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May 14, 2008
Kim Jang-hoon Appointed VANK Ambassador
Singer Kim Jang-hoon will be appointed a public relations ambassador for online non-governmental foreign affairs organization Voluntary Agency Network of Korea, better known as VANK.
Well-known for his generous charity work, Kim has donated 100 million won or about 100 thousand dollars to VANK last year. His first project as VANK ambassador will be to launch a worldwide publicity campaign for Korea. Named 揟he 21st Century King Gwanggaeto Dream Wing Project, |
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May 16, 2008
Hot K-pop Singers to Return from Military Duty
Two of Korea抯 hottest singers are wrapping up their mandatory military service and getting ready to resume their music careers. Both Kim Jong-gook and Jo Sung-mo will be discharged from the two-year public service duty next Friday, May 23rd. They have joined the military together on March 30, 2006 and each fulfilled their duties at public agencies.
Kim抯 agency said in a phone interview that Kim will take it easy for a while and resume his singing career sometime after this fall. In the meantime, Jo抯 representative has not released any plans for a while, saying that nothing has been decided in terms of album production or the date of Jo抯 comeback.
Kim had gained immense popularity after he went solo with such hits as 揙ne Man, |
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May 15, 2008
Actor Ahn Sung-ki Receives Nikkei Asia prize
Korea's acclaimed actor Ahn Sung-ki has won the 2008 Nikkei Asia prize. The prize recognizes achievements that contribute to the improved well-being of Asian people.
Ahn won the culture prize for his activities as a cultural ambassador to the world. Nikkei Inc. described him as an actor, who is noted for his soft-spoken, yet charismatic personality and active participation in the film industries of Korea, Japan and China. Ahn has appeared in "A Battle of Wits," a joint Korea-China-Japan production, and the Japanese film "A Sleeping Man," promoting the cultural exchanges among three Asian nations. Ahn was also applauded for his efforts to keep Korea抯 screen quota system intact. He has been a vocal opponent of the opening of the Korean market to a flood of foreign movies without setting up proper defense mechanisms for the struggling Korean film industry.
Other recipients of the prize include Wang Canfa in the regional growth category and C. N. R. Rao in the science, technology and innovation category. The award ceremony will take place in Tokyo on next Wednesday, May 21st.
Source: KBS World
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_chart_detail.htm?No=7563 |
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May 19, 2008
'The Chaser' in Cannes
'The Chaser' in Cannes: South Korean actor Ha Jung-woo, director Na Hong-jin and actor Kim Yoon-suk pose during a photocall for their film "The Chaser" at the 61st Cannes International Film Festival Saturday in Cannes, southern France. The movie, a surprise hit in South Korea, has seen more than 5 million viewers. The May 14-25 festival winds up with the awards ceremony for the prestigious Palme d'Or, to be determined by a jury headed by Hollywood "bad boy" Sean Penn./ AFP-Yonhap
Source: The Korea Times
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/05/141_24388.html |
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Thanks to kdramafanusa forthe highlight
May 19, 2008
Cinema Bridges Korea, Vietnam
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Actresses Lee Young-ah, left, and Nhu Quynh reunite at the opening ceremony May 8 of the 2008 Korean Film Festival, which was held through May 10 in Hanoi. The Korean starlet starred as the daughter of the Vietnamese veteran actress in 揋olden Bride, |
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Thanks to kdramafanusa at soompi.com for the highlight
May 16, 2008
[Junior Herald] Yoona from Girls' Generation successfully debuts as actress
[image=starnews]
These days there is no clear line between being a singer and actor. In recent years, many popular idol band members have turned their careers into double careers as they incorporated acting on top of their main job. Following the footsteps of many of her *predecessors, Yoona from Girls' Generation also debuted as an actress on Children's Day on May 5.
Yoona currently stars as the *main character, an *orphan named Jang Sae-byeok, in a KBS drama called "You Are My Destiny" (너는 내 운명 ).
You Are My Destiny is about an orphan girl who receives *cornea transplant surgery and ends up getting adopted by the donor's family.
The first episode which aired on May 5 depicted Sae-byeok meeting the family of the cornea *donor. Yoona portrays a very enthusiastic and optimistic girl who was raised in a *daycare center and who has dreams of becoming an artist.
