Korean Entertainment News 2012 - 2013

katt

June 22, 2012

Kim So Yeon cast as female lead in Ji Jin Hee's TV series
Reporter: Lucia Hong. Editor : Monica Suk. 10 Asia



Korean actress Kim So-yeon will returning to the small screen as the female lead in a forthcoming TV series starring actor Ji Jin-hee, her agency Namoo Actors revealed on Friday.

Namoo said in a statement that Kim will play the role of Hae-in who is a strong-willed and principled woman, in SBS drama titled "Daepungsoo" (in Romanized Korean).

"Daepungsoo," set to air every Monday and Tuesday nights starting October, is a fictional biopic that will tell the story of King Yi Seong-gye (Ji), one of the most important historical figures in the history of the Korean peninsula.

Kim started out in the entertainment business in 1994 and is best known for her role in MBC's TV series "All About Eve" in 2000.

Since then, the actress starred in a number of hit dramas including KBS' blockbuster "IRIS" in 2009, SBS' "Princess Prosecutor" the same year and SBS' sports show "Dr. Champ" in 2010.

She last appeared in 2012 film "GABI (Coffee)" opposite actors Joo Jin-mo and Park Hee-soon opened in theaters on March 15.

katt

June 22, 2012

Park Han-byul might marry Se7en
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily



Entertainer couple Park Han-byul and Se7en will tie the knot once Se7en fulfills his mandatory military service, or at least that’s the plan according to Park.

At a press conference for her new movie “Media Day” on Thursday, Park answered the question on everyone’s lips in regards to the future of her 10-year relationship with singer Se7en.

“I don’t know when he is going to go to the Army, but marriage will have to come after that,” the 27-year-old actress said.

Furthermore, Park said that she’d miss him while he’s away, when he does go on to fulfill his military service obligation, but that she’d be okay. “I don’t think I’ll be distraught, and either way, if he’s going, I’d rather send him off smiling than crying,” Park said.

Fans who heard what Park had to say praised the young actress for her mature outlook on marriage and wished the couple all the best. The two entertainers began dating in 2002 when they were both attending Anyang Arts High School in Gyeonggi.

katt

June 22, 2012

Lee Joon-gi slams Korean work style
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily



Hallyu actor Lee Joon-gi has expressed his discontent at the long and grueling working hours often expected from actors and crew members on the sets of Korean dramas.

On Thursday, Lee used his Twitter to say, “I have an American friend who thinks that Korea is the best country in the world. He says that everything is delivered at all hours, restaurants are open 24 hours, at all hours there are people out and about, valet parking, designated drivers for hire and people are full of energy.”

But Lee said that he didn’t think Korea was in fact “the land of miracles” that his friend described.

“Sure the country is dynamic! But just imagine, staff and actors on the set of a drama who have to work 24 hours without sleep! This isn’t right. If you want a future in Korean dramas, you have to have endless stamina. I hope the situation improves here,” Lee said.

But he’s already back to the daily grind. Lee just began filming the drama “Arang and the Magistrate,” a new MBC midweek show that is set to air from late July.

katt

June 22, 2012

A-list Korean actors gears up to bring new film noir action pic
Editor : Monica Suk. 10Asia



Will star-filled ensemble cast, a new film noir action has kicked off its shooting.

Starring Lee Jung-jae, Choi Min-sik and Hwang Jung-min, “New World” (translated title) began its shooting on June 16, the film’s distributor NEW said in a press release Friday.

“With the awesome screenplay and outstanding actors and staffs, I think we’re off to a good start,” Hwang said in the statement, expressing his thoughts about the first shooting.

“It’s been nervous to star in the film with actors whom I’ve always wanted to work with. I can’t wait to see how this movie will turn out,” Lee added.

Directed by Park Hoon-jung of the Korean crime pic “The Unjust” (2010), the officials hinted about the upcoming film by describing the characters that the actors will play.

While Lee portrays detective Ja-sung who disguises himself as a member of the largest and most influential gang group in Korea, Choi is to play Ja-sung’s senior detective Kang.

