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December 23, 2008
'Boys Over Flowers' to Air in January
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
The main actors of Korean television vestion of "Boys Over Flowers"
pose at a prss conference held Monday in downtown Seoul. From left
are Kim Jun, Kim Bun, Ku Hye-sun, Lee Min-ho and Kim Hyun-joong. / Yonhap
The famous Japanese cartoon "Boys Over Flowers" by Yoko Kamio will be broadcast next year through the small screen, complete with a Korean version of "Flower 4," that features handsome boys and a headstrong heroine.
Fans, reporters and camera crews packed the press conference held at a hotel in central Seoul, confirming the anticipation the drama has stirred for fans here.
The drama has cast four actors who were chosen from auditions: Lee Min-ho (Tsukasa Domyoji, or Goo Jun-pyo in the Korean version); Kim Hyun-joong (Rui Hanazawa, or Yoon Ji-hu); Kim Bum (Sojirou Nishikado, or So E-jeong); and Kim Jun (Akira Mimasaka, or Song Woo-bin). Actress Ku Hye-sun will play Tsukushi Makino, or Geum Jan-di.
The story ? about four boys and one lucky girl, spiced with the right mix of love triangles, troubles in school and parents and luxurious adolescent life ? captivated Asia, first through its original comic book, then through an animation, dramas from Japan and Taiwan and a movie.
Why another one, particularly a drama?
"I was asked to make the Korean version, and after some consideration, I decided to do it. Our version will be based on the cartoon, and I have tried to bring originality as much as possible," Jun Ki-sang, the producer of the drama, told reporters.
He added that he did have to change a few details in the storyline due to the cultural differences between Japan and Korea, but he tried to stick to the original plot as close as possible.
Even the cast had to look similar to the original ones seen in the cartoon ? from hairstyles, overall image and even height. "Rui is 186 centimeters and so we tried to match the height of the actors during the audition. In the case of Tsukasa, he has curly hair, so Lee had to perm his hair numerous times just to get that perfect curl," he said.
The actors were thrilled to be starring in a drama whose plot is recognized all over Asia, but there were also hints of pressure. "At first, I felt I just won the lottery. But now I feel the pressure and also the responsibility," said Lee, who is regarded as the most similar to the original character Domyoji because of his height and dark curly hair.
The former leader of the boy band SS501 Kim Hyun-joong also showed his anxiety by appearing as an actor. "I do feel nervous and pressured, as this drama is my first one. When I watched movies or dramas, I just enjoyed them but now I focus on the way the actors talk, breathe and other acting elements. I just hope I'll do well enough to continue with another drama in the future," he said.
Compared to the male actors, Ku is a senior when it comes to acting, and she admitted that she thought she would have to lead the group, but realized that there was no need. "I was worried at first, but everyone came so prepared. It actually made me nervous. I think I've changed a bit by acting as Jan-di, who is outgoing, strong and bright. I was uncomfortable meeting new people, but now I think I'm more like her,'' she said.
"We thought that the drama would be lame if it was just heavy and too luxurious. It will be more light and fun, that's why we decided to call it a trendy romantic drama," the producer said.
"Boys Over Flowers" will start airing Jan. 5 at 9:55 p.m. on KBS.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/12/201_36591.html |
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December 23, 2008
TV Producer Sued Over Tightrope Walking Dog
By Kim Rahn
Staff Reporter
An animal rights' group filed a complaint against a television show for abusing a dog.
The Korea Association for Animal Protection filed the petition Monday against the producer of the program "Star King," the show host Kang Ho-dong, and the owner of the Jindo dog, for forcing the dog to walk on two tightropes.
"The people had the dog walk on the ropes 2.5 meters above the ground without any safety devices in the program aired Saturday. The dog lost his footing on the ropes and almost fell, but people just laughed and nobody worried about it. They also made the dog climb up a five-meter-high ladder," the group said in the complaint.
"We could see the dog was in fear. Dogs have acrophobia ㅡ they do not like heights. Forcing the dog to walk on tightropes causes huge fear and stress to it, like forcing a person who fears roller coaster rides to ride one," it said.
"The dog owner treated the dog like a robot and did not care for its safety, fear and stress," the association said.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/12/113_36617.html
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December 24, 2008
Watch out world, Korean singer and actor are ready for discovery
Rain and hallyu star Lee Byung-hun have been 揹iscovered. |
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December 24, 2008
China Crowns Ju Ji-hun 5th Most Handsome Male
Ju Ji-hun
The Chinese have crowned actor Ju Ji-hun one of the 10 most handsome men in the world. In a recent survey by major Chinese portal site 163.com, Ju earned a total of 138,131 votes, and ranked fifth.