Since Yoona is busy carrying out her *demanding work schedule as a member of today's busiest female band, Girls' Generation, she has so far had a very short acting career. Despite all this, she received thumbs up from the drama viewers. Many commented that she "*exceeded their expectation" and that she is "something to look forward to." Adding on to the good news, the drama itself received high ratings according to a media research source.
By Yoo Bo-lam (bolamyoo@heraldm.com)
Source: The Korea Herald
[ Last edited by katt at 19-5-2008 08:22 PM ] |
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[size="4"]Son Dambi represented Korea in Nike event
May 17, 2008
Last May 12, Son Dambi and Jung Il Woo attended the “2008 Nike Sportswear Global Launching Event” in Beijing, China, on behalf of Korea.
Representatives from 250 countries, like Oguri Shun of Japan, and famous designers from all over the world were also invited to the event.
Source: Edaily + krnloop
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Gummy: “Loyalty over money”
May 17, 2008
Last May 14, Gummy revealed in the MBC show “Golden Fishery - Radio Star” that there were offers for her to transfer labels during the time she was extending her contract with YG Entertainment.
In the said show, she was asked whether she had offers to transfer labels before finally signing again under YG to which Gummy answered, “Of course there were. I was even offered with a contract worth 2 billion won.”
Gummy went on saying, “It’s a really super large amount of money especially at this time (music industry on a slump).”
The R&B singer, who made her comeback this year with the hit song “I’m Sorry,” also showed that her loyalty lies with YG Entertainment as it is very difficult to meet good people, who she had found in the said label.
“Loyalty over money,” Gummy said.
Meanwhile, speaking of contracts, SS501 member Kim Hyun Joong, who is also one of the show’s guests, commented that SS501’s contract with DSP Entertainment ends on June 8, 2010. Hyun Joong expressed the irony of it because June 8 happens to be the day SS501 debuted.
Source: Newsen + krnloop
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Epik High: highest album sales in April
May 17, 2008
According to the Korean Music Industry Association, Epik High’s 5th album “ ieces, Part One,” which was released on April 17, has sold 54,227 copies in April alone. Based from this record, Epik High’s album currently has the highest number of monthly sales for this year.
As Epik High’s 4th album “Remapping the Human Soul” was able to sell more than 120,000 copies, “ieces, Part One” is also expected to reach the 100,000 mark soon. “Remapping the Human Soul” sold 47,909 copies 8 days since its release on January 23, 2007 and exceeded 54,000 sold copies in 2 weeks’ time.
Meanwhile, the compilation album “Love Song 2008″ came in 2nd with 23,530 sold copies and was followed by Junjin’s solo album “New Decade” with 20,000 sold copies. Kim Dong Ryul’s 5th album, which came out on January 25, still ranked in the April album sales chart and placed 4th.
Source: Mydaily + krnloop |
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Thanks to kdramafanusa for the highlight
May 20, 2008
TV and pop stars use market brands for image makeover
The actress Park Si-yeon caught the eyes of fashion reporters earlier this month when she appeared in a TV drama in her market brand clothes. It turns out Park shops in Dongdaemun Market in Seoul just like any other Korean woman.
In a TV commercial for LG Electronics, actress Kim Tae-hee dances in front of an ice cream parlor in kabuki pumps. The pumps are a footwear fashion item that sell for 70,000 won ($67.20) wholesale or 110,000 won retail at the same market. The majority of products there range from 20,000 won to 30,000 won, making kabuki pumps high-end shoes. Actress Yun Eun-hye wore the same shoes when she played a princess in the popular TV drama series Goong [Palace].
How did market brands end up as royal fashion accessories?
The heels use provocative colors and look unlike other brand-name shoes, says Kim Sang-yeop, the owner of the Dongdaemun store Kabuki. Kim hired seven young designers to dream up 150 styles of kabuki shoes each season. Other stores usually employ an average of one or two designers. The designers start with 300 different styles and whittle that number down after trials with consumers. T he final selections get placed on the shelves of 500 shops across the nation. Kim also opened sister brands like Song and Amy.