Hwang, meanwhile, is to depict Jung Chung, the second highest-ranking boss in the gang. Without knowing that Ja-sung is actually a detective, Jung Chung experiences loyalty, betrayal and conspiracy.

As the movie is still at the early production stage, the officials said that they have yet to announce the film's premiere date.

katt

June 22, 2012

HYUNDAI HOPE ON WHEELS DONATES $75,000 HYUNDAI SCHOLAR GRANT TO SUPPORT PEDIATRIC CANCER RESEARCH AT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES
Source



LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 22: Actor Byung-hun Lee (R) helps cancer patient Isaias Quintana (L) paint his handprint during the Hyundai Hope on Wheels Handprint Ceremony and Hyundai Scholar Grant to support the Pediatric Cancer Research at Children's Hospital Los Angeles on June 22, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.

Credit: Photo by Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging

katt

June 24, 2012

Singer Lee Seung-gi carries torch in U.K. for London Olympics
By Moon Gwang-lip Korea JoongAng Daily



Lee Seung-gi, a Korean singer and actor, completed what he dubbed a once-in-a-life-time mission as a torch bearer for the upcoming London Olympics yesterday (Korean time), according to his agents.

Attending the “Korean Runners’ Day Torch Relay” along with 23 other Koreans, Lee ran 320 meters (0.19 miles) from Stratford Avenue to Manchester Road in Rochdale, northeast of Manchester, on Saturday (local time), the agency said. A total of 164 runners attended the relay on the day. “It’s my honor to be able to join the Olympics, a worldwide festival, through the torch relay,” Lee said after the relay.

Samsung Electronics, an official sponsor of the London Olympics, has selected 1,360 people from 58 countries for the torch relay, which started on May 19 in nearly 1,000 cities in England.

The relay, which covers the distance of 12,874 kilometers in total, is scheduled to arrive in downtown London two days prior to the opening of the Olympics.

katt

June 24, 2012

Agent says Kim Moo-yul's family situation was 'nearly impossible'
By Moon Gwang-lip Korea JoongAng Daily



Kim Moo-yul worked as a security guard, construction worker and at a mobile phone factory to earn bread for his family, according to his agent yesterday. The agent came to the defense of the 30-year-old actor under growing public criticism over allegations he dodged his compulsory military service.

Yeo Jun-yeong, the head of agency Prain TPC, said that Kim’s family was not merely poor but that it was “nearly impossible” for them to make a living since Kim was in his late teens.

“At the time of his enrolling at Sungkyunkwan University in 2002, his family’s [financial] condition was so bad that he was almost unable to continue his studies,” Yeo said in a blog. “He considered joining a special military force after he heard that he could make 30 million won [$25,884] by doing that, but he put off going to the military after his father collapsed due to a cerebral hemorrhage and he began taking care of all of his family members.” Kim rose to stardom after the release of the film “Eungyo” (2012).

katt

June 24, 2012

Jang Dong-gun's fans surprise set of 'A Gentleman's Dignity' with food
By Elli Park Korea JoongAng Daily



To celebrate Jang Dong-gun’s return to TV in more than 12 years, the Hallyu actor’s fan club surprised the star by presenting Jang and the staff on the set of his new drama “A Gentleman’s Dignity” to a free dinner.

On Thursday, Jang’s fan club visited the set of the show at the SBS’ Ilsan Production Center and provided a catered meal for some 100 actors and staff members, wishing them good luck on the drama.

The meal was a traditional Korean affair consisting of rice, side dishes and soup. The fans also came prepared with snacks such as iced coffee and nuts for breaks in between.

Jang, showing gratitude for his fans, said, “I was so touched by all the generosity. I extend thanks to my fans for providing such a meal for the staff.”

“A Gentleman’s Dignity” began airing about a month ago and is gaining in popularity due to the chemistry between the characters played by Jang and actress Kim Ha-neul.

katt

June 25, 2012

'Miss Conspirator' has Ko Hyun-jung in unfamiliar role
By Im Ju-ri Korea JoongAng Daily


Actress Ko Hyun-jung stars in the film “Miss Conspirator.” By Kwon Hyuk-jae

Actress Ko Hyun-jung returns to the big screen in the new action/comedy “Miss Conspirator.” Ko has typically played the role of strong female figures in positions of power, most notably seen in “Queen Seondeok” (2009) and “Daemul” (2010), in which she played Korea’s first female president.

