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NEWS INDEX page 73
December 17, 2008: Wonder Girls Voted No.1
Dec 18: Choi Ji-woo Makes First Appearance in 'Period Drama'
Dec 18: TV Networks to Drop Dramas for More Ads
Dec 16: Korea Fashion & Design Awards
Dec 19: Ok So-ri Adultery Scandal Comes to an End
Dec 17: 2008 MOVIE POSTER OF THE YEAR
Dec 16: Premium Documentaries Captivate Fans
Dec 16: Actor Kwon Oh Jung Donates Shoes to African children
Dec 19: BoA to Release Her First Regular Album in America
Dec 19: ShinHwa Lee Min Woo Admits Dating With Amy, Officially
Dec 19: Choi Ji Woo Goes For Wedding Gown Spree
Dec 18: Internet portals on trial in defamation controversy
Dec 18: [HERALD INTERVIEW] Marco sprints to stardom with his boyish charm
Dec 11: Old Partner to Compete in Sundance 2009
Dec 19: Park Jin-pyo casts Kim Myung-min
Dec 19: Directors select Kong Hyo-jin and Ha Jung-woo
Dec 19: Women in Film Korea (WIFK) honor Lim and Gong
Dec 20: H.O.T抯 Lee Jae-won charged with rape
Dec 20: Gong Hyo Jin Once Thought of Burying the Pretty Actresses
Dec 19: Jun Ji-hyun and Sul Kyung-gu portrayed greatest characters
[ Last edited by katt at 22-12-2008 02:34 AM ] |
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December 17, 2008
Wonder Girls Voted No.1
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Pop group Wonder Girls
Pop group Wonder Girls have been chosen as "Koreans' Favorite Singer'' for two consecutive years. According to research company Gallup Korea Wednesday, the group was voted No. 1 among 4,330 Koreans who participated in three individual surveys carried out from last June to November. The ages of the recipients ranged from 13 to 59.
The five-member pop group topped the list with 22.2 percent of votes, while male pop group Big Bang came in second with 21.2 percent. Trot (Korean style pop genre) singer Jang Yun-jung made third place with 9.9 percent, while fellow pop group Girls' Generation, singer Lee Hyo-ri and veteran trot singer Tae Jin-ah followed with 7.8 percent, 6.5 percent and another 6.5 percent, respectively.
The Wonder Girls' song "Nobody" was also voted as the "Most Popular Song of the Year,'' with 11.4 percent of recipients choosing the catchy song as their favorite. Big Bang's "Day By Day," Wonder Girls' "So Hot," Lee's "U-Go-Girl" and SG Wannabe's "La La La" made it to the top five.
Making their debut in 2007, the Wonder Girls started out a bit rough as one of singer and head of JYP Entertainment Park Jin-young's creations. The group reached the top with its hit song "So Hot" earlier this year and continued to gain popularity with their follow up "Nobody."
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/ ... 8/12/139_36296.html |
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December 18, 2008
Choi Ji-woo Makes First Appearance in 'Period Drama'
Actress Choi Ji-woo
It may come as a surprise that Choi Ji-woo has made her first appearance in a period drama in her 14-year acting career with the role of a traditional entertainer or gisaeng. But it happened in the new, contemporary melodrama 揝tar抯 Lover. |
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December 18, 2008
TV Networks to Drop Dramas for More Ads
By Jane Han
Staff Reporter
TV viewers: Don't be surprised if your drama hour gets intruded by a variety show next year, as the nation's top networks are considering beefing up their entertainment programming to keep their business afloat through waning ad sales.
According to broadcasters SBS, MBC and KBS, popular variety and reality shows are not only cheaper to produce than dramas but ring up the biggest advertisement revenues.
For example, SBS' "Family Outing" reportedly rakes in 400 million won from ad sales per episode when its weekly production costs total 70 million won, only a fraction of the price to produce a drama. Other shows, such as KBS2's "Happy Sunday" and MBC's "Sunday Sunday Night," which are all popular prime-time shows, pulls in similar amounts of ad money with their sky-high ratings.