There are certain rules for the way market brands adorn the feet of the stars. First, the shoes need to catch the attention of the wholesalers who flock to the market looking for new styles. When this happens, other shops copy the original design and wholesalers end up looking for the shop that produced the original design. Then there are the stylists who frequently shop at the market for unique items. I buy whatever catches my eye, says Seo Su-gyeong, a fashion stylist who comes to the market twice a week. Unique designs are a must in order to create my own color in any kind of fashion shoot. You have to know this place inside out, Seo says. Seo has used accessories and shoes from Dongdaemun in many of her advertising shoots.
Many celebrities try on these items and like them so much that they want to buy them. Indeed, Dongdaemun has become a shopping heaven for female celebs. Top actresses and singers like Eom Jeong-hwa, Lee Hyo-ri, Ha Ji-won and Jang Na-ra are known to visit there.
Ellen A, a clothing shop run by Ku Jun-yeop of the male pop duo Clon is considered a brand-name store in Dongdaemun. Ku opened his shop in Jeil Pyunghwa Market in Dongdaemun in 2001 and uses a cunning tactic to beat the competition. Ellen A designers develop highly original designs, focusing on the smallest of details, such as on shirtsleeves and collars.
My girlfriend told me that clothes worn by Gong Yu, the male lead in the TV drama Coffee Prince Branch No. 1, come from this shop, says Lee Su-yong, a 33-year-old office worker who went to the market last week. I was sure that they were designer-brand goods. I was quite surprised, he says. Half the clothes worn by Gong in this drama were from Ellen A.
Ku explains that there isn t enough stock to sponsor clothes for celebrities. The stars or their stylists tend to buy the items you see them wear on TV and in commercials. Perhaps because I m also a celebrity, it s hard for me to push people and say, Hey, you should shop at my store , says Ku, who has also launched a women s line and an online shopping mall. Gong's stylist shopped here for the drama, Ku says.
Mary Jane Story is another popular store at Dongdaemun Market. The place first caught the public's attention when an actress showed up in the TV show Coffee Prince wearing the shop's clothes. The store sells shirts, cardigans and dresses. T-shirts with unique prints are hit items at the shop, staff say. The clothes range from 20,000 won to 100,000 won.
By Kang Seung-min JoongAng Ilbo [myfeast@joongang.co.kr]
Source: JoongAng Daily
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2889983 |
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Thanks to kdramafanusa at soompi.com for the highlight
Source: Javabeans
New mom-to-be Kim Hee Sun
May 19th, 2008 // by javabeans
Actress and newlywed Kim Hee Sun, married last October, has announced that she抯 four weeks pregnant (a little early for the announcements, no?). In typical k-star fashion, she made the initial pronouncement on |
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May 19, 2008
"Chaser" runs to IFC
Written by Patrick Frater
CANNES -- IFC has snapped up North American rights to "The Chaser," (pictured) the South Korean actioner that has already been bought for remake by Warner Bros.
Other major territories sold Monday by sales agent Fine Cut were Japan where pic, was co-acquired by The Klockworx Co. and Asmik Ace, and the U.K. where it was sought out by Metrodome.
IFC will likely release the film in the fourth quarter of this year or early 2009. "We'll probably do a platform release as a day and date with our video-on-demand platform. I just know that it is going to do great business on VoD," IFC prexy Jonathan Sehring said.
"This film will stand the test of time and still be seen as a great movie in five or ten years. Its really that good," Sebring said. Story sees a pimp outrun the police in a race against time to save the victim of a serial killer.
Pic was written and helmed by first time filmmaker Na Hong-jin (cq) and was is the biggest hit of the year in its native Korea, where it has run away with B.O. of $30 million. It appears in Cannes' Official Selection as a midnight screening.
Fine Cut, which is headed by founder and former topper of Cineclick, has now completed deals in nine territories. Others wrapped earlier include those with Haut Et Court in France, Seven in Greece, Cineart in Benelux and Golden Scene in Hong Kong.
Source: http://www.varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/6144/ |
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Thanks to the highlight by kdramafanusa
May 19, 2008
IFC nabs rights to 'The Chaser'
Film likely to be released at year's end or early 2009
By PATRICK FRATER
'The Chaser' will run stateside.
