself wearing the ring on his index finger via Twitter.
“I found this ring after two years, and that’s why I’m wearing it. Do not make any [assumptions],” he said.
Meanwhile, Taecyeon has been filming the international version of MBC’s reality show “We Got Married.” He is paired with Taiwanese star Wu Ying Jie in the program and recently went on a honeymoon with her.
Another boy band member, Lee Hong-ki of FT Island, is paired with Japanese actress Fujii Mina in the same program.
The international version of the reality show will be aired in April in 21 different countries. For local fans, it will be aired on cable channel MBC Everyone. |
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March 13, 2013
Upcoming film revives retro TV show
By Lee Sun-min Korea JoongAng Daily
“National Singing Contest,” a movie inspired by a 32-year-old TV program of the same name, will be released in Korea on May 2.
The movie garnered public attention as comedian Lee Kyung-kyu has invested in it.
“It is a movie about getting your dream back,” said Lee according to a local media report. “I wanted to bring sympathetic stories to the audiences.”
The longest-ever Sunday TV program in Korea has had numerous contestants singing on stage, sharing some touching and moving stories. The movie is composed of recreated anecdotes given by each and every contestant.
Comedian and actor Kim In-kwon of “Gwanghae, The Man Who Became King” and “Tower” last year plays the leading role of a contestant named Bong-nam. |
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March 13, 2013
'New World' set for release in Europe
By Lee Sun-min Korea JoongAng Daily
Action movie “New World” will be released in France and Germany after coming out in the United States and Canada next week, according to the film distributor Finecut yesterday.
French distributor TF1 and German buyer MFA will bring the movie starring Lee Jung-jae of “The Thieves” (2012) and Choi Min-sik of “Old Boy” (2003) to the European Continent.
“?‘New World’ keeps showing new things and never lets [the audience] get bored,” said President Christian Meinke of MFA, according to Finecut. “The movie has a very [unique] story line and highlights talented actors.”
TF1 has previously distributed “The Man from Nowhere,” released in France in 2010.
MFA distributed two 2009 films by director Bong Joon-ho, “Thirst” and “Mother,” and 2012 movie “Pieta” by director Kim Ki-duk to German-speaking countries.
“New World,” which was released here last month, attracted more than 3.5 million moviegoers to theaters as of Tuesday. |
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March 13, 2013
Period piece overload?
Spring drama lineup goes heavy on historical settings
By Jean Oh The Korea Herald
With spring in the air, viewers might be looking forward to season-appropriate TV rom-coms. If so, audiences are in for a major disappointment.
Broadcasters MBC, KBS and SBS have beefed up their primetime rosters for March and April with historical romances.
Of the three networks, MBC is the most invested in the genre, lining up two series ― “Goo Family’s Secret” and “Hur Jun, The Original Story” ― for every weekday night.
Actress Lee Yeon-hee in upcoming historical fantasy “Goo Family’s Secret” (MBC)
Historical fantasy “Goo Family’s Secret” will be slipping right into the Monday and Tuesday night time slots of the current period piece, “The King’s Doctor,” come early April.
Plus, starting next week ― in a move that may prove risky ― MBC will debut the historical romance, “Hur Jun, The Original Story,” the fifth such dramatization of the life of the author of the famed Korean medical textbook, the “Dongui bogam.”
Not only is this a remake that audiences are more than familiar with, viewer ratings of MBC’s “The King’s Doctor” indicate audiences may be tired of tuning into medical period pieces and, therefore, may not be interested in yet another tale of a royal physician.
When “The King’s Doctor” first aired last October it was a ratings success, but recently the series has been battling SBS’ modern-day melodrama “Queen of Ambition” for top viewer shares, signaling that audiences are no longer as invested in the physician’s story and may not be keen on watching more real-life Joseon-era doctors in the near future.
Actor Kim Juhyeok stars in MBC’s upcoming “Hur Jun, The Original Story.” (MBC)
Furthermore, “Hur Jun, The Original Story” will be airing daily in a weekday 8:50 p.m. time slot, when most channels air news and variety programs. That means “Hur Jun” will have to be compelling enough to get audiences to change their viewing routine.
By fate or accident, KBS is also hedging its bets on the medical period piece genre with “Chunmyeong” (working title).
Slated to air Wednesday and Thursday nights starting late April, the upcoming series, however, promises to evade getting pigeonholed as a run-of-the-mill historical romance by infusing the genre with the high-stakes intensity of a thriller.