Other Korean stars on the list were Jang Dong-kun in 12th place with 11,813 votes, Hyun Bin in 15th with 10,979 votes, and Rain in 16th with 10,458 votes.
Japanese star Kimura Takuya came seventh with 50,010 votes, and Wentworth Miller, the hero of American soap opera "Prison Break," was in ninth with 14,451 votes.
Credits: [email protected]
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200812/200812240019.html
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December 24, 2008
Asian Edition of Rain's Album "Rainism" Sold in 9 Countries
Singer Rain (real name Chung Ji-hoon) has released his fifth album entitled "Rainism" in the entire Asian region.
Rain's agency, J Tune Entertainment, said it will first release the Asian edition of the album in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, and later will expand the sales to Thailand, Japan and China as well. The company has also signed license deals with GMM Grammy for the album's distributiion in English-speaking countries, with Warner Music for its distribution in Chinese-speaking countries, and with Pony Canyon for its distribution in Japan.
The Asian edition of Rain's album contains the English versions of the songs "Rainism" and "Love Story," which were originally released in Korean. The Chinese and Japanese editions also contain the same songs recorded in Chinese and Japanese, respectively.
Rain will hold a concert in Shanghai, China in January next year.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1562079_28572.html |
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Posted on 12.24.08 to CT Hall, Korean Dramas by hanfever
Ryu Shi Won Makes a Drama Return After Four Years
Korean star Ryu Shi Won will make a comeback to the Korean drama scene with the upcoming SBS drama 揅T Hall |
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December 24, 2008
YEAR-END REVIEW (3) POP MUSIC
An over-produced, lackluster year in pop music
Much of 2008 was an uneventful year in music. Making good use of the recent nostalgic craze, boy bands were excavated from the rubble of the 90s, Mariah Carey scored her 18th number one hit, Guns N' Roses' "Chinese Democracy," finally hit retailers after 17 years, and rapper Lil' Wayne sold a million records in a single week.
On the home front, the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival last July was a very British and very muddy affair. Six bands from the U.K. performed under heavy rain that turned the venue into a gigantic mud puddle, harkening back to the days of Woodstock. Domestic bands like Jaurim and Crying Nut played second fiddle to headliners Travis and Ellegarden.
The year also saw Korean music demigod Seo Taiji come out of retirement to present "Moai," the first single from his three-part "mystery project." The reclusive rocker used his regained popularity to kick start an ambitious concert that united him with renowned orchestra conductor Tolga Kashif, called "The Great Seo Taiji Symphony."
Kashif, who gained wide acclaim for his classical interpretation and arrangement of the music of Queen, presented new takes on Seo's past hits.
So popular was the concert, the promoters re-organized an encore performance later this December that was considered a success but didn't see the same attendance figures.
There were three major international artists who held concerts in Korea for the first time as well. Following "The Great Seo Taiji Symphony," the year's other high profile music event was legendary piano-rock singer-songwriter Billy Joel's first concert in Seoul at the Olympic Gymnastics Gymnasium. The Bronx singer was host to 17,000 fans - made up of two generations of the young and the old, revealing the broad age range of devoted Korean followers.
On the other end of the spectrum, legendary metal band Judas Priest held their first concert in Seoul in September. Korean fans well into their 40s relived their salad days as wild, head-banging metal heads. However, fans were critical of domestic promoters for organizing a heavy metal performance in a seated venue as opposed to a standing one.
English acid-jazz pioneers Jamiroquai also held their first ever concert in Korea at the Olympic Hall last November. Front-man Jay Kay performed mostly the band's mainstream hits of recent years, which disappointed many fans of their earlier, jazzier and funkier work from the early 90s.
As far as content of music in 2008 goes, there was an ugly trend the music industry rushed in - digitally enhanced vocals. Particularly in the case of several high-profile rap artists who embraced and in many cases abused the hack studio tool known as Auto-Tune. Hip-hop has moved away from the concept of two turntables and a microphone, and closer to relying heavily on ProTools and a laptop.
Though this sort of implementation of high-tech armchair production tools in music is nothing new, the likes of Kanye West and Lil' Wayne took it to new heights with their Auto-Tune dominated releases this year. What kind of trends the music industry will adopt next year, be it on the business side or the creative side, it will surely be more of the same.