CANNES -- IFC has snapped up North American rights to "The Chaser," (pictured) the South Korean actioner that has already been bought for remake by Warner Bros.
Other major territories sold Monday by sales agent Fine Cut were Japan where pic, was co-acquired by The Klockworx Co. and Asmik Ace, and the U.K. where it was sought out by Metrodome.
IFC will likely release the film in the fourth quarter of this year or early 2009. "We'll probably do a platform release as a day and date with our video-on-demand platform. I just know that it is going to do great business on VoD," IFC prexy Jonathan Sehring said.
"This film will stand the test of time and still be seen as a great movie in five or ten years. Its really that good," Sebring said. Story sees a pimp outrun the police in a race against time to save the victim of a serial killer.
Pic was written and helmed by first time filmmaker Na Hong-jin (cq) and is the biggest hit of the year in its native Korea, where it has run away with B.O. of $30 million. It appears in Cannes' Official Selection as a midnight screening.
Fine Cut, which is headed by founder and former topper of Cineclick, has now completed deals in nine territories. Others wrapped earlier include those with Haut Et Court in France, Seven in Greece, Cineart in Benelux and Golden Scene in Hong Kong.
Pic was bought in March by Warner Bros as a property for Leonardo DiCaprio to produce and possibly star (Variety, March 6, 2008.) Dan Lin, Doug Davison, Roy Lee and "Departed" scripter William Monahan will be producers, with DiCaprio possibly in some producing capacity.
Source: VarietyAsiaOnline, Variety |
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May 20, 2008
Insooni's Concert in Mt.Geumgang a Huge Success
Veteran singer Insooni, who is on a concert tour to celebrate the 30th anniversary of her debut, successfully completed a special performance in Mount Geumgang in North Korea.
Insoon's management agency GNG Production said some 1,500 audience members greeted Insooni, who performed at the amphitheater in a special tourism zone in Mount Geumgang on May 15. The agency said the peaceful mountain resort came to life when Insooni dazzled the audience with her charismatic performance.
The agency said although North Korea had banned outdoor performances since 1996, it allowed Insooni's special 30th anniversary concert as an event featured in tandem with the 10th anniversary of the Mount Geumgang tourism project. It also added that all the props were transported via an overland route and that the concert was a huge success.
Her repertoire included her hit numbers including " Passion" and "A Goose's Dream." She also performed "Our Dream" and "Thank You, Teachers" with the audience members.
After the performance, Insooni said the concert was a huge blessing and that she wished she could have shown the audience more. She concluded by saying that she hoped her concert in North Korea will be the stepping stone to helping other Korean singers perform in the North in the future.
Insooni will perform in Pyeongtaek on May 24, in Incheon on May 31, in Euijeongbu on June 9 and in Cheongju on June 14.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1524937_11858.html |
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Thanks to kdramafanusa at soompi.com for the highlight
May 16, 2008
[Junior Herald] Korean stars taking over Hollywood
It seems like Korean stars are now not *satisfied with the *fame that they are receiving from Asian fans. They are now *striving for a bigger goal and world named Hollywood, whether in the film or music industry.
Film industry
The first Korean entertainer to *catch the eyes of people around the world is Rain, a Korean *heartthrob who turned into a world star. He made his first debut in Hollywood through the movie "Speed Racer," released in Korea on May 8. He will also be playing an important role in the movie "Ninja Assassin" which is currently being filmed and will be released in 2009.
Another Korean celebrity, Jang Hyuk, will star in the movie "Dance of the Dragon" together with Singapore artiste Fann Woong as student and mentor.
Jun Ji-hyun took the *lead role of Saya in "Blood: The Last Vampire," which is an English-language, live-action *adaptation of the popular Japanese anime of the same name. And she will be using the name "Gianna Jun" in Hollywood.
Other Korean movie stars that have challenged Hollywood are Lee Byung-hun, Jang Dong-gun, and Song Hye-kyo. They have been selected to play the leading roles in "I Come with the Rain," "The Laundry Warrior" and "Fetish," respectively.