The plot revolves around a government medical practitioner, played by actor Lee Dong-wook, who becomes the prime suspect in a plot to assassinate the king. An innocent fugitive on the run, the hero must also find a way to cure his daughter of a terminal illness.
Aside from “Hur Jun” and “Chunmyeong,” two more historical romances are slated to go head-to-head on Monday and Tuesday nights starting April.
SBS’ much-buzzed-about period piece, “Jang Ok-jeong” (working title) will be going up against MBC’s “Goo Family’s Secret.”
In SBS’ “Jang Ok-jeong,” actress Kim Tae-hee will be tackling the role of Jang Ok-jeong a.k.a. Jang Hui-bin, a historical figure who has been often portrayed as a Joseon-period villainess. The femme fatale who wormed her way into the king’s heart, climbed up the social ladder through endless scheming and plotting, and met her just end by being executed.
The upcoming series, however, portrays Jang Hui-bin in a different light, with the future queen starring as the heroine of her own soap-operatic love story.
Meanwhile, MBC contender “Goo Family’s Secret” will be taking on the newer historical fantasy genre with its tale of a Joseon demigod.
Starring Lee Seung-gi and Miss A’s Suzy as the leads, the upcoming drama is being produced by prominent drama production company Samhwa Networks of “Bread, Love and Dreams” fame.
Fellow “Bread, Love and Dreams” scriptwriter Kang Eun-kyung and “A Gentleman’s Dignity” director Shin Woo-chul are helming the drama.
With a strong cast, production company and writer-director duo on board, the future looks bright for “Goo’s Family Secret.” Then again, it is following on the heels of “The King’s Doctor” and is slated to air around the same time as three other period pieces.
Confident in the quality of the upcoming series, Samhwa Networks producer Park Tae-young summed up the allure of the period piece genre, pointing to the wide appeal of the period piece amongst audiences of all ages as a major strength.
Another pro, said Park, was the creative freedom afforded by working on a historical romance in terms of costumes, props and other aspects as well.
Voicing full confidence in a series backed by the long-amassed know-how of Samhwa Networks, Park promised a well-thought-out drama that would showcase a “more modern sensibility.”
Of how the company came to produce “Goo Family’s Secret” and of the series’ charms, Park stated that the primary draw for the team to the upcoming series was that it was “quite believable,” with a strong historical foundation featuring fictional leads in a “what-if” scenario that audiences could buy into.
Will audiences buy into a historical tale of a demigod? Even more, will viewers opt to watch period pieces over other modern-day contenders come spring? With four on the way, it will be interesting to see whether or not the genre still maintains the widespread appeal and popularity it has enjoyed in the past. |
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March 14, 2013
Lee Min-ho to tour 10 cities worldwide
By Bae Soo-min, Intern reporter The Korea Herald
Hallyu star Lee Min-ho will release his first album in May and perform in 10 cities around the world.
“Finishing up his Korea tour in May, he will move on to his world tour where he will he will be performing in several countries including China, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines. The tour will last until July,” said Starhaus Entertainment, the actor’s agency.
The agency stressed that the actor’s new album was intended as a treat for his fans.
Lee Min-ho. (Starhaus Entertainment)
“Lee is not going to have an official singing debut,” said the agency. “We wanted to return the favor to Lee’s loyal fans, after working the last two years to complete the album.”
All profits from the concerts will go to charity.
Lee is famous for releasing new singles at his fan meetings, but this is the first time he has released an album.
“I want to be an excellent actor. I do not think I am capable of being a singer,” said Lee. “I just wanted to gift my fans with a little present.”
Lee, who rose to stardom through hit drama “Boys Over Flowers,” has recently been gaining popularity in South America, the Middle East and Europe with the newly released drama series “City Hunter,” according to Starhaus Entertainment. |
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March 14, 2013
Is Park victim of own success?
By Kim Jae-won The Korea Times
A 22-year-old aspiring actress, right, leaves the National Forensic Service in Sinwol-dong, western Seoul, Thursday, after taking a lie detector test. She accused actor Park Si-hoo last month of raping her. / Yonhap
Is Park Si-hoo a sexual predator who raped an aspiring actress, or is the 22-year-old woman a seductress who traps rich guys for money?