This time, however, Ko’s role has taken a 180-degree turn. In “Miss Conspirator” she plays a disoriented woman with a social phobia.

General reaction to the film after its first screening was not too enthusiastic. But despite the criticism, Ko’s stardom alone has attracted significant attention. The JoongAng Ilbo sat down with Ko on Wednesday to find out what she hides under her charismatic appearance.

In the middle of the interview she kept saying, “Am I doing this right? If not, let me know. Tell me if I am saying something strange.” Perhaps the timid role she plays in this film is not mismatching after all.



Q. Is this the first commercial film you’ve starred in?

A. Actually it’s just the first in three years. Last time was when I starred in “Actresses” in 2009. When I received the scripts for “Miss Conspirator,” I read them very carefully because the producers were close friends of mine. I felt like this was the last chance for me to play characters like Chun Su-ro. If I get older, I can’t play this kind of character anymore. So I took the chance. I’ve always played characters that are strong and have charisma. Chun Su-ro is a nerdy and timid character, which is fairly new to me.

You’ve played mostly charismatic characters in the past?

Since my comeback to film and television following the divorce [with Chung Yong-jin, vice chairman of Shinsegae Group] people treated me like a real adult. I guess it is obvious because I’ve married and have children. But I felt like I was not yet a complete adult.

I was still immature and unskilled in certain aspects. But in order to live up to that image people have of me, I had to pretend to be a charismatic and a strong person. I simply had to remind myself to be strong. But this time it was difficult because I had to take out the timid side of me that was hiding inside.

Did you perhaps want to change the image people have of you through this film?

I am not the type of person who plans ahead and follows through with plans. I personally don’t like changing myself either. However, I do want to show everything when I work in a film. Regardless of the types of characters I play, I don’t change myself to act that character. I want to show everything that I have to play one character.

Did you find any similarities between you and Chun Su-ro, the character you played?

I think so, in some aspects. I do not have a social phobia, but I don’t really go out that often, either. That felt like a similarity. It was helpful in acting it out in the film.

There was a director change while it was in production. Were there difficulties while filming?

Yes, there were some difficulties we had to face during the production. Those difficult times strengthened me and gave me the sense of responsibility to endure to the end. It had to be finished, and we did it.

Was there any particular scene that was difficult to play?

Chun Su-ro is a disoriented person. If I exaggerate my actions it may seem prejudiced toward disoriented people. The difficult task I had was to act without giving people any uncomfortable feelings.

katt

June 25, 2012

Daniel Henney wins Best New Actor
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily



“Shanghai Calling,” featuring Hallyu actor Daniel Henney, won two awards at the 15th annual Shanghai International Film Festival.

The 32-year-old actor of Korean and American descent won Best New Actor for his role in the romantic comedy that centers on the theme of intercultural romance and the obstacles that arise when Sam, a top notch lawyer from New York, is relocated to Shanghai.

Eliza Coupe, Bill Paxton and Alan Ruck also star in the film. It was nominated for seven of the 12 categories at the Chinese film fest.

“Shanghai Calling” was credited with the most nominations and two wins: Best New Actor and Best Screenwriter.

Henney has been gaining more and more recognition in Hollywood and is set to appear in another American movie, “The Last Stand,” to be released next year.

Henney was born to a Korean adoptee mother and an American father of Irish descent. He began modeling in the U.S. in 2001 and has modeled for Korean brands Amore Pacific, LG and Asiana Airlines.

katt

June 25, 2012

T.O.P to play North Korean assassin
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily



Singer T.O.P of Big Bang is set to return to the big screen for the first time since his last movie “71: Into The Fire” (2010).