Korean movies are also getting attention. "The Lake House" is a Hollywood version of "Il Mare" (시월애). "My Sassy Girl" which will be released this year is a remake of "Yeopgijeogin Geunyeo" (엽기적인 그녀). Korean movies that are scheduled to be remade in America include "Seven Days" and "The Chaser" (추격자).
Music industry
On May 5 Korean pop artist Seven showed his talent to various American music industry officials at a *preview party held at a club in Hollywood. Seven performed three songs including "Girls" produced by well-known producer Dark Child and *mesmerized the audience. His first Hollywood album will be released this summer.
JYP, the producer of Wonder Girls, is also going to debut three of his well-trained artists. They are J-Lim, G-Soul and Min. Min will be the first to release an album and is working with Lil Jon on a first single album. Compared to the movie industry, the music industry seems less active in embracing Korean artists but let us hope that these artists will make it big and pave the way for those who will follow next.
By Yeom Mi-na (minayeom@empal.com)
Source: The Korea Herald |
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Thanks to kdramafanusa at soompi.com for the highlight
May 20, 2008
[MOVIE REVIEW] 'Cherry Tomato' a stark, painful story
"Cherry Tomato" depicts the poverty-stricken life of an old man and his granddaughter in a realistic way that evokes a strong sense of sympathy. But the ultimate emotion the film triggers is, for better or worse, helplessness.
The debut feature by former television producer Chung Young-bae wastes no time highlighting the key theme: poverty. Park-gu (played by veteran actor Shin Gu) is barely scraping by with his granddaughter Da-seong (Kim Hyang-ki), and their life is unbearably miserable.
Living in a shabby single-room rented house, they do not have enough money to feed themselves. Park-gu works as a porter for a shopping mall in Seoul but he soon finds himself kicked out of the place. In his 70s, Park-gu tries to survive by collecting papers and recyclable stuffs on the street, but the money he earns is always too small to buy a decent meal.
▲A scene from "Cherry Tomato"
His granddaughter, 6, seems mature for her age, possibly due to her trouble-laden life. After her mother left away years ago and her father was put behind bars, she has been raised by her foul-mouthed grandfather.
What is remarkable -- and emotional -- is that Da-seong knows her friends happily go to kindergarten and lead a normal life that is so different from hers, but she does not complain to her grandfather or anybody else.
She feels always hungry, but hunger is not the only problem. Suffering a form of congenital corneal opacity and deprived of specially designed glasses, she frequently stumbles and falls flat on the ground. Yet she does not cry that much.
The trouble doubles when her father Chun-sam (Kim Young-ho) abruptly returns home. Da-seong, however, gets only a small pot of cherry tomatoes when her father steals the tiny sum of money her grandfather has so far saved and runs away.
As if testing the sympathy level of audiences, director Chung stacks up another layer of challenge for Park-gu and Da-seong. One day, a redevelopment company, flanked by hired goons, attack the villagers to push ahead with an apartment construction project.
In Korea, this type of land redevelopment project generates highly lucrative profits for the wealthy real estate businessmen, but the old villagers are usually forced to leave their houses with nominal compensation. Many of them often end up living on the streets.
The confrontation between villagers and the hired thugs destroys Park-gu's bicycle-drawn cart, his sole tool for making money. Confronted with this shattering development, Park-gu decides to face up to the president of the construction company, Kap-su (Kim Byeong-chun), but through a chain of unexpected events he and his granddaughter sneak into Kap-su's luxurious mansion while the owner is away on a trip. Hiding inside the house, Kap-sun and Da-seong enjoy nibbling at expensive cookies and other delicacies.
From this point on, the movie constantly contrasts the hunger of Kap-su and Da-seong with the luxury imposed on Kap-su's dog. It turns out that this wealthy man cares so much about his pet, he never spares money for serving only high-quality food to the dog. Every day, a package of meat is delivered to the house, and Kap-su's household manger Dong-hun (Choi Dong-gyun) has to feed the dog on time.
But Dong-hun does not respect his boss. In fact, he hates him so much so that he develops a scheme for revenge: poisoning the meat bowl for the dog at a slow pace in an attempt to break Kap-su's heart.
What Dong-hun fails to forecast is that the meat bowl might be consumed by somebody else -- people who are hungry enough to touch their hands on that tantalizingly well cooked meat.
