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Chang Yun-jung to Appear in Charity Fashion Show
2008-01-07
Singer Chang Yun-jung will appear in a charity fashion show aimed at helping the needy.
Chang will appear as a model in the show, which will be held Jan. 10 at the Hyatt Hotel in Seoul.
Part of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the social welfare organization Community Chest of Korea to help the underprivileged. Chang gladly accepted the offer to participate in the show organized for a good cause.
Traditional costume researcher Park Sul-nyeo, whose works will be showcased at the event, said she chose Chang as a model for her ideal height of 168cm, narrow shoulders and beautiful neckline -- requirements to fully express the beauty of the traditional costume "hanbok."
Chang says she is nervous and excited to demonstrate the hanbok, which she has liked since childhood, and pledged to do her best at the show.
c: KBS Global |
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January 7, 2008
[MOVIE REVIEW] 'Hellcats' rejects men, holds girl-only party
Killing wimpy men in a chick film is lots of fun. "Hellcats" (Ddeugeoun geotsi joa), a girls-only initiation drama, follows the feminist formula faithfully, but does not go the full nine yards; no guys ends up shot. Instead, the gals toy with the emasculated Korean men -- in and outside of bed.
The movie, to be released on Jan. 17, is chiefly concerned with the three representative women (or girls, if you like). The narrator is A-mi (Kim Min-hee), a twenty-something screenwriter who has yet to create her debut feature, and struggles with a deadbeat boyfriend whose prospect as a professional rocker seems slim, at best.
And in the bit-mature, quasi-womanly stage is her big sister Young-mi (Lee Mi-sook), a middle-aged, almost workaholic interior designer who gets entangled with a far younger boyfriend.
Making up the three-way girly scheme is Young-mi's daughter Kang-ae (Ahn So-hee), a sexually confused high school girl who wants her boyfriend to act more manly -- for instance, by taking some romantic initiative, as with the much-anticipated first kiss.
Since "Hellcats" is director Kwon Chil-in's latest feature following his groundbreaking girl-oriented "Singles" (2003), a similar pattern is hardly surprising. What is unexpected, though, is the degree to which men's roles are diminished.
A-mi, for instance, keeps sleeping with her boyfriend Heung-soo, but she knows too well that this rocker-wannabe does not have any real chance to succeed in this tough world where there is no protection whatsoever for talentless men. A-mi willy-nilly stumbles into a better choice -- this time, a capable man named Seung-won (Kim Seong-su), who is an accountant for Deloitte's Seoul office. Except for this guy's dreadful sense of humor, A-mi vaguely assumes that her life would change for the better if she tied the knot with him.
But what really concerns her is neither of these men. She is, after all, an aspiring screenwriter, and she is determined to finish her first project, no matter what. When it comes to determination and toughness, A-mi is portrayed as a cinematic macho who used to be a hardcore chainsmoker, but resolutely quits cigarettes once she gets serious about her career -- a far stronger, almost traditional alpha male approach that is prominently lacking in the movie's male characters.
Young-mi is psychologically a big girl, too. She falls into a deep sense of loss and disappointment when she a callous (yes, male) doctor tells her that her menopause is the cause of her latest mood swings. Undaunted, she keeps her chin up, and tries not to lose her control when dealing with her sexual partner who wants to have an emotional tug of war.
Young-mi's cute daughter, Kang-ae, is depicted as a cute seductress. She wonders why her boyfriend has not attempted to kiss her in the past three years, and one of her close friends rightly suggests that he might be gay. Kang-ae is not a sit-and-wait type, so she sets up a private meeting, in her own house, and ventures to initiate what she thinks will be the most erotic moment in her life, only to find that something goes embarrassingly wrong.
The movie's strengths largely lie in its single-handedly feminist approach, which highlight the emotional and sexual travails of female characters. Its weaknesses involve its monochromatic male characters who are no more than lame stereotypes.