When online media reported last month that the woman had accused Park of raping her, it seemed to be simply another sexual assault case. People thought it was the story of a famous actor abusing his power over an aspiring actress, which is not unusual in the entertainment industry.
However, the two have been making conflicting claims and several weeks of investigation has failed to produce any result to find out who is lying. The actress trainee said Park sexually assaulted her while she was asleep on Feb. 14, after having a late-night drink together, according to Seoul Western Police Station. The woman said she found she had been raped when she woke in the morning at Park’s home.
She also filed a complaint against a 24-year-old actor named Kim for sexually assaulting her with Park the same night.
Park has admitted he had sex with the woman but claimed, in a statement, it was consensual. Kim also denied the allegation, saying he left Park’s home late in the night.
The two sides entered a fresh round of battles when Park’s legal representatives raised the allegation that the 22-year-old entrapped Park to get compensation from him. The amount is rumored to be 1 billion won.
In response, the woman revealed text messages she and Kim exchanged the day after the incident occurred. The messages contained a long dialogue, which included a sentence asking, “Why was I on Park’s bed?,” hinting she had been the victim of a sexual assault and acknowledged later in the morning what had happened.
Police said that they are struggling to figure out what happened as all three people are making different statements over what happened that night.
“We are investigating the case with all of our efforts, but it is hard to know what really happened on the night. All of them have different stories, but no one showed any critical evidence which supports their argument,” said an official from the police station on condition of anonymity.
Police questioned all three several times separately last month and earlier this month, and quizzed them once together earlier this week, but none of the three changed their stories.
Police tested the three with a lie detector, and are waiting for the results from the national forensic agency.
However, results from such a test cannot be used as evidence in court.
On the Internet, a website has been launched titled, “We ask truth for Park” which collects documents and news reports on the 34-year-old actor. Another site named “Park-shihoo.com” also provides information on the case and the investigation.
Police said they will investigate the three people further, but were not sure when the probe will be completed.
“We do not know when we can announce the results of the investigation at this moment,” said another officer, asking not to be named.
Park gained popularity for his roles in television shows including “Iljimae” and “The Princess Man” and starred in last year’s thriller “Confession of a Murder.” |
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March 14, 2013
Zo In-sung opens up on latest role
Actor confesses he had concerns his comeback would be a 'total disaster'
By Jean Oh The Korea Herald
Actor Zo In-sung’s long-awaited comeback to the small screen after a five-year hiatus has proven a success.
After completing military service and taking a two-year break from the limelight, Zo returned to television with a vengeance, winning viewers over as an irresistible bad boy with a heart of gold in SBS’ “That Winter, the Wind Blows.”
Onscreen, his role as the conflicted and twisted Oh Soo unwittingly falling for the woman he intends to con reads bold and confident, but at a press event for the drama in Seoul on Thursday, Zo admitted to initially faltering when he took on his character.
“When I first decided to do it, I saw the script and felt it was worth a go,” said the 31-year old actor. “But the more I read it, the more I felt that if I didn’t do it right, it would be a total disaster.
“So there was a moment when I wanted to avoid the role,” Zo confessed. “As the first work that I would be doing after serving in the military, I wanted to do a project and play a role that wouldn’t be something I would be embarrassed about.”
“That Winter, the Wind Blows” stars Zo In-sung (right) and Song Hye-kyo attend the drama’s press conference at De Chocolate Coffee in Apgujeong, Seoul, on Thursday. (SBS)
Zo revealed that he was daunted by the realization that there was a “huge gap between reading the script and acting it out.”
Despite his reservations, Zo tackled his role as a playboy gambler with gusto, deciding to hold nothing back when playing a lowlife scam artist whose survival depends on pulling off the ultimate con ― convincing his deceased friend’s blind sister to hand over her inheritance to him, no questions asked.
With only five more episodes to go, Zo has more than proven he is up to the task.
Not one to rest on his laurels, the actor sent a nod to costar Song Hye-kyo, who plays his character’s love interest Oh Young, for giving him more impetus to step up to the plate and hold his own on set.
“I get the goosebumps when I see Hye-kyo act,” Zo said of Song. “I am honored to be able to work with her and watch her act.”
Song, who plays a blind heiress under the mistaken impression that Oh Soo is her long-lost brother, said of Zo, “Everything about him is passionate.”
The 31-year-old actress expressed gratitude to her costar for being patient when she faced difficulties filming emotional scenes together, and even admitted to having developed a crush on his character, Oh Soo.