In the movie, to be released on May 29, Shin Gu has taken the first silver-screen title role in his 45-year-long acting career, and delivered a realistic character who can be easily sympathized with. His far younger counterpart, Kim Hyang-ki, also pulls off an equally convincing portrayal of a character.
The movie's emphasis on the ethos of the have-nots raises an important question about whether Korean society takes care of the poor properly, offering a great starting point for discussing thought-provoking social issues. But the plot does not take the audience much farther, as if symbolizing the perennial trap for those living and struggling under the poverty line.
By Yang Sung-jin (insight@heraldm.com)
Source: The Korea Herald
[ Last edited by katt at 20-5-2008 06:11 PM ] |
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May 20, 2008
Investigation Program to Boom on Cable TV
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Sexy investigation drama "Don't Ask of my Past" airs every Saturday and Sunday
at noon on OCN. / Courtesy of OCN
Investigation dramas are the trend on cable television screens. But instead of the ordinary cat-and-mouse plots, various headways are under way.
Korean fans have been loyal to these programs ― from "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," and "Cold Case" to "Without a Trace." MBC Dramanet's "Byeolsoongeom" also caught the eye of local and overseas fans with its distinctive investigation plots carried out in the Joseon era (1392-1910) last year. The program was recently nominated in the television drama section of the 48th Monte-Carlo Television Festival.
Now, more local productions are joining in. OCN's "Don't Ask of my Past" (working title), tvN's "My Cop" and Super Action's "KPSI (Korea Police Scientific Investigation): Season 2," are gearing up for a season of sexy, funny and serious investigation programs.
"Don't Ask of my Past" is a comical and sexy investigation drama, starring Kim Won-hee ("Marrying the Mafia 2," 2005). Kim will play Kwak Sun-young, who after a car accident can tell a man's past from his body odors. She divorces her husband when she finds out about his long history of girlfriends. Kwak then sets up a family institute and starts to help women, and even the police, track down suspicious men and husbands.
"The program is about the stories of women clients. It is different, fun and entertaining," Kim said at the press conference for the program last week.
"There are various characters, plots and storylines. Everybody will have something to relate to," added the director Chung Yong-ki. "Past" airs every Saturday and Sunday at noon on OCN.
Meanwhile, tvN's "My Cop" is also a comedy sitcom about the lives of police officers.
Because the program is not focused on a particular crime, the crew had to come up with various ideas that would entertain the viewers. To add reality, the crew interviewed police officers and conducted extensive research.
"It was difficult to come up with a concrete concept because there was a limit to the subject (of police officers). But their lives can actually be a great source of ideas, for instance social satire," said Chung Gyu-hun, the sitcom's producer, at a recent interview. With an interesting cast including former singer Yu Chae-young and even comedians like Kim Kyung-shik and Kwon Sung-ho, "My Cop" is expected to bring fresh air to the investigation program scene. "My Cop" airs every Saturday at 1 p.m. on tvN.
Super Action's "KPSI: Season 2" aims to be the Korean version of top investigation series "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation." Like the popular U.S. series, "KPSI" will trail the investigations of Korean forensic officers as they uncover the circumstances behind mysterious deaths and crimes.
"'KPSI: Season 1' was about 'faction,' or fact and fiction merged together. This season will still have those elements of reality, but put more life into the characters and the overall storyline,'' An Mi-hyun, the public relations manager of the program told The Korea Times.
Although the focus may be slightly turned to the characters this season, including interviews from real police officers and KPSI agents, the program will still bring its originality to the screens. "KPSI" will start airing May 31, every Sunday at midnight on Super Action.
Credits: sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/05/201_24450.html |
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Thanks to kdramafanusa at soompi.com for the highlight
May 20, 2008
Drama 'Iljimae' has tough act to follow
[image=Hankooki]
New historical drama "Iljimae," airing tonight on SBS, will be hard pressed to live up to its predecessor, "On Air."
"On Air," featuring Kim Ha-neul and Park Yong-ha, topped viewer ratings charts last Thursday, when its final episode was broadcast. A strong script and four top notch actors carried this miniseries to success.