The 24-year-old boy band member is set to star in action/melodrama “The Alumni” alongside Han Ye-ri from the movie “As One” and 12-year-old actor Kim You-jung from this year’s hit drama “The Moon that Embraces the Sun.”

T.O.P will play the role of a teenaged assassin named Myung-hoon from North Korea who has been assigned to kill in a bid to save his sister’s life.

The plot unfolds when Myung-hoon meets the female protagonist played by Han, with whom he falls in love.

“The Alumni” is being directed by Park Shin-woo, who was also behind the hit movie “White Night” (2009). The Hallyu rapper said he was looking forward to returning to movies.

“I was attracted to the character of Myung-hoon, who embodies both the traits of a serial killer and the purity of a young high school student,” T.O.P said.

katt

June 25, 2012
     
Cho Seung-woo to star in MBC historical drama
By Rachel Lee The Korea Times


Actor Cho Seung-woo is cast in MBC drama “Maoui”
with female counterpart Lee Yo-won. The program
is to be aired in September this year.

Actor Cho Seung-woo will appear in a television drama for the first time in his 13-year acting career.

The 32-year-old has been cast with actress Lee Yo-won, also 32, in “Maeui” (working title), slated to air in September this year, according to Kimjonghak Production.

“Maeui,” meaning a vet who specialized in the treatment of horses during the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910), is about the life of a low-class vet of that era becoming a high official, in charge of the King’s health.

The historical drama will be produced by Lee Byung-hoon, known for his previous works “Jewel in the Palace,” “Hur Jun” and “Dong-yi.” Writer Kim Yi-young is also involved in the project.

Cho made his debut in 1999 in the film “Chunhyang” and has starred in numerous musicals such as “Jekyll and Hyde” (2010), “Zorro” (2011) and “Doctor Zhivago” (2012). The actor has won a number of awards including Best Actor at the 41th Baeksang Arts Awards 2005 and at The Musical Awards in 2012.

katt

June 25, 2012

Two of Korea's Leading Actors Stamp Prints in Hollywood

ChosunIlbo



Actors Ahn Sung-ki and Lee Byung-hun left their hand prints on the forecourt of Mann's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on Saturday (local time), becoming the first Asian actors to do so.

Previously, Hong Kong director John Woo was the only celebrity from the region to have left his prints there.

Around 300 fans watched Ahn and Lee leaving their hand and foot prints along with their names in Korean and English in the famous tourist spot.

Meanwhile, Lee's new film, "G.I. Joe: Retaliation," will be released soon. The sequel to a 2009 blockbuster "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" features Bruce Willis and Dwayne Johnson.


/Yonhap

katt

June 25, 2012

Movie Debuts At #1 At Box Office
KBS Global



Go Hyun-jung has done it again. Another hit of a project under her belt, this time in the form of the movie . I

According to the Korean Film Commission on June 25th, attracted 268,622 movie-goers from June 22-24th. This has clinched it the number one spot at the box office, in the first weekend of its debut. So far, the total number of people that have watched the movie stands at 331,514 people.

The movie is about a timid woman who suffers from panic disorder (played by Go), who ends up doing a favor for a nun that she meets. This winds her up in a 50 billion won criminal case. The action-comedy has been attracting a lot of attention even before it's premiere on June 21st.

Following in second place was having brought in 224,354 over the past weekend. That brings up its total number of viewers to 2,187,839. was in third place with 219,163 people.

was next at fourth with a weekend count of 213,883 people, totaling in 270,546 nation-wide movie goers. Fifth place was taken by the hit movie with 179,370 people still seeking it out over the weekend. This racks up its total to 4,144,223 people that have watched the movie.

katt

June 26, 2012

Actors leave prints on Walk of Fame
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily





Actors Lee Byung-hun and Ahn Sung-ki have become the first Asian actors - not including Asian-Americans - to leave their hand and foot prints on the Hollywood Walk of Fame outside Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood.
The two attended the printing ceremony that took place on Saturday.

“This is truly one of the most glorious moments in an actor’s life,” Lee said. “I can’t believe I’m here. Working for the last 20 years has indeed paid off, and I intend to work even harder for the next 20 years.”