“It is a bit of shame ― because my character cannot see, I am unable to make eye contact with In-sung and can only see how it plays out when I monitor the scenes afterwards,” Song said. “I must rely on his voice and his voice carries enough emotional weight for it to work.”
Song then confessed, “There are times when I monitor scenes and I am caught off guard because Oh Soo is so utterly charming.”
That, indeed, seems to be the consensus amongst viewers as well.
When SBS’ “That Winter, The Wind Blows” started airing in mid-February, it was a strong contender in a neck-and-neck ratings race with KBS’ blockbuster “IRIS II” and MBC’s rom-com “Level 7 Civil Servant.”
“That Winter, the Wind Blows” slowly inched forward into the top spot and seems to have clenched a definitive win last week, when it further widened the viewer ratings gap between itself and other Wednesday and Thursday night primetime competitors.
Zo voiced his relief at the success of the drama, pinpointing the power of portraying a “character that audiences can connect to” as a key reason behind why he believes viewers are tuning into “That Winter, The Wind Blows.”
Then, of course, there is the undeniable onscreen chemistry between Zo and Song.
When two major stars like Zo and Song collide and there is friction, it is sure to attract attention.
Zo credited “That Winter, the Wind Blows” director Kim Kyu-tae for all that television magic, saying, “He helps us film more comfortably, gets us to express ourselves more fully.”
“The director always ask us how we are going to act out each scene and then checks to see if we are feeling awkward, if we need to change it up,” Zo elaborated, before adding. “When I was young, there was that desire to be the center of attention as an actor, but I think Hye-kyo and I both know that is not what we are meant to do. We watch out for and support one another.”
Song agreed with Zo on why their budding onscreen romance comes across so convincing, adding, “We don’t prep in advance. We just allow ourselves to become completely consumed by our characters.”
As for real-life romance, Zo said he doesn’t think “there is anyone in particular I want to give chocolates to” on White Day.
“I think love is always a question mark,” the actor said. “Love? It is always hard.” |
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March 14, 2013
Psy will ignore plagiarism charges
By Lee Sun-min Korea JoongAng Daily
Psy will not act on any allegation that his hit song “Gangnam Style” is being plagiarized, said an official affiliated with the star according to local media reports yesterday.
A local composer argued that the global hit released in July plagiarized one of his pieces and filed a lawsuit at a local court in October asking for more than 100 million won ($91,000) in compensation.
However, the official said that the song is not similar to “Gangnam Style,” made by Psy and composer Yu Gun-hyung.
“There is absolutely no need to respond [to this lawsuit],” he said. “Anyone who has listened to ‘Gangnam Style’ and the song the composer made will know easily that this is not plagiarism.”
There are some other allegations as well, all of which the official discounted.
“We think all these [people] are trying to free ride on the popularity of “Gangnam Style,” so we believe not taking any action would be the smartest move,” the official explained. |
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March 14, 2013
Lee Min-ho says songs are gift to fans
By Lee Sun-min Korea JoongAng Daily
Actor Lee Min-ho, who became a much-loved Hallyu star from TV drama “Boys Over Flowers” in 2009, plans to release a special album worldwide in May. He will have a world tour starting that month as well, according to Lee’s management agency Starhaus Entertainment yesterday.
However, Lee made it clear that the album release is just a gift to fans and not a signal of his debut as a singer.
“My goal is to become an excellent actor, and making a debut as a singer is something beyond my talent,” said Lee according to the agency. “It is a small gift I wanted to give to the fans who care about me.”
He often sings at fan meetings but has never released music to the public or sung on television.
“There have been endless requests for him to produce an album with songs from fan meetings,” said the agency. It added that it decided on the album release after two years of deliberation .
Some proceeds from the sales of the album will be donated to charities. |
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March 14, 2013
Lee Byung-hun is back with 'G.I. Joe' sequel
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Storm Shadow (Lee Byung-hun) reveals his face in “G.I. Joe: Retaliation,” the long-anticipated sequel in which he plays a more significant role. Provided by Paramount Pictures
“G.I. Joe: Retaliation,” starring Korea’s pride and joy Lee Byung-hun alongside an A-list cast of Bruce Willis and Dwayne Johnson (aka “The Rock”), will be released March 28 to fans that have been patiently awaiting the sequel to the 2009 hit that grossed more than $300 million worldwide.