This year also saw a lot of changes in the way consumers purchased music. While the use of the internet to obtain music is nothing new, it gained a stronger foothold this year with more consumers turning to online services such as iTunes.
Making these online options more attractive were special releases, bonus tracks and other extras to lure music lovers. The industry also saw a continuing decline of CD sales both domestically and internationally. But even as CD sales floundered, some labels and major acts made the head-scratching choice of releasing their albums through an exclusive retailer.
AC/DC, the aging hard rockers who emerged from an 8-year sabbatical, chose to release their much anticipated album "Black Ice" solely through Wal-Mart.
The superstore followed this up with an exclusive 3-disc summer release from arena-rockers Journey entitled "Revelation." While Wal-Mart targeted the classic rock market for the most part, reigning consumer electronics behemoth Best Buy lassoed the chance to be the exclusive retail distributor of Guns N' Roses' "Chinese Democracy."
While classic rock legends embraced such establishment-friendly outlets like Wal-Mart and Best Buy, other artists continued to explore the financial viability of internet distribution. Nine Inch Nails' front-man Trent Reznor pulled a Radiohead and released his band's latest album, "The Slip," online, while artists like Metallica, who fostered what many believed to be an anti-internet stance after the band had fought against Napster many years ago, heartily embraced the Web with their latest release, "Death Magnetic."
Deviating from the doom and gloom of the music industry, all music lovers can look forward to the next month of the new year when Korea host a slew of exciting concerts. Upcoming events include the Swell Season, formed by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova who garnered an Academy Award for best song for the feature film "Once," and the R&B sensation, Ne-Yo.
By Song Woong-ki ([email protected])
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2008/12/24/200812240046.asp |
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December 23, 2008
'KBS Most Reliable, Useful Media Firm'
The Korean Broadcasting System walked away from the 2008 Media Awards victorious in two categories. KBS, which includes its international broadcasting section KBS World Radio, won the awards for reliability and usefulness.
Seoul-based news agency YTN received the award for fairness in reporting.
The Media Awards ceremony, hosted by the Media & Future Institute, recognizes companies that have fulfilled their responsibility to the public and enhanced management performance over the past year.
The winners are selected by 1000 member professors of the Korean Society for Journalism & Communication Studies.
Source: KBS World
'Terrestrial TV has Best Ad Effect'
A survey shows advertisements on terrestrial television channels are considered the most effective way to reach target audiences.
In a survey on six-thousand Koreans by the Korea Broadcast Advertising Corporation, 67 percent of respondents said they find advertisements on terrestrial TV to be the most influential.
The survey, in which respondents were allowed to make multiple selections, had cable TV ranked as the second most effective medium for advertisers at 48 percent, followed by the Internet at 41 percent.
Terrestrial TV scored the highest in all 12 categories covering exposure frequency, public interest, interesting media content and influence.
The survey hopes to appraise consumer use and spending patterns by studying the effects of mass media channels. Other mediums surveyed were satellite and radio broadcasts, newspapers and magazines.
Source: KBS World |
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December 22, 2008
Baseball Star Guest-spots in a Comedy Program
Major league pitcher Park Chan-ho appeared on a hot KBS comedy program 揟wo Days One Night. |
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NEWS INDEX page 75
December 23, 2008: Filmmakers Honored at Golden Cinematography Awards
Dec 24: Ryu Si-won Forges Ahead with Japan Concert
Dec 25: Daniel Henney Is Poised for Hollywood Glory
Dec 24: Singer Lee Sang-eun on the Path to Individuality
Dec 25: [YEAR-END REVIEW (5) DRAMA] Drama market gets globalized, theme-driven
Dec 23: John Woo to Present Oriental Titanic in "1949"
Dec 25: 'Romantic Island' Loses Spark
Dec 25: Discovery Channel's "Seoul Documentary" Features Rain, Lee Byung-heon
Dec 25: Foreign Celebrity Sues Netizens Over Defamation
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December 23, 2008
Filmmakers Honored at Golden Cinematography Awards
Actor Ha Jung-woo of 揟he Chaser |
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December 24, 2008
Ryu Si-won Forges Ahead with Japan Concert
Actor/singer Ryu Si-won has moved the hearts of Japanese fans with beautiful music and memorable concert. His latest concert in Japan was particularly moving because he was suffering from a bad backache and severe cold. He had to get a shot of painkiller before going up on the stage.