Given that a growing number of women wield enormous influence in every sector of Korean society, from the court to big corporations to, well, the film industry, director Kwon's continued focus on the girls' cinematic growth is a welcome addition to the fast-increasing list of movies dedicated to women. Even though Kwon is not the sex of choice in the postmodern world, he knows how to plunder the new era of "girl power."
One of the notable changes, in terms of acting, comes from Kim Min-hee. She seems quite believable as an open-hearted drunk at a bar who goes for a one-night stand, only to realize her mistake next morning, when she hurriedly picks up her clothes and heads for her home, struggling with a hangover. The movie's most compelling moment involves Kim's impassioned delineation of the central character going through various stages of her life -- especially her giving up certain things in favor of her dream and career.
Lee Mi-sook, a veteran actor, gives a seasoned performance, bolstering this otherwise too-lighthearted fare. Lee's subtle facial expressions and suggestive moves overwhelm her counterpart, so much so that viewers may not care whether the man in question is not that bad, after all.
Ahn So-hee, who makes her big-screen debut, manages to showcase her innocent image. But most folks in the audience are likely to pay special attention to Ahn because she is the youngest member of the wildly popular female music group Wonder Girls, whose smash hit song "Tell Me" conquered the nation's pop charts in 2007.
The movie does not say or show anything about the traditional fatherly figure. Lee Mi-sook's husband is missing on the screen; there is no meaningful explanation about him. Ahn So-hee's father, in other words, disappeared a gone long time ago, and nobody seems to miss him. The sobering lesson for not-so-talented traditionally pretentious men is clear: In the age of Wonder Girls, it's time for men to reinvent themselves -- for instance, by playing a bit part in a chicks film like "Hellcats."
By Yang Sung-jin ([email protected])
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/ |
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January 7, 2008
Director Resigns From SBS' 'King and I'
By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff Reporter
Kim Jae-hyung
Renowned producer-director Kim Jae-hyung, 72, resigned from the directorship position of SBS drama 揔ing and I |
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January 7, 2008
No surprise in 2007's Grand Prize winners of the 3 broadcasting stations' Drama Awards
MBC - Bae Yong-joon, KBS - Choi Soo-jong, SBS - Kim Hee-ae and Park Shin-yang
 
'There had been no surprise'.
The winners of this year's Grand Prize of each broadcasting station's Drama Awards had been announced. The result can be summarised into following phrase, 'No surprise'. It is no exaggeration to say that one of the biggest topics of the year was the drama "The Legend" with its astonishing 40 billion-won production bill. It is the most expensive and large-scaled drama ever made in the history of Korean drama and evoked much concerns and worries before it was telecasted. However, the drama recorded more than 30% rating and many agreed that much of its credit should be given to Bae Yong-joon.
Of course, there is a degree of regret that Kim Myeong-min, who presented an outstanding charismatic performance in "White Tower", was only awarded the Best Actor of the Year. However, it was general agreement that Bae Yoon-joon did more than enough to be awarded the Grand Prize for his excellent performance.
On the 2007 KBS Drama Awards held on 31st, Choi Soo-jong from KBS 1TV historical drama, "Dae Jo Young" was awarded the Grand Prize. This is his 3rd Grand Prize from KBS Drama Awards; the first two were given on 1998 and 2001. However, prior to the ceremony, the majority of officials have already made a prediction that he will win the prize.
In particular, KBS suffered from a rating shortage this year, but "Dae Jo Young" was successful in fulfilling social significance of tracing the history of Balhae as well as achieving more than 30% rating. For KBS, "Dae Jo Young" was its dutiful son and its pride; and one should recognise Choi Soo-jong's hard work in achieving such great outcomes.
SBS had their award ceremony on the same day as KBS and their only fault was handing out a joint Grand Prize. However, it doesn't change the fact that both Kim Hee-ae and Park Shin-yang presented a worthwhile performance this year to win their Grand Prize.
