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August 7, 2013
Lee, Park to star in 'Boiling Youth'
The Korea Times
Actor Lee Jong-suk and actress Park Bo-young will be acting together in the film “Boiling Youth,” Lotte Entertainment said Tuesday.
The agency also added on Tuesday that they have started filming from Aug. 1 in Soonchang, North Jeolla Province. The two recently wrapped up their leading role-stint in the popular television drama “I Hear Your Voice.”
“Boiling Youth” tells of a teenage romance between an iconic school gang girl and a legendary Casanova in the 1980s in Hongseong, South Chungcheong Province.
The actress Park plays ‘Young-sook’, the school’s top girl gangster, and the actor Lee plays ‘Joong-gil’, the school’s legendary Casanova at Hongseong Agricultural High school.
After finishing the filming mainly in Hongseong and Soonchang district, the movie will be released early next year. Director Lee Yeon-woo, who gained fame from “Running Turtle,” will be directing. |
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August 7, 2013
Lee Jin-wook to mentor on film
The Korea Times
Actor Lee Jin-wook, 31, became a special mentor for Korean and Chinese adolescents interested in movies. He will participate in "The 3rd Toto's workroom in China,” , from Aug. 5-10.
"The 3rd Toto's workroom,” co-hosted by CJ donors Camp, CJ E&M, and Communist Youth League of China, offers training in film production to 50 Korean and Chinese adolescents living in Beijing.
The highlight of this program is the screening of movies made by the students to their family and friends at CGV theater in China. Lee plans to attend the "Toto's workroom screening" at the CGV theater in Qinghe, China on Saturday 2 p.m. to enjoy the student's movies.
Lee said, "I am looking forward to watching the movies made from a fresh and untainted perspective through the students’ eyes. As a movie actor I hope that this program motivates adolescents and gives them the opportunity to develop.” |
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Some netizens want Rain back in military?
By Baek Byung-yeul The Korea Times
Rain, pop singer and tabloid magnet, completed his two-year compulsory national duty last month amid accusations that he coasted through it. Now, some Internet users want to boot Rain back to boot camp.
The 31-year-old singer, whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon, ended up being the last entertainer to be discharged as an ''entertainment solider.’’
A week after Rain finished service, the Defense Ministry last month scrapped the position, which had allowed entertainers to serve in the Defense Media Agency and engage in military television and radio programming, as criticism grew over special treatment of these celebrities. The entertainers who had served in the unit were relocated to Army field units.
Military officials had hoped that their knee-jerk decision would stem the controversy. However, accusations continue to rain down on Rain.
In a recent conversation with reporters, Kim Kwang-jin, a lawmaker of the opposition Democratic Party, questioned whether the Defense Ministry had catered too much to the entertainers in hopes that they would promote a positive image of the military.
Rain didn’t even need to submit the required paperwork in 2011 to enlist as an entertainment solider, although the competition between singers and actors to be picked as one was fierce, Kim said. Then the lawmaker apparently got carried away and wondered whether the Defense Ministry should correct the wrong by forcing him to go through another 21-months in uniform.
Kim tried to downplay his comments, but only after all hell broke loose on social media. The online comments boiled over to a point where the Defense Ministry was forced to issue a statement saying that, no, Rain won’t be forced to approach his mid-30s in a barrack.
“Rain finished his service legitimately. When it was found that he took more leaves than he was allowed to meet actress Kim Tae-hee in January, he was disciplined properly,’’ said a ministry official.
''From his enlisting to discharging, everything regarding Rain’s service was handled justly under military service act. It would not be valid to reenlist him.’’
The controversy over entertainment soldiers was stocked by a SBS in-depth news program in June. Its cameras caught singers Seven (Choi Dong-uk) and Sangchoo (Lee Sang-cheol), who were serving in the same unit as Rain, visiting a massage parlor after midnight following a performance at a function in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, the previous evening.