Sienna Miller and Dennis Quaid are no longer part of the story, but fans of the action classic will be glad to know that Willis steps it up to give their money’s worth of fighting and explosions.
There is rarely an action-free scene in the follow-up; in fact, there are so many bombs and guns going off that it is easy to lose sight of the plot.
But this is perhaps what makes it an interesting 3-D feature. Adding a dimension caused the film’s opening to be delayed nine months because the higher-ups thought it would perform better abroad, according to TV and film Web site Screen Rant.
Shot on location at NASA’s Micoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, the movie was directed by Jon M. Chu of the dance film franchise “Step Up.”
Chu is an expert in movement, and his skill can clearly be seen in a film that sacrifices so much of the story line, not to mention sentiment, for emphasis on bulging muscles, nifty imagery and roundhouse kicks.
From left: Lee Byung-hun, D.J. Cotrona, Adrianne Palicki, Dwayne Johnson and John M. Chu appear at a press event for the film in Seoul.
Despite the lack of human interest, the home crowd can look forward to the larger role given to Storm Shadow, the lovable foe played by Lee. He does away with the ninja mask and reveals the story behind the baddie.
“In the second movie, I’m a lot more expressive,” Lee said at a press conference held on Monday for the film’s world premiere, which took place in Seoul of all places.
Joined by cast members Adrianne Palicki, D.J. Cotrona and Johnson as well as Chu, Lee was quick to point out his significance to the plot.
“I speak a lot more and have a wider range of emotions,” said Lee, who confessed that it was hard work trying to portray a character through a ninja mask in the first film. “All that you saw were my eyes and movements.”
Although essentially playing a character that is typecast for Asian actors, the 42-year-old Lee has really made a mark in Hollywood, landing a lead in a $185 million production. His feat is particularly impressive given that the actor was born and worked in Korea for most of his professional life.
The Hollywood actors in turn said they were star struck by the actor referred to as “Byunsama” (“-sama” is an honorific in Japanese) throughout Asia.
“To meet and work with someone like Lee was an honor and an experience,” said Palicki who plays the token sexy female, Lady Jaye.
She added that Lee’s fame will surely catch on in Hollywood just as it has in Asia.
“I absolutely think he’ll do well in Hollywood. He’s sexy and talented,” Palicki explained.
Meanwhile Johnson said that he also has a lot of respect for his Korean co-star’s physical preparation and strict exercise regime.
“His discipline as an actor is one of the greatest things about him,” said Johnson, a pro wrestler turned actor. “I’m a big believer in discipline and Lee Byung-hun.”
Meanwhile Lee was quick to return the favor by heaping praise on his brawny co-star.
“He says that I’m disciplined, but really his whole life is about discipline,” said Lee, who admitted that he was ashamed of his size when next to the Hollywood heavyweight.
Despite being the smaller man, for his part, Lee said he played the role of gracious host by showing the cast around town, helping them taste the real Korea, including “needless to say, soju.”
As for the film’s potential at the box office, though, Lee said that was up to the fans.
“Of course Korean films are in their prime at the moment,” said Lee.
He is indeed at the top of his game at home. His latest domestic film “The Masquerade” pulled in 12.3 million viewers and took 15 of 22 prizes at the 49th Daejong Film Awards last year.
“But still, I hope you’ll like my Hollywood movie,” Lee added between laughs, especially because fans will get to “see me close up.”
As if that wasn’t incentive enough, Chu drove the point home.
“You get to see Lee Byung-hun’s abs in 3-D,” said the director, who is most certainly in a position to know. |
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March 14, 2013
4 Celebrities Charged with Using Michael Jackson Killer Drug
The ChosunIlbo
Four celebrities have been indicted for abusing Propofol, the powerful anesthetic that was responsible for the death of Michael Jackson.
Police said former TV host Hyun Young admitted to abusing the drug, while actresses Park Si-yeon and Lee Seung-yeon "partially admitted" their offenses. Actress Jang Mi-inae, however, denies the charge.
Hyun was slapped with a W5 million (US$1=W1,098) fine for abusing Propofol 42 times between February and December 2011. The other three were indicted without arrest.
Hyun was apparently very cooperative with investigators during her probe last month. Acquaintances advised her to take legal action, but she apparently decided to admit the offenses, police said.
Hyun told police her doctor omitted the names of other celebrities who were given Propofol from medical records at his clinic, but he would not do the same for her, so she went under her sister's name. She claims she stopped using the drug when she found out she was pregnant.