This advantage is invaluable to networks at a time when cash-strapped corporations are looking at major spending cuts on ads to help weather the economic storm.
The Korea Advertisers Association, a group of local firms, said Thursday that 70 percent of its 55 member companies indicated a budget cut in advertisements due to problems with cash flow.
Advertisers in the construction industry, which is suffering a direct blow from the real estate downturn, are estimating a 30 to 50 percent rollback, while those in the auto, oil and financial sectors are planning to slash 15 to 20 percent compared to this year's spending.
Terrestrial broadcasters, newspapers and outdoor ad sellers are expected to be hit the most, while Internet sites will be relatively insulated from the drop-off. The association says its assessment shows that the ad industry is bracing for the "biggest slump in its history," largely because companies do not see promotions as a must.
Companies say there's a number of ways to increase spending reduction, one being to minimize ad renewals as each update results in higher production costs.
Kim Ju-hyun, spokesman of SK Group, said its corporate campaign ads are typically renewed two to three times yearly, but the frequency might not be as high next year. The same goes for other companies that are considered aggressive advertisers.
However, advertising agencies are trying hard to buck the trend of cutting back by introducing new ways to promote.
Ogilvy Group Worldwide, a global digital and direct media firm, recently launched a Web site specially customized for a recession to offer tips to helps companies build their brands during uncertain economic times.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2008/12/123_36362.html
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Korea Fashion & Design Awards
Another random “Best Dresser Award.” With so many awards piled up at the end of the year, it seems pretty meaningless as to who wins a “style award.”
At the 2008 Korea Fashion and Design Awards, Kim Ha-heul and Jung Woo-sung were selected as “Best Dressers of 2008.” In addition, the “Style Icon Awards” were handed out to Suh In-young and the Wondergirls. |
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December 19, 2008
Ok So-ri Adultery Scandal Comes to an End
Ok So-ri speaks to reporters as she leaves
the Uijeongbu District Court on Wednesday. /Yonhap
The Uijeongbu District Court on Wednesday sentenced actress Ok So-ri to eight months in prison and two years probation for adultery. Her lover, a singer identified as Jung, was sentenced to six months in prison and two years probation.
揂lthough adultery with an acquaintance of the husband抯 is to be condemned, the accuser cannot escape criticism that he was not a committed husband. |
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December 16, 2008
Actor Donates Shoes to African children
Actor Kwon Oh-jung is taking part in a charity campaign to send shoes to children in Africa. Kwon has starred in many TV dramas and sitcoms, such as 揝oonpoong OB/GYN |
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December 16, 2008
Premium Documentaries Captivate Fans
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Trendy dramas dominate the Korean small screen these days. But networks are producing high quality documentaries that have captivated fans with spectacular images and heartwarming, educational stories. They deal with issues ranging from the North Pole to spice routes to dinosaurs, and the time and effort put into these programs has paid off with television fans asking for more.
KBS put out "Chamagodo" in 2007, finding a more than receptive audience. The documentary about the ancient commercial route that stretches from Tibet, the Himalayas, India and Nepal won the hearts of many viewers. It is regarded as having started the trend of "premium documentaries."
This year, KBS brought six-episode "Noodle Road," tracking the history of noodle production. The program took viewers through the simple dish -the past and the present, the East and the West- that has captivated the world for over 8,000 years.
Hosted by famed chef Ken Hom from BBC program "Ken Hom's Chinese Cookery," "Noodle Road" will air its second and third episodes next January.
MBC has also presented two very different documentaries for viewers: "Spice Route" and "The Tears of the North Pole."
"Spice Route," which aired in November, trekked the ancient route of spices from East Asia to Europe. The documentary opens the door to the legendary road of spices and even explains that Korean style red pepper flakes were used as a substitute for black pepper. The program was a big hit, with the camera crew bringing royal cuisine and pepper farms to the homes of viewers.