Rain wasn’t at the parlor, which doubled as a brothel, but drank with Seven and Sangchoo until 10 p.m. the previous night, breaking curfew
In January, Rain was caught taking more days off than he was allowed to as he met with his love interest, actress Kim Tae-hee. After being exposed by the media, Rain was placed under probation for seven days. |
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August 8, 2013
Solbi to play magazine reporter in new drama
By Lee Sun-min Korea JoongAng Daily
Singer Solbi has been cast as the lead character on cable channel tvN’s drama “Fantasy Tower,” according to local media reports.
In the drama, which starts Wednesday, she will play a reporter named Jeong Eun-seong at a local magazine. The story will further develop as she meets a man named Yongwan, who can see into the future. Her male counterpart will be played by actor Song Jae-rim of the MBC drama “The Moon That Embraces the Sun.”
It has been said that she has already shown some excellent acting skills.
“She showed off a totally different image that burst out all of her emotion from what she had shown before,” said production team of the drama, according to the reports. |
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August 8, 2013
Rain's service questioned
BY LEE SUN-MIN Korea JoongAng Daily
Even though the Ministry of National Defense has announced plans to dissolve the Defense Media Agency’s public relations support unit - where enlisted celebrities served as so-called “entertainment soldiers” - debate is still swirling about the controversial program. Some are even calling for celebrities who have already served as entertainment soldiers to be required to re-enlist and perform their military service again.
The latest debate is over 10 former entertainment soldiers who reportedly did not properly complete the paperwork to join the special unit. But one name mentioned is much bigger than the others - Rain, the singer and actor whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon.
Rain was discharged from the military last month, but before he left his name was mentioned in a controversial TV documentary about inappropriate behavior among entertainment soldiers.
Two other entertainers, Seven and Sangchu, were caught drinking and going to an illegal adult massage parlor in Chuncheon, Gangwon. Although Rain was not with those celebrities, he did perform at the same event earlier in the day.
Now, however, Rain is being pulled into this new controversy over his application to the public relations support unit.
To be selected for the entertainment unit, celebrities had to present their career histories, detailing the TV programs and movies they starred in and music they released. In addition, the celebrities were asked to submit a letter of recommendation by any relevant association.
Kim Kwang-jin, opposition Democratic Party lawmaker, says that Rain benefited from his fame and was chosen as an entertainment soldier even though he did not complete the full application.
The lawmaker also added on Tuesday that requiring soldiers who had problems with their enlistment to serve again was “righteous.” He cited the case of the singer Psy, who, long before his “Gangnam Style” days, had to serve in the military a second time as a full-time solider because he spent too much time working on his career and performing during his first stint.
However, the Ministry of National Defense says it not considering requiring Rain to serve again.
“Rain is a top singer known by almost everyone in Korea,” said Kim Min-seok, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, adding that his performances and contributions to the music industry are widely known and did not require additional proof. “That’s why some of the documents were not collected prior to his enlistment, but that is not enough to make him serve his military duty again.”
Rain was enlisted in October in 2011 and started as an assistant drill instructor. But he moved to serve with the Defense Media Agency from March 2012 until he was discharged last month. |
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August 8, 2013
'People Inside' to finish
By Lee Sun-min Korea JoongAng Daily
Broadcaster Baek Ji-yeon’s talk show “Baek Ji-yeon’s People Inside” on cable channel tvN is scheduled to be canceled after the show on Aug. 21, according to local media reports.
The weekly program started its run in May 2009, garnering much attention for its diverse roster of guests, which included local celebrities as well as many internationally famous figures, including news broadcaster Anderson Cooper, actress Jessica Alba, singer Jason Mraz and democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma.
An official at the cable channel was quoted as saying that the program is being canceled due to the channel’s regular fall reshuffle. Producers also wanted to end the show while it was still doing relatively well, before it wore out its welcome.
However, other industry analysts speculated that ratings were indeed the issue, as the show typically has been drawing in the 1 percent range. Attempts to boost ratings by changing the air date and time had no effect.
No replacement program has been announced by tvN yet. |
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August 8, 2013
Maldives honeymoon for Lee Byung-hun and Lee Min-jung
By Lee Sun-min Korea JoongAng Daily
Celebrities Lee Byung-hun of film “Red 2” and actress Lee Min-jung of SBS drama “All about My Romance,” who are marrying one another on Saturday, will go to the Maldives for their honeymoon, a popular travel destination for newlyweds in Korea.