Lee signed his name as “South Korean Actor Lee Byung hun.”

The organizing committee of the printing ceremony said that Lee was one of the finest Asian actors.

Director Kim Ji-woon, who worked with Lee for the first time in “A Bittersweet Life” in 2005 and then again in the thriller “I Saw the Devil” some five years later, was also present at the ceremony.

Kim praised Lee for his achievement in breaking into the U.S. market.

katt

June 26, 2012

Yoon Eun-hye has been making efforts in community service in Madagascar
By Elli Park Korea JoongAng Daily



In the morning of June 25, Yoon updated her Twitter, saying, “I made it back safely, finishing the project in success. For the beautiful nature of Madagascar, the lovely children who are facing the reality of starvation, I pray and hope that they soon will be blessed and helped by many.”
The update was accompanied by a picture of Yoon smiling with two Malagasy children in her arms.

In response to the picture, netizens praised Yoon’s efforts, saying it was nice to see Yoon taking part in such charitable deeds in the island country in the Indian Ocean.

Meanwhile, Yoon has started her post-graduate studies at Chung-Ang University this year March.

katt

June 27, 2012



Actress Park Ha-sun smiles after being named a promotional ambassador for the Puchon Fantasy Film Festival in Seoul on Tuesday. /Newsis

ChosunIlbo

katt

June 27, 2012

Actress Kim Bo-yeon denies secret divorce
By Shin Na-yun The Korea Times



It is unlikely that veteran actress Kim Bo-yeon, 55, will reunite with her former husband and actor Jeon No-min, 46, according to a TV program.

On the SBS program, “Good Morning,” Wednesday, Kim also denied rumors that she divorced Jeon due to financial problem caused by failure of a business operated by the couple.

She added that Jeon proposed the divorce first after they suffered from threats by people involved in the makgeolli fermenting business which they started three years ago. She said that she has not received calls from Jeon or met with him, reaffirming that there will be no possibility of reunion.

Kim, who had been envied by her friends and neighbors for her married life, also said that her two daughters have accepted the separation as natural.

The program also featured her younger daughter, Eun-jo, who is studying in the United States.

katt

June 27, 2012

Friend says Yunho and Park Soo-jin are not an item
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily

After pictures of TVXQ’s Yunho and actress Park Soo-jin emerged online via Sports Seoul’s Web site on June 27, the agency of Yunho’s friend Kang Dong-ho – who the two were visiting when they were spotted together – has come out to say that the two were not on a date.

“It’s true that Yunho came to talk on the show last Thursday. We didn’t know that Park was there also. But there must have been some seven or eight people with Yunho,” said Kang’s representative.

Earlier in the day, Sports Seoul reported that Yunho and Park, who are known for their 10-year friendship, were spotted together in Daehangno, central Seoul on June 21.

The article said that “with some people, you never know if they are just friends or dating. Celebrities are no exception,” before questioning the nature of Yunho and Park’s relationship.

The two were captured as they emerged out of the same van and went into a local theater to watch the musical “Finding Kim Jong-wook,” which stars Yunho’s good friend Kang, who Yunho met when they acted in the musical “The Palace” back in 2010.

katt

June 27, 2012

Hallyu store-cafes become tourist magnet
By Jean Oh The Korea Herald
Overseas visitors putting entertainment companies’ rest-and-shop spaces on itinerary

Influencing overseas artists and attracting a burgeoning fan base that knows no borders, it should come as no surprise that Korean pop is one of the reasons why tourists visit South Korea.

What might baffle some is how overseas K-pop fans tour South Korea once they arrive, since music, by definition, is intangible.

K-pop, however, is proving to be more than just an audio-visual experience.

When music goliath SM Entertainment opened a five-story ode to K-pop in the form of a karaoke-souvenir-entertainment venue called “e” in September 2008, the place went on to become a tourist attraction for visitors interested in the music genre.

This was three years before SM Entertainment’s Paris concert, before the press ― both local and overseas ― would go wild over what is now oft-called the K-pop phenomenon.