The new drama also must compete with MBC's "Spotlight." With big stars Son Ye-jin and Ji Jin-hee playing reporters and talented screenwriter Lee Ki-won at the helm, "Spotlight" may nab viewer ratings for the Wednesday and Thursday night slot, leaving "Iljimae" out in the cold.
But the verdict isn't out yet.
Based on an ancient Korean hero of the same name, the historical drama "Iljimae" revolves around the good deeds of a Korean Robin Hood. However unlike Hong Gil-dong, a Korean hero who also stole from the rich and gave to the poor, Iljimae is primarily motivated by revenge.
Hallyu star Lee Jun-ki will be taking on the complex role of this hero. And with a less than lackluster cast of potentially talented but relatively minor actors, this drama is expected to rely heavily on actor Lee's star power.
Lee may just be able to pull off this one-man show. At the press conference held last week, hoards of reporters and fans vied for Lee's attention as he posed for cameras.
"When I saw 'Iljimae' I had to do it," said Lee, 26, at the press conference, over the din of screaming fans.
Lee, who shot to stardom when he starred in the blockbuster "King and the Clown" (2005), acknowledged the challenges that he and his character faces.
"Everyone says Hong Gil-dong, Hong Gil-dong, so I want to portray Iljimae accurately," he said, aware that Iljimae is not as popular as fellow hero Hong.
"The impression that I left with 'King and the Clown' was strong," he admitted.
But that didn't stop Lee from taking on yet another period piece.
"I always had an image of Iljimae in my mind," he said, excited to tackle the challenging role of a national hero that is a petty thief by day and a gallant rogue by night.
A strong rival isn't the only challenge that "Iljimae" faces. Good stories have a habit of getting around, and MBC is slated to air its own version of the classic tale in November.
According to MBC, their drama will be based on the original hit comic series by Ko Woo-yung with singer/actor Lee Seung-ki, 21, playing the lead.
But SBS "Iljimae" producer Lee Yong-suk remains confident that their miniseries has an edge.
"The 'Iljimae' we are making is purely Korean," he said at the press conference, confirming that the SBS drama is not based on the comic series.
According to producer Lee, while the comic book's hero picked up his martial arts skills in China and Japan and is more effeminate, their Iljimae stayed in Korea and grew into a man's man.
"We focused on highlighting Lee Jun-ki's and [costar] Park Shi-hoo's masculinity," he said. "We tried to give it a very contemporary feel."
But producer Lee shied away from calling "Iljimae" a fusion drama.
"If you say fusion drama, it comes across as frivolous and light," he said. "But this drama is earnest. It is more like a traditional historical drama."
Exactly how SBS "Iljimae" screenwriter Choi Ran will revamp this classic legend to suit modern Korean tastes remains to be seen.
But judging from the preview, this drama will be action-packed and will remain true to the ancient Joseon dynasty hero, who swooped down in the night to steal from corrupt government officials, leaving behind a single branch of blood-red plum blossoms.
Actor Park Shi-hoo, 30, who debuted in KBS' "Sassy Girl, Choon-hyang" (2005) plays Iljimae's rival. Actresses Han Hyo-joo, 21, who starred in MBC's sitcom "Nonstop 5" and Lee Young-ah, 23, who recently starred in SBS' "Golden Bride" (2007) play Lee Jun-ki's love interests.
"Iljimae" will begin airing tonight at 9:55 p.m. on SBS.
By Jean Oh (oh_jean@heraldm.com)
Source: The Korea Herald |
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May 20, 2008
John Woo directing '1949'
Posted by Allan Ford
John Woo has signed to direct the big budget romance film 1949, and is scheduled to start production as soon as he finishes up his epic Red Cliff.Variety reports 1949 is a $40 million Chinese language film with Woo lined up to produce. Terence Chang抯 Lion Rock and Fortissimo Films are set to handle worldwide rights outside China.
The film is based on a true story that happened at the end of WWII and the final years of the Chinese Civil War.
1949 will star Chang Chen and Korea抯 Song Hye-kyo. It was written by Wang Hui-Ling (Lust Caution and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon).
The film is scheduled to start shooting in December in China and Taiwan with theatrical release planned for December 2009 and the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People抯 Republic of China.