Many celebrities, including actor Shin Hyun-joon of SBS drama “Stairway to Heaven,” and Sunye of girl group Wonder Girls have gone to the island in the Indian Ocean after their wedding ceremonies.
The couple will announce more details about their honeymoon and other post-wedding arrangements such as their new home and future family plan at a press conference prior to the ceremony.
Saturday’s wedding will happen at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Hannam-dong, central Seoul and it is closed to the public. It has been said that the couple has invited around 900 guests. |
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August 8, 2013
Wheesung meeting with fans
By Lee Sun-min Korea JoongAng Daily
Singer Wheesung will be discharged from his military service today, where he has been serving since November 2011.
The singer, who served as a drill instructor at the military training base in Nonsan, South Chungcheong, will have a small fan meeting to celebrate his discharge.
As this will be his first public event in almost two years, demand is high to see the popular singer, in anticipation of discovering if he still has his full star abilities.
“Wheesung has been passionate about doing his military duty, and he gained about 10 different awards for his service,” said an official at the singer’s agency. “That is why we are having this small event, to thank the fans who have been waiting for him.”
The singer, who was originally scheduled to be discharged Tuesday, had to serve three additional days in detention for having been caught possessing a cell phone without approval.
Reportedly Wheesung used a cell phone while he was hospitalized due to back pain last year. He had been accused of abusing the drug propofol but was cleared last month after proving he was taking the drugs for a legitimate medical purpose. |
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August 9, 2013
'Flu' spreads horror throughout Seoul suburb
'The idea came as shocking to me that pig slaughter could happen to humans'
By Ahn Joo-hee contributing writer Korea JoongAng Daily
In-hae (Soo Ae) holds her daughter, Mi-reu (Park Min-ha) as they enter a segregated camp after the outbreak of a deadly disease. Provided by I Love Cinema
Freezing planets, earthquakes, tsunamis, alien attacks and wanton destruction are among the themes of countless apocalyptic movies - so much so that few scenarios seem shocking or original anymore.
On the other hand, when a familiar thing that’s dismissed as “no big deal” turns out to be deadly, it can generate unexpected horror.
In light of the looming threat of drug-resistant superbugs, “The Flu” portrays a possible scenario.
“I heard from doctors that if a deadly virus is ever going to happen, that it would be bird flu and that it has potential to affect people,” director Kim Sung-soo said Wednesday at the film’s press conference at movie theater CGV Wangsimni in central Seoul.
The flu is a mutated bird flu that’s found in Vietnamese workers in Korea and is quickly spread to people in Bundang, a wealthy suburb south in Seoul.
The infectious virus immediately throws the city into a state of chaos as it has a 100 percent fatality rate, killing its victims within 36 hours.
From left, director Kim Sung-soo of “The Flu” and the actors who play the main characters: Jang Hyuk, Soo Ae, Yoo Hae-jin, Ma Dong-seok and Lee Hee-joon. By Yang Kwang-sam
“To portray the state as convincing as possible, I referred to the world’s horrific disasters that actually happened and adapted the scenes of the recent riots in Egypt,” Kim said.
Throughout the chaos, the film examines how the people inside and outside Bundang become more segregated as the situation spirals out of control. The moment the sudden outbreak goes public, Bundang turns into a mess with people going almost mad to survive. Among them is a single mother who is a doctor, In-hae, played by Soo Ae, who goes to extremes to save her young daughter, Mi-reu, played by Park Min-ha. Actor Jang Hyuk plays a righteous rescue worker who falls for the doctor and tries to save her and her daughter.
Meanwhile, high-ranking Korean officials are divided into two groups: one that is trying to find ways to save the city and the other that wants to abandon all the people in the city to save the rest of the world.
But when America intervenes under a military treaty, the government, at its wit’s end, orders the destruction of the infected people, whether they are dead or not.
“The idea came as shocking to me that pig slaughter could possibly happen to humans,” said Soo Ae.