Tickets to Ryu抯 揅hristmas for You |
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December 25, 2008
Daniel Henney Is Poised for Hollywood Glory
Daniel Henney
In the category of "most likely to succeed in Hollywood" among Korean actors, Daniel Henney has the advantage. Born to a British father and a Korean mother and raised in Michigan, the 29-year-old model-turned-actor has already appeared as Agent Zero in "X-men Origins: Wolverine," which will be released worldwide in the end of April next year.
In an interview on set in Sydney, Henney talked about his excitement about making a Hollywood debut using both Korean and English.
- How did you get cast?
"I was on holiday with my parents in my hometown in Michigan on New Year's Day. At the time, everything was kind of stagnant because of the strike of Hollywood writers. So I was very surprised when the casting director of the 'X-men: Wolverine' called me."
- So did you have an audition?
"I thought I would of course have to pass an audition, but I didn't. The casting director said he'd already seen 'My Father,' which I shot last year, and I didn't have to audition. To be honest, I was indescribably happy. I remember exactly what the casting director said at the time, 'Are you ready to change your life?'"
- Do you plan to split your time between Korea and Hollywood?
"Korea is the country that gave me everything that I now have and enjoy. I think of myself as a Korean actor. Korea made me an actor. My hope is to shoot one movie in Korea and one in the Hollywood every year. Of course that is strictly my personal dream."
Credits: [email protected]
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200812/200812250002.html
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December 24, 2008
Singer Lee Sang-eun on the Path to Individuality
Lee Sang-eun
Everybody has the right to live individually. The problem is they often try to avoid seeking that right. What transformed Lee Sang-eun, 38, from a popular star with a hit song, "Damdadi," to a singer-songwriter was her courage to pursue the right.
Lee, also a talented actress and writer, said, "Whatever I do, I want to leave something unique to myself." This year marks the 20th anniversary of her debut. She has released 13 albums at regular intervals. She is holding her 20th anniversary concert in Yehall, Apgujeong, Seoul on Dec. 24.
Lee won the grand prize at Gangbyeon song festival in 1998 as a freshman at the Department of Theater and Film of Hanyang University. She released her first and second albums the next year then moved abroad to study painting at New York's Pratt Institute in 1991.
However, music was her destiny rather than painting, after all. She said, "Going to Pratt meant giving up music, but I could hear good music on radio in New York constantly and this started my voyage back to the music world." She recorded her third album, consisting of songs she wrote in New York, in 1991. She said, "I thought 'that's it.' I should fully devote myself to music, if it brings me this kind of pleasure." She cited her life in New York as one of the important turning points of her life.
She said, "It's not easy to gain popularity while pursuing music that I like rather than following popular tastes, but I chose to seek my own definition of art, even if few like it." She also hopes to continue to touch people with her music "because life is a long journey," she said.
Credits: [email protected]
http://english.chosun.com/w21dat ... 2/200812240005.html |
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December 25, 2008
[YEAR-END REVIEW (5) DRAMA] Drama market gets globalized, theme-driven
With the new year less than a week away, the drama market merits a moment of reflection. The year 2008 proved to be a trying time for Korean dramas.
Pummeled by an economic crisis and competition from hit American and Japanese series, the domestic market cut down on the number of miniseries it aired in November. Yet despite cutbacks, a few stellar pieces stood out this year that, along with a dramatic increase in theme-driven dramas, softened the blow.
Here is a recap of the highs and lows of 2008, along with a glimpse into 2009.
Drama Recession
Around November, KBS, MBC and SBS responded to the economic downturn by slashing their drama budget. KBS discontinued their 7:40 p.m. daily KBS 2 TV dramas, MBC their special weekend dramas and SBS their Friday premium dramas as part of their autumn program reforms.
Various factors contributed to the reduction, including an increase in wages for celebrities and screenwriters, which upped production costs, along with a decrease in advertising.
All three major broadcasting networks are also tightening their 2009 drama budgets and looking for ways to bring down production costs. This includes employing rookie actors and cutting back on overseas filming.
Production companies were also hit hard by the crisis, posting deficits for 2008. JS Pictures, the production company behind SBS' popular series "Sikgaek," was in the red, according to a representative of the company.
On Air SBS/New Heart MBC/Beethoven Virus MBC/East of Eden MBC
"Actors' wages may have been one of the causes for the deficit," a JS Pictures representative explained. "There are a lot of plans for dramas right now, but everyone is hesitant to start production. Everyone is in a bit of a slump."
Chorokbaem Media, the production company behind SBS' hit drama "Iljimae," also posted a deficit, stated a representative. "Accounting-wise we were in the red this year," explained the Chorokbaem Media representative.