Within those three years, SM Entertainment’s subsidiary SM Amusement has opened four more such venues ― three gift shops-and-corners and another souvenir-karaoke stop in Myeong-dong ― all under the moniker Everysing.

“We have seen a large increase in visitors starting last year,” Everysing Operation Division supervisor Lee Dae-o said. “Last year, sales jumped 60 percent. Our main customers are Asian tourists, with 40 percent from Japan, 30 percent from China and 20 percent from Southeast Asia. Following the SM Town concert in Europe last year, we also saw a hike in customers from Europe and South America, who now form about 10 percent of our tourist customer base.”


Overseas visitors check out Korean pop souvenirs at Everysing ― a gift shop-karaoke-sticker booth
space run by SM Entertainment subsidiary SM Amusement ― in Myeong-dong, Seoul (Kim Myung-sub/The Korea Herald)

Myeong-dong, according to Lee, was chosen as the second main venue because the area attracts tourists.

“We Googled Everysing to come and buy K-pop stuff,” said Tanja-Maria Weiringer, 23, and Esther Farkas, 22, from Austria who dropped by the Myeong-dong store on a weekday afternoon. The two are in Korea for their studies.

“I like Big Bang and CNBLUE,” said Farkas.

“I like Super Junior,” said Weiringer, who added that she was a fan of Super Junior member Kyuhyun.

“I always drag her here, but Kyuhyun’s stuff is always sold out,” said Weiringer, who has also visited other Everysing outlets.

Hiromi Kokubu, 49, who was visiting from Japan, said she read about Everysing in a Japanese guidebook and that she had come to purchase Super Junior goods.

Despite all the merchandise on hand ― framed photos, pillow cases, tumblers, to name a few ― Kokubu said, “There are not as many items as I hoped for.”

While Everysing also sells non-SM Entertainment artists’ items including those of other K-pop artists and Korean dramas, it plans to continue to expand its merchandise to encompass more K-pop and to revamp the Myeong-dong space.

SM Entertainment is not alone in the K-pop rest-and-shop business.

This April, Cube Entertainment ― home to major K-pop groups 4Minute and B2ST ― opened a cafe that also sells souvenirs.

Cube Entertainment’s coffeehouse, Cube Studio, offers fans a place to check out souvenirs, take a break, and, if the timing is right, a chance to see their favorite artists, up close and in person.

Practice rooms for Cube artists were built on the floor above the cafe, upping opportunities for customers to see major K-pop idols when they visit.

“Essentially, Cube Entertainment CEO Hong Seung-sung wanted to create a place where he could foster communication with fans and also wanted artists to have a place where they could practice,” said Cube Entertainment PR team manager An Hyo-jin.

Situated near Cube Entertainment, JYPE and SM Entertainment headquarters in Cheongdam-dong, An explained how they wanted to provide a place for fans to rest while waiting to catch a glimpse of their favorite artists.

“Fans used to come and stand outside for hours on end,” An elaborated.

Liza Yunos, 27, said of Cube Studio, “Nice, fantastic, it has the best ambiance.”

Yunos, Siti Raihana and Zahirah Lyana, who were visiting from Singapore, said their plans were to visit JYPE and SM Entertainment headquarters after Cube Studio, but not before they had checked out Cube Entertainment souvenirs, including those of one of their favorite band, B2ST.

While there, several artists dropped by, causing a stir of excitement in the cafe.

“I feel lucky to have seen an artist,” said Okada Tomoko, 30, who was visiting from Japan.

Cube’s An said, “Before there was no place for fans to go and they could only take photos outside the headquarters. Fans have expressed their gratitude for a space like this.”

katt

June 28, 2012

Choi Ji-woo returns to Chinese drama
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily



Hallyu actress Choi Ji-woo is set to make her Chinese drama comeback after a nine-year hiatus.

Choi’s agency announced yesterday that after considering several proposals from Chinese companies, she has decided to take part in “City’s Lovers” alongside Chinese heartthrob Qin Hao.

Choi will leave for China in July for three months of production.

The romantic melodrama starring two of Asia’s prominent actors centers on a love story between a female CEO and a new male employee.