She was referring to the fact that about 3.3 million pigs were buried alive in a move to stop the spread of foot-and-mouth disease in Korea from late 2010 to 2011.
The 33-year-old actress is the star of such Korean movies as “Sword with No Name”(2009) and “Midnight FM”(2010).
“To me, the most impressive scene came when that the newscaster delivered the voting results from the citizens outside [on whether to quarantine the city or not],” said Jang.
What fuels fears are the apt choices of the locations. Kim said, “At the beginning in the script, the virus was supposed to be found on Jeju Island, but I thought it would be more appalling if it took place near the capital, Seoul.
Bundang, a suburb of Seoul, represents an affluent and livable city with lots of residential apartments,” Jang said. “The scene of the empty city after the quarantine was impressive.”
In the quarantined city, the image of the bloody sports stadium where the slaughters take place and the stacked dead bodies serves as a stark contrast to its usual upbeat and joyful atmosphere.
“The Flu” features a star-studded cast, including Cha In-pyo as the Korean president, Yoo Hae-jin as the sole comic relief and Ma Dong-seok as a sly official.
The movie has been highly anticipated as director Kim wielded the megaphone for the first time in 10 years. Kim is best known for “Beat,” a 1997 coming-of-age movie that created a “Beat fever” nationwide, starring Jung Woo-sung and Ko So-young.
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August 6, 2013
Lee Mi-sook off to new start with Sidus HQ
By Im Woo-jung, Intern reporter Korea JoongAng Daily
Actress Lee Mi-sook has signed a contract with a new entertainment agency, Sidus HQ entertainment.
“We will give unconditional support for Lee to continue her work,” said the agency on Tuesday. “We are looking forward to Lee’s active work with us in more various fields.”
Lee, along with actresses Lee Bo-hee and Won Mi-kyung, gained popularity in the 1980s. She played numerous roles in TV dramas as well as movies including “Cinderella‘s Sister,” “Untold Scandal” and “Actresses.”
“Lee is an actress admired by many young women, for her beauty and charisma regardless of her age,” Sidus HQ said.
Lee recently was sued by her former agency, Contents Media, for alleged breach of contract. A court ordered her to pay more than 100 million won ($89,000) in compensation.
Lee is currently playing a role in TV drama series “You’re the Best, Lee Soon-shin.” |
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August 7, 2013
Media Rating Board OKs screening of Kim Ki-duk’s controversial 'Moebius'
By Claire Lee Korea JoongAng Daily
Official poster for Kim Ki-duk’s “Moebius” ( Kim Ki-duk Film)
The Korea Media Rating Board has lifted its ban on the screening of filmmaker Kim Ki-duk’s “Moebius” in Korea, after the director re-submitted the film twice and cut two minutes and 30 seconds from the original version.
“Moebius” received an R rating, which prohibits teenagers under 18 from seeing the movie.
The film initially received a “restricted screening” rating from the state-run rating agency in June, for its controversial subject matter ― especially for scenes that depict incestuous encounters between a mother and a son.
With a “restricted screening” rating, the film could only be shown in “special theater” venues, which are practically nonexistent in Korea.
Kim resubmitted the film to the agency after cutting the incest scenes in the film ― one minute and 40 seconds ― but received the same “restricted” rating from KMRB last month.
Kim again submitted the film for another review, this time after cutting two minutes and 30 seconds from the original. KMRB announced Tuesday that it has decided to give the film an R rating.
“I would like to meet the already-set release date of the film ― even if it requires me to delete the scenes ― because if I don’t, then my crew and cast would very likely lose their share of the movie,” Kim openly wrote to the KMRB when he resubmitted the film for the first time in June.
Last month, before resubmitting the film to the agency for the second time, Kim held a private screening of the film for film critics, reporters and industry professionals ― saying if he got less than 30 percent approval from the special audience, he would give up the local release of the movie.
Of the 107 who attended the screening and voted, 87 percent said the movie should be approved for screening in local theaters. Only 10.2 percent disagreed.