"But that was because of last year's 'Lobbyist.' Dramas that aired this year like 'Iljimae' and KBS' 'The Land of the Wind' have been profitable thus far," he added, maintaining a positive outlook for 2009.
For state-run broadcaster KBS, however, a change in chiefs may make 2009 a rocky year. On Aug. 26, President Lee Myung-bak appointed Lee Byung-soon the new chief of KBS, following the dismissal of former KBS chief Jung Yun-joo.
The Best and the Chic
Despite the economic crisis, 2008 proved to be an exciting year for the drama market. A movement towards theme-driven miniseries steered the herd away from the classic melodramatic formula. Broadcaster SBS led the trend with "On Air," "Sikgaek," "Tazza," "The Painter of Wind" and their brand new "Terroir."
The gamble proved to be a success for the drama-about-a-drama "On Air" and the gourmet series "Sikgaek." MBC's medical series "New Heart" and its musically-inclined "Beethoven Virus" also struck gold, serving as testimony to the newfound popularity of themed dramas.
MBC's sweeping 50-episode epic "East of Eden" and their historical "Isan," however, highlighted the continuing power of the tried-and-tested. And SBS' hit "Iljimae" walked the middle road with its modern take on historical romance.
Yet, one stellar drama served as a beacon of hope for the future of Korean dramas. Though it failed to garner high viewer ratings, KBS' "Worlds Within" sported all the trappings of a top notch work: a supremely talented cast, director and scriptwriter.
Like "On Air," "Worlds Within" was a miniseries that explored the drama-making process and employed the star power of a high profile cast, but the chemistry between celebrities Song Hye-kyo and Hyun Bin turned the series into a poignant and riveting tale, while skilled supporting actors -- Uhm Ki-joon, Bae Jong-ok and Kim Yeo-jin -- added depth and color.
But it was the collaborative fireworks produced by directing and writing duo Pyo Min-soo and Noh Hee-kyung that took "Worlds Within" to the next level. "Full House" director Pyo utilized savvy collaged cuts of various scenes on a black background to show characters in different locations from various points-of-view simultaneously, while "Goodbye Solo" screenwriter Noh Hee-kyung spiced up her dialogue with the harsh and pulpy talk of the gritty drama production room, while exercising just the right amount of control in the area of romance and friendship.
Dramas of 2009
Female warriors and old romances will be lighting up the small screen in 2009. KBS' "Iron Empress" and SBS' "Ja Myung Go" will be turning the spotlight on the female fighter, while MBC's "I Love You" and KBS' "Again My Love" will explore relationships between the elderly and the middle-aged.
Production company Group Eight looks set to mix things up with their upcoming "Tamna is the Island." Set in 17th century Jeju Island, the plot revolves around a girl diver, a British native and an aristocrat. Add to that four writers and the use of a French actor for an entirely new take on historical romance.
Media entertainment group On-Media will be upping the ante by starting a channel devoted to American dramas. On-Media's new channel, OCN Series, will bring in hit shows like CSI, Desperate Housewives and Sex and the City. The channel goes on air on Jan. 1.
By Jean Oh ([email protected])
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2008/12/26/200812260022.asp
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December 23, 2008
John Woo to Present Oriental Titanic in "1949"
Song Hye-kyo [File Photo: sina.com.cn]
Director John Woo plans to turn his new film '1949' into an 'oriental Titanic', cast member Mark Cheng has revealed.
The big-budget romantic epic is set on a cruise liner, which John Woo is spending a huge amount of money on to make more luxurious than the Titanic, Cheng said during an interview with the 'Shanghai Youth Daily'.
"The gigantic cruiser is equipped with all the facilities you could ever want. The director wants it to look dignified and at the same time vintage," he said.
The movie tells the love, life and death stories of three pairs of lovers. Actors Chen Chang, Patrick Tam and Mark Cheng have been cast as the male leads. Kungfu star Michelle Yeoh, and South Korean actress Song Hye-kyo will play two of the female leading roles, with the last one still to be decided.
Cheng will play opposite Michelle Yeoh.
The scheduled filming date has been postponed for half a year due to preparation of the movie sets. Hopefully lensing will start in June 2009, actor Patrick Tam has said earlier.
Source: CRIENGLISH.com
http://english.cri.cn/6666/2008/12/23/1221s435823.htm |
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December 25, 2008
'Romantic Island' Loses Spark
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
A scene from "Romantic Island"
The Christmas season boasts many holiday movies with plots about romance, family matters and even Santa and his elves. "Romantic Island" can be added to the love story category, as four young characters leave their tiring everyday lives, arrive at one of the most beautiful islands on earth and each start to discover new sides of themselves.