Kim Hee-ae was the leading actress in script writer, Kim Su-hyun's adulterous drama "My Man's Woman". Her strong and delicate portrait of the psychology of a woman who falls in Forbidden Love affair with a married man have effectively achieved a high rating as well as the popularity of the drama. Also her extreme perm hair and expensive clothing style have enhanced the reality of her character and demonstrated her thorough understanding of the character. This is her 3rd Grand Prize; the first two were given from MBC.
Park Shin-yang have also awarded a Grand Prize from SBS in 2004 with his hit drama, "Lovers in Paris" and made a magnificent come back to receive the Grand Prize once again. The drama "War of Money" is based on the world of private moneylender and Park Shin-yang acted a heartless but humanistic moneylender, Geum Na-ra. For his outstanding performance, a majority of viewers and officials agreed that "Park Shin-yang is an actor who fulfils the viewers' expectation 120%" and was allowed the honour of receiving a Grand Prize.
Translation credits to www.hancinema.net
Original article at
http://star.moneytoday.co.kr/vie ... 2008010100571597587 |
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January 7, 2008
Popularity rating of dramas in 2007, from top 5 to bottom 5
As the year 2007 ended, the dramas are also changing its path. On 26th, SBS Wed-Thur drama, "Lobbyist" was finished, followed by KBS 2 "In-Soon is pretty" on 27th. Previously, KBS1 historical drama, "Dae Jo Young" was crowned with perfection on 23rd. The following is the summary of popularity rating of dramas in 2007 (data provided by TNS Media Korea), beginning with MBC serial drama "Bad woman, Good woman" which began on 1st January 2007.
In the Department of Mon-Tue dramas |
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In the Department of weekend dramas |
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January 7, 2008
Trend in 2007 box-office success in Korean film industry,
"The naming value of a star and the number of audience are in inverse proportion"
"What is the interrelationship between the naming value of a star and the number of audience?"
In conclusion, the interrelationship is inverse proportion according to the trend in 2007 box-office success in Korean film industry. Among the 100 movies released this year, only 4 movies had more than 3 million audiences, including "D-War" (8 million), "May 18" (7 million), "Voice of Murderer" (3.25 million) and "Le Grand Chef" which recently reached 3 million.
Among many movies that went into the black, following are those which closely reached the break-even point, including "Miracle on 1st Street" (Im Chang-jeong and Ha Ji-won), "Voice of Murderer" (Seol Kyeong-gu and Kim Nam-joo), "May 18" (Kim Sang-kyeong and Lee Yo-won), "D-War" (Jason Behr), "Paradise 1986" (Park Hae-il and Seong Ji-roo), and "Le Grand Chef" (Kim Kang-woo and Lee Ha-na). Among the 100 movies released this year, only 7% made a profit.
However, all movies that drew attention for top stars' appearance have failed. Ko So-young's come back movie, "Go Go Sister", Kang Dong-won's "M", Song Hye-kyo's "Hwangjin-y - Movie - 2007", Shin Hyeon-joon's "Three Kims", Uhm Jung-hwa and Han Chae-young's "Changing Partners" have been rejected by the audiences. Top star, Kim Tae-hee's 2nd movie "Venus and Mars" is also having a hard time.
The naming value of directors had also drawn an inverse proportional line with the success of their work. Director Lee Chang-dong ("Secret Sunshine"), Lee Myeong-se ("M") and Heo Jin-ho ("Happiness") made their come back but failed to attract audience. On the contrary, new and nameless directors such as "Kim Ji-hoon" ("May 18"), Kim Han-min ("Paradise 1986") and Jeon Yoon-soo ("Le Grand Chef") have touched the audiences' hearts and brought successes to their movies.
Following is the summary of trend in 2007 Korean film industry, which moved against the naming values of top stars.
◆ Fall of top stars vs rise of supporting actors
As commonly happened in previous years, many stars have returned to screen this year. The actors in 30s age group including Im Chang-jeong, Uhm Jung-hwa, Tak Jae-hoon and Shin Hyeon-joon; and 20s age group such as Kang Dong-won, Song Hye-kyo, Daniel Henney have made reasonably active moves but the result wasn't as good as their efforts. They either received a harsh criticism or only reached half success.