Source: filmofilia.com |
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May 21, 2008
[Talk of the town]
Pop star Se7en creates a stir with his U.S. debut at LA s Highlands club
Korean pop singer Se7en (pronounced Seven) is making an ambitious beginning to his career in the United States. He held his first preview concert at The Highlands, a popular club in Los Angeles. Many renowned record executives and American fans crowded the venue, according to Yang Hyun-suk, a former member of the legendary group Seo Taiji and Boys and founder of YG Entertainment.
Se7en staged hit songs, Girls, You Got Me Now and Money Can t Buy Me Love.
To prepare for his debut in Los Angeles, Se7en has been attending three to four hours of English classes every day, according to Yang.
We [YG] are currently in discussions with three record companies that would produce his songs, wrote Yang, on the YG Entertainment Web site on Monday. Se7en also received calls to appear on various American television programs.
Source: http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2890040 |
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May 21, 2008
Jang Nara Donates Money to Help Earthquake Victims in China
Hallyu star Jang Nara has donated 150,000 dollars to a charity organization in China for the rescue of disaster victims and the restoration of Sichuan Province, which was recently hit by a devastating earthquake. Jang has worked with the same charity organization in the past to help Leukemia patients.
Jang's father, who is based in Beijing, said in a recent telephone interview with the Yonhap News Agency that the situation in China is appalling and that his daughter plans to continue with her relief efforts in collaboration with members of her fanclub.
He also asked fellow Koreans to join hands in helping the victims of the recent earthquake in China and to refrain from criticizing her daughter.
He added that although relations between Seoul and Beijing may seem to have cooled in recent days due to the clash which occurred when the Olympic torch was passing through Seoul, it was important to help China's suffering victims in times of trouble.
In the meantime, Jang will leave for Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia and Singapore, to promote her latest album next month. The artist is considering accepting a film role once she gets back from her promotional tour.
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1525088_11858.html |
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Shim Eun Jin & Lee Chun Soo, break up
May 17, 2008
Former Baby VOX member Shim Eun Jin and soccer player Lee Chun Soo are no longer a couple. According to Shim Eun Jin’s camp, Olive 9, the singer and soccer player’s relationship have ended at the beginning of May. Moreover, an Olive 9 official said that the two still remain to be good friends despite their break-up, which was caused by personality differences.
The relationship was an open secret but it was only until March of this year, a year since Shim and Lee got together, that people close to the couple admitted that they are an item. Last February, Shim Eun Jin visited Lee Chun Soo in Netherlands.
Source: Sports Seoul + krnloop
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SM Entertainment’s new group: Shinee
May 19, 2008
SM Entertainment, which has already released some of the popular groups in the Kpop scene like TVXQ, Super Junior and Girls’ Generation, is coming out with a new male group called “Shinee.” The members of Shinee, described as a contemporary band, are composed of members whose ages range from 14-18 years old and who go by the names of Jonghyun, Minho, Taemin, Onew and Key.
According to SM Entertainment, Shinee is going to lead this generation’s trendy dance, fashion and music. With regard to its name, the label explains that it is a combination of the word “shine” and “ee,” which is to mean “people receiving the light.” This light, as applied to the group, is the “spotlight” directed toward Shinee, whose goal is to fascinate fans, regardless of their age or where they come from, with its diverse music.
A teaser video of the group was released today, May 19, in its official homepage (that seems to be not working at the moment), and also Daum tvpot (I love their song!). Shinee’s first mini album and music video are set to be released on the 22nd.
Source: Newsen + krnloop
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Jewelry: endorser of “Hoolala chicken barbecue”
May 19, 2008
Jewelry members Seo In Young, Kim Eun Jung and Ha Joo Yeon were selected as the endorsers of “Hoolala charcoal-grilled chicken barbecue” and shot its print and television advertisements in late April in Kwangju, Gyeonggi-do and Kangnam, Seoul.
A “Hoolala Chicken” representative explained that Jewelry’s Seo In Young and new members Kim Eun Jung and Ha Joo Yeon were selected as the brand’s endorsers because of their power to attract customers and increase the company’s sales.
Meanwhile, the advertisements are going to be released in late May.
Source: Newsen + krnloop |
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Author
Post time 19-5-2008 11:49 PM