Jae-hyuk, played by deep voiced Lee Sun-kyun, is a CEO but faces a layoff by the board of directors due to radical decisions and his straightforward personality. When informed of the death of his father, who left him to live with his Filipino wife and daughter, he doesn't flinch and leaves for the island to bid his father farewell.
Meanwhile, Su-jin, played by the bubbly Lee Soo-kyung, flies to Boracay to escape her poor family and miserable workplace. She meets the seemingly rich Jae-hyuk and resolves to fix his sour attitude.
Jeong-hwan, played by model-turned actor Lee Min-ki, is an unemployed fellow looking for fun and Ga-young, played by singer-turned-actress Eugene, is popular singer. The two immediately bond, with Jeong-hwan simply honored to be with a famous singer and Ga-young frantically trying to get away from her hectic schedule. The story is somewhat similar to "Notting Hill," from the glamorous star to the timid yet happy young man.
There is actually another couple that will touch the heart of viewers: the dying husband and clueless wife. He's determined to kill himself, and almost succeeds, only to realize the true meaning of life and love through his loving wife.
"Romantic Island" is a trendy and romantic drama. It has all the right elements of: beautiful scenery, four young talented actors along with veteran co-stars and interesting love stories. But unlike dramas that take place over several episodes, a movie needs a solid plot that can hold onto viewers' attention, and ``Romantic Island'' falls a bit short.
The couples do offer a common theme of love changing everything for the worst, even the best situations, and the theme is executed quite successfully through three different storylines early on.
The couples are sweet and fun to watch and the actors are persuasive, but as the tightly packaged themes start to unravel, they lose their spark and tension.
Still, the sunsets, palm trees and beaches are more than enough to make viewers want to pack their bags and head straight there, and the small incidents with the three couples are the same as many would have hoped for in their dreams of a paradise getaway.
If you are looking for a light romantic drama with no serious twists or turns, "Romantic Island" will be perfect for you.
In theaters. 105 minutes. 15 and over. Distributed by Silver Spoon.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/12/141_36732.html
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December 25, 2008
Discovery Channel's "Seoul Documentary" Features Rain, Lee Byung-heon
The "Discovery Channel," a documentary TV channel, is to broadcast a program about Seoul and its residents.
The Seoul metropolitan government said the production crew from the Discovery Channel had visited Korea recently to film a documentary about top Korean stars Lee Byung-heon and Rain against the backdrop of the Han River, Mount Namsan and the Myeong-dong and Hongik University areas. The program tells how the two have risen to stardom and gained recognition worldwide.
Entitled "Hip Korea," the program consists of two 45-minute parts. The one entitled "Seoul Vibes" introduces Rain, while the other one, entitled "Seoul Savvy," is about Lee Byung-heon.
The part about Rain shows the Hongik University, Cheongdam-dong and Chyeonggye Stream areas to introduce the dynamic side of Seoul, while the part about Lee shows Apgujeong-dong, Insa-dong and Samcheong-dong to introduce the serene and romantic side of Korea's capital city.
The show will air in Australia and New Zealand in January, in Southeast Asia in February and in Europe in May. A government official said the program is expected to improve Seoul's image by showing off the city's unique charms on the Discovery Channel.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1562379_28572.html
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December 25, 2008
Foreign Celebrity Sues Netizens Over Defamation
By Park Si-soo
Staff Reporter
Bianca Mobley
Police are investigating dozens of Internet users for alleged defaming a foreign TV personality here.
The investigation came after Bianca Mobley, 19, one of the panel members of the popular local TV show, "Beauties' Chatter Box," filed a complaint with the police, calling for an investigation into 26 Internet users who distributed her private photographs along with malicious comments.
In the complaint, she claimed, "They downloaded my personal photos without my permission and spread them along with malicious messages on the Internet."
Her private blog was hacked and two pictures on it were leaked ㅡ in one she is hugging a man.
"The investigation into nearly 20 suspicious users is underway. But it's still uncertain how many are implicated," a police officer said.
The American TV personality wants the users to be punished, saying they should be held accountable, the officer said. "It is unclear whether we can punish those who spread the pictures on Internet sites. So now we are focusing on finding those who posted insulting messages," he said.
An Internet user who was questioned by the police told local media, "I sincerely apologize to her. The distribution was not meant to insult her. I have seen many funny photos of the show's panels online so I thought posting the pictures would not cause any trouble."
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/12/117_36757.html
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