"The Tears of the North Pole" was one of the most popular documentaries this year, with its simple message and beautiful backdrops of the North Pole. The three-episode documentary only met fans twice, and will air its third episode on Dec. 21, but MBC has already promised viewers it will rebroadcast the program Jan.1 at 10:40 a.m. amid requests from fans.
The journey to the icy cold arctic region was tough, but the documentary stirred important issues through the small screen, from the extinction of wildlife to the struggles of the native Inuit population.
EBS also boasted two interesting documentaries this winter, "Koreanosaurus" and "Andes."
Noted as the first documentary to focus on dinosaurs that lived here on the Korean Peninsula, "Koreanosaurus" introduced the lifelong journey of a dinosaur named Jeombagi. Going back to the Cretaceous period via computer graphics, the program offered beautiful backdrops of New Zealand and surprisingly realistic images of various dinosaurs. Following the high popularity of the program, EBS decided to air the documentary once again Dec. 22- 24.
"Andes" captured the lives of people living in the world's longest exposed mountain ranges. From life in the scenic mountains to ancient ceremonies and colorful festivals, the program captivated fans with its breathtaking scenes of the Andes and the humble lives of the people living there.
In 2009, most major networks are planning to bring more of these programs.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/12/135_36187.html
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December 19, 2008
BoA to Release Her First Regular Album in America
Superstar BoA has finally unveiled the release date of her first regular album in America. In a radio interview with KIIS-FM in Los Angeles, she made a surprise announcement that her regular album will be marketed next March. This is the first time that any official reference was made to the release date.
BoA is currently staying in the U.S. to work on the album with two famed music producers, Brian Kennedy and Sean Garrett. Having launched her career in the U.S. with the digital single 揈at You Up |
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December 19, 2008
ShinHwa Lee Min Woo Admits Dating With Amy, Officially
In response to the dating rumours with Amy that have been spreading like wildfire since last month, Shinhwa member Lee Min Woo made an official announcement yesterday, admitting his relationship with Amy.
Lee Min Woo held his 揗 RIZING |
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December 19, 2008
Choi Ji Woo Goes For Wedding Gown Spree
Actress Choi Ji Woo, who currently plays in SBS 揝tar抯 Lover |
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December 18, 2008
Internet portals on trial in defamation controversy
SEOUL, Dec. 18 (Yonhap) -- Internet portals should be treated like newspapers or broadcasters and be held just as accountable for slanderous articles, a plaintiff suing for defamation damages argued Thursday in the Supreme Court.
Identified only by his surname, Kim, the plaintiff said in an open hearing that portals should assume the same responsibility as media outlets since they pick and post news items to spread in cyberspace.
Kim allegedly deceived his girlfriend with false promises of marriage, which led her to commit suicide after Kim broke his promise, according to the woman's mother, who wrote a story that was circulated by the portals.
Naver and Daum, South Korea's leading internet portals, posted articles on Kim along with user responses, which led to the circulation of his personal information, including his full name and photos. Kim said he even received threats over the telephone.
Kim sued the portals for defamation, arguing they are responsible for the articles. A lower court upheld Kim's claim and fined the portal sites 30 billion won (US$23.3 million). The portal operators filed an appeal with the Supreme Court.
Kim demanded that Internet service providers regularly monitor articles and posts, deleting them if necessary, in order to protect individuals' privacy. "In cyberspace, there are so-called cyber witch hunts, attacking a person by revealing his or her information," Kim's attorney said. "The witch hunt can be spread by portals. The major portals should bear social and legal responsibility."
The defendants, however, said that portals should not be considered media because they do not modify or revise articles provided by newspapers. "We only have legal responsibility to delete articles when a person claiming to have been defamed requests us to do so. Otherwise, we would be limiting the writer's right of expression," the portals' representatives said.
Malicious information circulating in Internet communities provided by portals has great influence in Korea, regarded as one of the world's most wired and tech-savvy countries. A famous actress recently committed suicide after false rumors circulated claiming she was responsible for another actor's death.