The age of having a top star's name as a guaranteed ticket to success of the film has passed. The audiences have turned their back on the top stars as many of them shows no progress whatsoever and only focused on image-making processes. Therefore they spend more time on commercial advertisement than acting to improve their commercial values. As result, some beautiful female stars received merciless criticism and fail to attract audiences.
A good example is Song Hye-kyo and Kim Tae-hee. Song Hye-kyo made a come back to screen in 2 years with 10 billion-won worth large-scaled film, "Hwangjin-y - Movie - 2007" but failed a big time. She was criticised to unable to produce a proper acting for a historical drama and brought a large loss to the production company as she only had 1 million audiences.
'Intellect beauty star' Kim Tae-hee was also unable to break her bad luck in screen. Her debut film was "The Restless", which was released on December 2006, but it only gave her a tag on the back that says 'a bad actress'. On her second film, "Venus and Mars" she tried to change her character. However, the result and criticism was harsh. On the first week of release, there was only 0.3 million audiences. Even adding the 0.4 million audiences came to watch "The Restless", not even a million people have seen Kim Tae-hee's movies.
On the contrary, the 'hidden pearls' were shining this year. The supporting actors who rely on their acting skills rather than good appearance have made a rapid progress over those top stars that showed no improvements. These 'hidden pearls' include Jeong Jae-yeong, Park Cheol-min, Seong Ji-roo and Kim Kang-woo, who have both individuality and excellent talents to bring success to the films and acted as a mainstay in the films that had no top stars in it.
Jeong Jae-yeong was the one leading actor in "Going by the Book" and succeed in attracting 2 million audiences; and Park Cheol-min added his tasty performance in gathering 7 million audiences for "May 18". Kim Kang-woo and Lee Ha-na showed off their talent in no-top-star-film "Le Grand Chef" in bringing 3 million audiences to the screen. |
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◆ Fall of star directors vs rise of new and nameless directors
Also there were many cases in which the directors have also failed to reach their naming value. The star directors who previously received a strong support from audiences for their unique world of directing ideals have either bring out a disappointing work or failed to escape from their own world. They have also failed in attracting audiences. However, the new and nameless directors have replaced their places and had the success of 2007 Korean film industry under their thumbs.
Good examples include Director Kim Han-min ("Paradise 1986"), Ra Hee-chan ("Going by the Book"), Kim Ji-hoon ("May 18") and Jeon Yoon-soo ("Le Grand Chef"). A common ground in which these directors share together is that they are new and nameless. Except Director Jeon Yoon soo ("Le Grand Chef"), it was their first time for them to direct the production of a movie.
When looking at the success of the movies, however, they achieved as good as any other star directors. "Paradise 1986", "Going by the Book", "May 18" and "Le Grand Chef" have all cleared 2 million scores and brought profits to their production agencies. In addition, their unique individuality and sensitivity have invigorated the Korean film industry.
On the other hand, the established directors weren't as active as they used to be. Maybe it's because that the star directors such as Bong Joon-ho, Choi Dong-hoon and Park Chan-wook haven't bring up their new works but only focusing on scenarios at the moment. The come back movies of numerous leading directors only brought up new gossips and topics and totally failed in popularity-wise.
Director Lee Myeong-se brought "M" with Kang Dong-won as the leading actor. The abstruse plot where reality and fantasy crosses had a strong support from small mania groups but unable to achieve popularity among a wider range of groups. Director Kwak Gyeong-taeks's "a LOVE" and Director Heo Jin-ho's "Happiness" have also received two opposite criticism that "the directors aren't as good as they used to be" and "the return of great directors" and brought 2 million and a million audiences each.
While many established directors were unable to play their part, there are some who maintained their heads high. The hero is Director Lee Chang-dong, who made a come back in 5 years. By bringing Jeon Do-yeon and Song Kang-ho into international actors, he showed off his talented directing skills to the world. Of course, unlike the honour of the Cannes, he needed to be satisfied with 1.7 million audiences in Korea.