Meanwhile, the film has been also invited to the non-competition section of this year’s Venice International Film Festival. |
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August 8, 2013
Lancôme Picks Lee Na-young as Its Face in Korea
The Chosun Ilbo
Actress Lee Na-young, who recently admitted she has been dating actor Won Bin, is the new model for Lancôme, a leading cosmetics brand from the L'Oréal Group.
"We thought that Lee's elegant and sophisticated look matches the modern and feminine image of our brand," the company said. "We also believe that Lee, who has maintained her stunning beauty throughout her 15-year career, is perfect to promote our newest cosmetic lines."
Emma Watson, Kate Winslet and Julia Roberts all serve as global Lancôme models, but Lee will specifically represent the company in the Korean market.
She recently finished shooting commercials for the company and they will begin airing from the end of August. |
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August 9, 2013
IU, Lee Hyun-woo deny dating
By Yoon Min-sik Korea JoongAng Daily
The respective agencies of South Korean singer IU and actor Lee Hyun-woo denied on Friday rumors that the two 21-year-old stars are an item.
Earlier in the day, photos of IU and Lee entering a movie theater at midnight circulated on the Internet, sparking speculation that the two are in a romantic relationship.
Lee’s agency Keyeast admitted that the two had watched a movie together but said they were “just close friends.” Loen Entertainment, IU’s management company, said agencies’ other staffers were with the two stars, without elaborating on who they were.
Last year, Lee appeared on an SBS talk show and said he was first introduced to IU, whose real name is Lee Ji-eun, by Park Ji-yeon of T-ara. The two met later in 2011, when Lee made an appearance in IU’s music video, “You and I.”
IU made her debut in 2008 with single “Lost Child,” and rose to stardom after releasing her first studio album “Growing Up” in 2009. She has also established a career in acting, taking several supporting roles in TV dramas before snatching her first leading role in “You’re the Best, Lee Soon-shin” in 2013.
Lee made a successful transaction from a child actor to an adult performer. He built his career in television series such as “The Return of Iljimae” and “Queen Seondeok,” and is particularly noted for his appearance in 2013 movie “Secretly, Greatly.” |
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August 9, 2013
'Snowpiercer' surpasses 5 million viewer mark
YonhapNews
SEOUL, Aug. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho's English language debut film, "Snowpiercer," has attracted more than 5 million viewers in 10 days since opening, its local distributor said Friday.
The film, starring top Korean actor Song Kang-ho alongside Hollywood thespians Chris Evans, Ed Harris and Tilda Swinton, attracted over 5 million viewers as of 2 p.m. on Friday, said CJ Entertainment, citing box-office data.
The official data provided by the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) for Friday will be released to the public the next day.
Based on the French graphic novel "Le Transperceneige," the sci-fi action thriller depicts inter-class struggles among the world's last-remaining inhabitants aboard a perpetually moving train.
The film tied with the 2012 box-office hit "The Thieves" and the "Ironman 3" in the pace of growth in the number of audience.
It took 18 days and 17 days, respectively, for "Gwanghae: the Man Who Became the King" and "Miracle in Cell No. 7" to reach the milestone, both of which drew an audience of over 10 million.
CJ officials forecast that "Snowpiercer" is expected to pass 7 million by Sunday given the current pace of growth. |
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August 9, 2013
Jang Na-ra to star in father's film
By Park Jin-hai The Korea Times
Actress Jang Na-ra will make a cameo appearance in the up-coming movie “Polaroid.” Her agency 3HW announced Friday that Jang, will play in the first film directed by her father Ju Ho-seong.
In a joint movie production between Korea and China, Jang, 32, plays the part of the teacher to the main character Su-ho, played by Kim Tae-yong.
“I was attracted to the role of a teacher who cares for her student in trouble. But I also have to confess that it was good to support my dad in his work,” said Jang.
The movie is about a single mother with a terminally ill son who meets a Chinese man with similar, painful memories.
The movie will be released concurrently in Korea and China later this year.
Jang is one of the most famous hallyu stars in China. After spending years in China, she recently came back to the local screen as a teacher in the high-teen school drama “School 2013.