Credits: [email protected]
http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/culturesports/2008/12/18/1/0701000000AEN20081218007700315F.HTML
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December 18, 2008
[HERALD INTERVIEW] Marco sprints to stardom with his boyish charm
At first sight, the quiet and somewhat aloof Marco, 31, looks very different from his bubbly TV image.
Within minutes, however, he begins to let loose, and bursts into his signature boyish staccato laugh. Marco in real life turns out to be like Marco on television, or at least a slightly toned-down version. Although already enjoying an modeling career and several stints in movies, Marco got his biggest break in the entertainment scene this year by acting as a pseudo-married couple with pop star Son Dam-bi on MBC's semi-reality show "Just Married."
A third-generation ethnic Korean from Argentina, Marco raised eyebrows and left people asking, "Who is that guy?" when he appeared on the hit show featuring four different celebrity couples.
His handsome looks and sculptured physique contrasted with an inarticulate Korean accent and uninhibited expression of his feelings, kept people, especially women, glued to the television. "Yes. I think I am not that much different from how I appear on television," Marco said in an interview on Tuesday.
So can he feel the rising fame since he joined the show in September? Marco gives the innocent reply that viewers would expect from him: "People are much nicer to me now."
Born with the given name Marco and the Korean surname Lee, he and his family have lived in Argentina since his grandfather moved there in the early 1970s.
His parents run a clothes shop and he has an older brother and a younger sister. Marco said he was always a carefree child, and always did what he set his mind to, like earning money during the summer to travel around during winter breaks.
When asked what prompted him to come to Korea in the first place some eight years ago Marco replies, "No particular reason." "I first came here to study Korean, and found the place very interesting. Then I started modeling with a friend (as a side job)," he explained.
"Just the fact that there were so many Koreans (in one place) fascinated me. Some things were of course harder to adjust to, for example the unfamiliar food like cheongguk-jang (fermented soy-bean paste) and tteokbeokki (ricecake in hot pepper sauce). Now my favorite Korean dish is doenjang-jjigae (soy bean paste soup)," he said.
But behind his cheerful and happy-go-lucky demeanor, Marco has also had his share of confusion and difficulties. "When I was young, as I was born in Argentina, I used to think that Argentina was my home country. But whenever I looked at myself, looking clearly different (from the locals), I sometimes felt like I was an outsider."
He thought once he came to Korea, he would be treated the same as other Koreans. "But that was not the case, and I also felt like an outsider here."
Although it was hard at first trying to figure out where he truly belonged, Marco now has decided that where you live at that moment is where you belong. "If I decide I will root myself down here that is where I belong. And it is my plan to stay in Korea for good."
Marco currently plays the part of an unruly husband to a more headstrong wife. The two constantly clash due to cultural differences and Marco's unfettered lifestyle. In one of the episodes, Marco rattles Son by asking her to allow him to club-hop during weekends with his friends, and refusing to let her help him study Korean.
In another, Marco tries to impress Son by jumping into Cheonggyecheon in cold weather and showering her with romantic gifts. Despite his uncanny - sometimes exhausting - tendency to get his way, he ends up charming his way into Son's heart by making her break out in dumbfounded laughs. "The staff (of the TV production) suffers because I tend to be unpredictable while filming the show, going from one place to another without notice. Editing people have it the hardest," he said.
His career has included a small part in "Make it Big" in 2002, and a supporting role in "Lovers Behind" (2007) alongside actress Lee Mi-yeon.
His goal right now is to become a full-fledged actor, and star in a romantic-comedy. "To be honest, what I really want to do is acting. I know I have to speak better. I am taking acting and pronunciation classes for that," he said, adding that at the moment he mainly gets love calls from entertainment shows. "I'll get there one at a time."
Admitting that he sometimes appears to be too rash and immature, he says that what we see is not all there is. "I am kind of an extremist. I can be extremely carefree, and I can be extremely serious. But now I think I should show more of my calm side," he said.
Marco said that he does not feel any prejudice working as a gyopo (overseas Korean) in Korea but that he tries extra hard to have better manners. "As long as you act respectful, people will be nice to you."