From left, Lee Seung-yeon, Park Si-yeon, Jang Mi-inae and Hyun Young
Jang adamantly denies the allegations, saying she did not even know what Propofol was until this scandal broke and had no idea she was given the drug. She is charged with abusing Propofol 95 times between February 2011 and September last year.
Park apparently confessed even before prosecutors began questioning her. "She admitted that she was given Propofol as she underwent Carboxytherapy," a police investigator said.
Carboxytherapy involves injections of carbon dioxide gas into the skin in order to kill fat cells and improve elasticity. But Park sought leniency claiming the Propofol was intended to alleviate the pain associated with the treatment. Park has been charged with abusing Propofol a whopping 185 times from February 2011 to last December.
Lee confessed to using the drug but claimed she was following the instructions of her physician. She has been charged with abusing Propofol 111 times from February of 2011 to December of last year. |
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March 15, 2013
Kim Tae-hee Wows Students at Seoul National University
The ChosunIlbo
Actress Kim Tae-hee was greeted by hundreds of smitten students at Seoul National University on Thursday. She was there to take part in a recruitment drive by the Hanwha Group, one of Korea's major conglomerates.
The venue opened at 10 a.m., 30 minutes before the event started, and some 600 students were already waiting in line and all 200 seats were filled instantly. Many students had to sit on the floor and stairs.
Hanwha had prepared only 400 booklets introducing the group, and all of them had been snapped up even before the presentation started.
Kim Tae-hee gives a presentation during a recruitment drive by Hanwha Group at Seoul National University on Thursday.
Kim is an alumnus of the prestigious university, where she studied fashion design. "Standing here in front of all of you brings back fond memories of my days here," Kim said.
She spoke for 30 minutes about her experience modeling in Hanwha advertisements and ended her presentation by wishing the students good luck in their job search. The students responded with loud cheers.
One student said, "I've been to a lot of recruitment events, but I've never seen one that drew so many people." Another student said, "I didn't come here to find out about job opportunities at Hanwha. I came to see Kim Tae-hee."
But a third was less star-struck. "I don't know why Kim Tae-hee came here since she's never actually worked for the Hanwha Group," he said.
The previous day, Hanwha held a recruitment drive that took seven hours on another part of the SNU campus, but that attracted far less interest. |
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March 15, 2013
'Miracle in Cell No. 7' third most-viewed Korean film
YonhapNews
SEOUL, March 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korean comedy "Miracle in Cell No. 7" became the third most-viewed Korean film of all time on Friday, attracting 12.32 million moviegoers since it debuted here, the film's local distributor said.
"Miracle in Cell No. 7" reached the number 52 days after opening, outperforming the previous No. 3 "Gwanghae: the Man Who Became the King" (2012), which was seen by 12.31 million people, NEW said. But the official box-office tally from the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) has yet to be released.
Directed by Lee Hwan-kyung, the film is about a group of inmates in cell No. 7 who embark on a mission to help to reunite their new inmate -- a mentally disabled man with the mind of a six-year-old child -- with his seven-year-old daughter who he is single-handedly raising.
Interest is now on whether the film will be able to continue its climb in the rankings. Currently, "The Host" by director Bong Joon-ho tops the list with 13.01 million viewers, closely followed by the star-studded heist film "The Thieves" with 12.98 million, according to the KOFIC data.
South Korea has a population of 50 million.
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March 15, 2013
Kwon Sang-woo says acting is hard
By Lee Sun-min Korea JoongAng Daily
Actor Kwon Sang-woo, who plays lead character Haryu in the SBS drama “King of Ambition”, expressed his thoughts on his role in the program, hinting that it’s too burdensome.
“Performing as my character is stressful in many ways. I just hope the script turns out well,” Kwon said in his post.
In the drama, Haryu lives a spiteful life as he only dreams about taking revenge on his former girlfriend who abandoned him and their daughter. Her carelessness even left her daughter hit by a car in the street.
Soo Ae, who plays Haryu’s girlfriend, is driven by the strong ambition to become successful and rich.
Many viewers have expressed discomfort over the raw desire for revenge that fuels the show, and fans believe he wanted to respond to those concerns.
Kwon’s agency later explained that Kwon wrote the post as he felt fatigue from filming.
“He wrote the post as he is physically tired, not because of any complaints about his character,” the agency explained. |
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