Jang and Ju also made a headline when both of them jointly appeared in a Chinese CCTV’s drama “The racetrack” in 2011. |
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August 10, 2013
Choi Ji-woo to Play Housemaid in New Drama
The Chosun Ilbo
Top actress Choi Ji-woo is preparing for her first role in a TV drama since she appeared on MBC in 2011.
SBS announced on Wednesday that Choi has been cast as the lead role in an upcoming drama scheduled to begin in September. It is based on the hit Japanese TV soap "Housekeeper Mita," which enjoyed stellar ratings of over 40 percent when it was broadcast in Japan by NTV in 2011.
The plot begins with a mysterious housekeeper joining a recently widowed father and his four children. The new arrival, who shows barely any trace of emotion, acts as a catalyst for the family members to understand each other better and reconcile their relationships.
"I didn't hesitate to choose this project because I was mesmerized by the moving story and the unique charm of the starring character," said Choi. "This will be a new challenge for me as an actress, and I'll be able to show a new side of myself." |
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August 10, 2013
Court writes off debt of 'Last Godfather' director
YonhapNews
SEOUL, Aug. 10 (Yonhap) -- A Seoul court has written off 17 billion won (US$15.2 million) owed by comedian-turned-director Shim Hyun-rae after his latest movie failed to recover production costs, according to court officials Sunday.
The 55-year-old director of "The Last Godfather" (2010) fell into heavy debt after the film disappointed at the box office.
In the English film, which was shot in the U.S., Shim plays the orphaned love-child of a 1950s mafia boss, played by the famous American actor Harvey Keitel, and is called to New York to take over the family business.
In January, Shim, the head of Yonggu-Art Entertainment, received a 10-month sentence, suspended for two years, after being sued by former employees who demanded unpaid wages and severance pay.
Following the court decision, Shim applied for personal bankruptcy with the Seoul Central District Court in January.
After looking into his assets and property, the court earlier this month allowed the former comedian to benefit from the state-run personal credit recovery program and wrote off his debt considering his contribution to the South Korean film industry.
Once an iconic slapstick comedian in Korea during the 1980s, Shim delved into film production in the 1990s, but to mixed results.
After directing "Yonggari" (1999) -- the most expensive Korea movie ever produced at that time -- he fell victim to fraud in the U.S. and faced several lawsuits.
After the long ordeal, he made an impressive comeback with "Dragon Wars: D-War" (2007) and he was praised for overcoming adversity. |
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August 10, 2013
Jang Hyuk dishes about wife
By Lee Sun-min Korea JoongAng Daily
Actor Jang Hyuk, who starred in the drama “Iris 2,” said his stomach was in knots when he first encountered his wife, as he revealed how he met his wife and got married in an in-depth discussion on the MBC talk show “Knee Drop Guru” yesterday.
Jang said he first met his wife about a decade ago when he was leaving his gym after working out with a fellow actor.
“I was walking down the stairs while she was coming up and I had a weird feeling,” said Jang.
She was a professional dancer and was also teaching classes at the gym Jang belonged to at the time.
“So I went to a jazz dance class comprised of 40 women,” recalled Jang.
However, Jang said taking the class did not help him get to know the instructor. So he asked the director of the movie he was working on at the time, “Please Teach Me English,” to include a dancing scene.
When the director said okay, that gave Jang an excuse to talk with his jazz dance teacher, asking her to recommend a tap dance instructor for the film.
“After I made that request, we naturally developed our relationship and started dating,” he recalled. |
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August 10, 2013
Celebs spied on movie date
By Lee Sun-min Korea JoongAng Daily
Singer IU and actor Lee Hyun-woo, of the KBS drama “Master of Study,” were seen together at a movie theater in Sinsa-dong, southern Seoul, late at night on Thursday.
And this being the smartphone age, photos of the two celebrities were posted to an online bulletin board, where they quickly spread.
Of course, questions soon swirled over whether IU and Lee are in a romantic relationship.
However, their management agencies denied such speculation yesterday.
“It is true that they watched a movie together on Thursday,” said Lee’s agency, according to local media reports. “But that doesn’t mean that they are going out.”
The agency added that the two became close after working together cohost ing the music program “Popular Song” on SBS last year. It said the two were aware of photos being taken when they went into the theater together.