With him already featured in a number of TV commercials such as SK Telecom and Dunkin Donuts, and increasing exposure at various TV entertainment shows, Marco seems to be setting out well to make a name in the Korean entertainment business, "Marco style."
By Lee Joo-hee ([email protected])
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2008/12/18/200812180055.asp |
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December 11, 2008
Old Partner to Compete in Sundance 2009
A South Korean independent documentary, by director LEE Chung-ryoul will have its North American premiere in competition at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. Held in Park City, Utah, the festival will run January 15 |
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December 19, 2008
PARK Jin-pyo casts KIM Myung-min
KIM Myung-min will star in PARK Jin-pyo抯 Nae Sarang Nae Gyeote (English translation: my love by my side) alongside earlier cast HA Ji-won. KIM will replace KWON Sang-woo who dropped out. KIM will play a Lou Gehrig抯 disease patient who remains upbeat.
With Nae Sarang Nae Gyeote, PARK returns to the romantic tearjerker genre. He previously directed the acclaimed You Are My Sunshine. Filming should start in the beginning of 2009 for a release in next year抯 fall.
KIM starred this year in Open City as a police detective on the trail of the criminal gang lead by SON ye-jin抯 character.
Credits: Yi Ch抋ng-ho, image from empas.com
http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/KOFI ... mp;Gesimul_SNO=1163 |
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December 19, 2008
Directors select KONG Hyo-jin and HA Jung-woo
Korean directors favoured the performances of KONG Hyo-jin and HA Jung-woo as 2008抯 best. The 11th Director抯 Cut Awards for Best actress went to KONG for her acting in Crush and Blush. HA earned the Best actor award in recognition of his role in The Chaser.
Both films are directed by first-time feature film directors, illustrating the prominence of new talented directors in 2008. LEE Kyoung-mi guided KONG Hyo-jin in Crush and Blush and HA landed a leading role in NA Hong-jin抯 The Chaser. HA also acted this year in My Dear Enemy.
Best director became an established director, KIM Jee-woon won the Best director nod for The Good, the Bad, and the Weird, this year抯 box office champion.
Best new actor and actress became YOO Ah-in (Antique) and SEO Woo (Crush and Blush). JUNG Byung-gil received the Independent Movie Director Award. JUNG filmed young stuntmen for his documentary Action Boys. Their passion and dreams make the stuntmen committed to the underpaid and dangerous occupation.
Credits: Yi Ch抋ng-ho
http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/KOFI ... mp;Gesimul_SNO=1161 |
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December 19, 2008
Women in Film Korea (WIFK) honor LIM and GONG
The members of Women in Film Korea, an organization of filmmakers, critics, professors, and technicians devoted to representing women professionals in the Korean film industry, held its annual awards ceremony on December 17 at the Art Sonje Center in Seoul.
The recipient of the Woman Filmmaker of the Year award for 2008 was director LIM Soon-rye for her critical and commercial hit Forever the Moment. The film, which was released in January, is based on the real-life experiences of the Korean women's handball team that competed at the 2004 Athens Olympics. More than 4 million viewers lined up to watch the film, providing one of the most noteworthy commercial success stories of 2008.
The organization also presented a best acting prize to GONG Hyo-jin for her gutsy performance in the film Crush and Blush. Her portrayal of the manic, slightly unhinged middle school teacher YANG Mi-sook earned her widespread plaudits throughout the industry. The film's debut director, LEE Kyung-mi, also received the award for best director or screenwriter.
Other awards included best producer to KIM Soo-jin, who was responsible for the other major hit film of early 2008, The Chaser; the prize for the best short or documentary to KIM Il-ran's documentary 3xFTM; and a lifetime achievement award to director LEE Mi-rye, who directed six films in the 1980s and early 1990s.
Credits: Darcy Paquet
http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/KOFI ... mp;Gesimul_SNO=1160 |
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Posted on 12.20.08 to Star News by hanfever
Gong Hyo Jin Once Thought of Burying the Pretty Actresses
During the 揝 Diary |
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Author
Post time 19-12-2008 01:55 AM