As much as Choi is a renowned actress in Korea, Qin is a superstar in his own right in China. The 32-year-old has been nominated for awards three times at the Cannes International Film Festival.

Choi said she was excited to take part in another Chinese drama at long last.

“There were various proposals, but due to certain reasons, I couldn’t take on any of them,” she said. “I’m so excited and can’t wait to show another side of me as you’ve never seen before.”

katt

June 29, 2012

T-ara's Eun-jung Cast In New Drama "Five Fingers"
KBS Global



Already a familiar face in the drama realm, T-ara's Eun-jung has been cast in another new role for the upcoming drama "Five Fingers.

Eun-jung was a name on the list for the role, but confirmations weren't made. Until now. Core Contents Media confirmed on June 29th that the idol star will be playing the role of Hong Dami, a girl that is forced to give up on her own personal dreams due to difficult family circumstances.

"Five Fingers" is about youth that struggle to overcome their tragic pasts and obstacles, fighting to reach for the stars and see their dreams come true. Joo Ji-hoon is another name confirmed; he will be playing the main male lead.

Eun-jung was debating on whether she should take the role or not, due to plans for T-ara's new album and ensuing promotions slated for the near future. However, she has decided to juggle both acts.

Eun-jung's previous drama projects include "Dream High 1" and "Coffee House".

"Five Fingers" will start airing on August 4th, following the currently running "Gentlemen's Class".

katt

June 28, 2012

Davichi's Kang Min-kyung Cast In Drama "Haeundae Lovers"
KBS Global



Already having taken her first few steps in acting, power vocalist duo Davichi's Kang Min-kyung has been cast for her next project: a KBS drama.

A KBS representative confirmed on June 27th that Kang will indeed to playing a role in the upcoming new drama "Haeundae Lovers". She has already attended her first script reading on the 25th. The rep continued on, praising Kang's image and beauty which goes well with
the character she's been cast as.

Kang will play a secretary at a hotel named Hwang Joo-hee, who was a fellow classmate of the character Go So-ra (played by Jo Yeo-jung). Go is the daugther of a gangster who falls in love with a Seoul prosecuter, Lee Tae-sung (played by Kim Kang-woo).

Hwang is beautiful, and knows it, and uses most of her income to maintain that beauty. Hwang also has a crush on the elite lawyer Choi Joon-hyuk (played by Jung Suk-won), the vice president of the hotel she works at.

The drama will be filmed in Busan. This romantic comedy will start airing after "Big" on August 13th.

katt

June 29, 2012

Choi Ji-woo Cast in Chinese Drama, City Lovers
KBS Global



Actress Choi Ji-woo has been cast in a Chinese Drama called City Lovers. According to her management company on June 27th, Choi was recently cast in the drama directed by Li Yuan and will leave for China in early July to shoot the drama in Beijing for three months.

It will be Choi’s first Chinese drama in nine years since 101st Proposal in 2003. City Lovers is a love story of a female CEO (played by Choi Ji-woo) with a new employee (Qin Hao) at her company. It will be aired on the Chinese Satellite TV network early next year. [Yonhap]

katt

June 29, 2012

JYJ featured in French daily paper
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily



Boy band JYJ was featured in France’s Le Parisien daily newspaper on Wednesday in an article on the group’s rise to international fame.

The article, titled “K-pop conquers South America,” delved into the appeal of the trio, commenting on its “addictive lyrics and perfectly synchronized dance moves.”

JYJ’s success in South America was highlighted with the mentioning of the band’s recent world tour, which had the group make stops in 15 cities across the globe.

The fact that an Asian group managed to perform for fans in European countries as well as in Chile and Peru was deemed a phenomenal feat by the French paper.

The report also mentioned the group’s official “Membership Week,” which opened yesterday at Setec convention hall in southern Seoul, and saw more than 7,000 Japanese fans visiting Korea for the chance to meet the boy band members. More than 3,500 hotel rooms have been booked for the fan event.

The paper called JYJ a “Hallyu group that knows no bounds.”