An official related to IU’s agency also confirmed that the two are good friends, claiming other employees of the agency accompanied them to the theater. |
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August 11, 2013
'The Flu' to chill the summer
By Yun Suh-young The Korea Times
Bundang residents run toward the line drawn in the middle of Bundang-Suseo Highway, to which the authorities have forbidden access, in order to prevent them from spreading the virus to the rest of the country
There is nothing in life as mundane and menacing as flu. This is the haunting message of “The Flu,” a movie about a lethal and highly contagious virus that wreaks havoc on the peninsula. It’s a film made up of many good elements that would have been even better if the overall production were a little less predictable.
The lethal strain in this new Kim Sung-soo movie, which opens Wednesday, appears to be a cross between human transmissible bird flu and the Black Death, but with added strength.
In the movie, the virus spreads between humans with relentless efficiency, capable of killing 2,000 people in an hour. After catching this virus, a person doesn’t live for more than 36 hours.
Medical and military personnel fumigate the highway as part of disease control measures
The recent discovery of the first likely case of direct person-to-person transmission of the bird flu virus in China adds an element of eeriness to the movie.
Kim, whose career is defined by high-budget action flicks portraying everything from teenage gangsters to fantasy warriors and wizards, is a director who depends more on the audacity of his ideas than his ability to dramatize them effectively. If anyone was going to make a movie about a pandemic that could make a zombie apocalypse look cute, it was inevitably Kim.
After watching the film, it seems clear that Kim has produced a better-executed disaster film than previous blockbusters such as “Haenudae” (2009), about a freak tsunami devastating Busan and “Tower” (2012), a flick about a group of heroic firefighters saving people from a burning skyscraper.
Both Haenudae and Tower were loud but instantly forgettable productions. It remains to be seen whether The Flu will linger longer in the collective memory. Kim does try harder than the directors of the previous two films, Yoon Je-kyoon and Kim Ji-hoon respectively, by blending the visual onslaught with social commentary to produce a weightier outcome.
The movie begins with a shady middleman transporting illegal foreign workers from Hong Kong to Bundang, a posh suburb south of Seoul. A container is opened and the foreigners are found dead, except for one man who managed to escape.
Those infected and who are carriers of the virus are isolated inside a camp created in the middle of the highway. / Courtesy of I-Film Corporation
A virus carried by one of the passengers seems to have spread to the others inside the container and killed them. The escapee, of course, runs around spreading the virus to everyone he meets.
Mongsai, the escapee, somehow doesn’t die, but those around him do so rapidly, spitting out bursts of blood to great cinematic effect. Weird red spots begin to appear on the skin of those infected, which then begin to eat away at their flesh. Yes, Kim decided to give us a profusion of deadly symptoms.
The plot also requires the government to not take the epidemic seriously at first in order to allow the situation to become apocalyptic, then belatedly declare a state of emergency and shut down the entire city.
Kim uses the ensuing chaos to show humanity, at least his idea of it, in a positive light. Among the lawlessness and Darwinism in evidence on the jammed roads and congested supermarkets, there are always altruistic heroes who become beacons for others.
Kim In-hae (Soo Ae) plays a medical specialist who scrambles to find a vaccine for the virus. When her only daughter Mi-reu (Park Min-ha) is infected, she is helped by rescue worker Ji-goo (Jang Hyuk), who saves her from a car accident, enabling them to join together to find a cure and keep the girl alive.
Government officials struggle to make decisions, while others show they are willing to make cruel decisions in order to stem the problem. Of course the president, played by Cha In-pyo, is portrayed as a selfless leader determined to save as many people as possible.
Kim manages to make the drama just believable enough, even making the audience end up caring about the characters. The strength of this movie lies in its stunningly realistic scenes and fast pace.
“I wanted to depict the altruism and humanity of the people despite the extreme fear and the destruction of human qualities,” said director Kim.
“I also wanted the situation to seem real. Not fantasy, but realism. I wanted people to feel unfamiliar with places where they usually feel familiar, such as supermarkets or parking lots. The fear of how these places turn into death spots is what makes the story real.” |
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