◆ The Korean film industry is at a critical point, there are too many hollow stars
The Korean film industry is obsessed with top stars. Therefore these stars take up a great importance in the film industry. However, it is a serious problem to appoint those stars who aren't even equipped with confident acting skills, to a leading role in a movie.
For example, in a film with 4 billion-won production bill, the star's guarantee takes up about 20%. The skyrocketing guarantees of stars immediately lead to deterioration in the conditions of film making. Also there were many movies that failed even though they have appointed big stars as the leading character.
There's an unrevealed circumstances to the production agencies that pay a high guarantee to popular stars even though they have no talent in acting. By appointing a popular star as the leading character, it has an automatic marketing effect as well as a huge influence of the star's name in their movie poster. However, as the audiences' level heightened, the number of fans who visit cinema with sole trust on the star's name rapidly reduced.
In Hollywood, the talent and guarantee is in proportion. Excellent actors such as Robert De Niro, Alfred Pacino and Sean Penn receive the top annual salary of $15 million. However, the trend in Korea suggests the popularity is in inverse proportion with their talents. It is common cases where talented actors aren't getting a proper treatment.
In order for a film industry to progress, the talents of directing people are an essential component. The reason that the Korean film industry had been staggering in 2007 was because the popular top stars had been allowed to lead an entire movie by themselves rather than by talented actors. In order to not to repeat the same mistake that "A naming value of a star does not guarantee everything", we expect both director and actors to discipline themselves and put a greater effort to enhance the overall quality of their films.
Translation credits to www.hancinema.net
http://news.naver.com/main/hotissue/read.nhn?mid=hot&sid1=106&sid2=221&gid=&cid=26338&iid=10642&oid=073&aid=0000091752 |
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January 7, 2008
Jeon Ji Hyun, "Would choose a movie that my children can watch"
At the press conference held on the 7th for the upcoming film "The man who used to be Superman," Jeon Ji Hyun commented that she selects pieces that her children will be able to watch.
In regards to a question asking whether she would choose a smoking scene or love scene, "Actors also have to make decisions based on their thoughts, but I would choose a movie that my children can later watch."
Director Jung Yoon Cheol who also attended the conference added jokingly, "Ji Hyun would probably not choose a love scene unless it is directed by someone like Director Ang Lee (of Se, jie, 'Lust, Caution')."
Hwang Jung Min who plays the main male lead that believes himself to be Superman commented, "We had to film one scene that expressed many complicated emotions 34 times for over a three day period to get an 'OK' sign. Ji Hyun was fine on the first cut, but I felt bad because we had to repeat the scene because of me."
He also added, "Trying to make myself believe that I am Superman was the hardest part of this movie. Acting is supposed to be from the heart and not calculated in the head, and that was only possible because I worked with Ji Hyun."
Director Jung added, "The actors most likely had a hard time because the spectrum of emotions required for the movie was equivalent to that of several movies. Ji Hyun said before that she would like the superpower to act well, and I think she has gained that power to a certain extent."
Director Jung, who also produced "Marathon," in "The man who used to be Superman" draws the story of a rather cynical human documentary producer Song Soo Jung (Jeon Ji Hyun) and the man (Hwang Jung Min) who helps everyone around him believing himself to be Superman.
Source: Broasia.com
http://www.broasia.com/lwboard/l ... amp;pg=1&no=442 |
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Popular S. Korean actress
Jan. 8, SEOUL, South Korea -- Popular South Korean actress Song Yun-ah plays a leading role in the South Korean drama "On Air" whose first episode will be aired by the SBS TV network on Feb. 27. (Yonhap)(END)
Source: Yonhap News
http://app.yonhapnews.co.kr/YNA/ ... ticlePhotoMain.aspx |
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January 8, 2008
TV Variety Shows Set New Standards
TV variety shows have been setting new standards recently by introducing segments on charity.
The "One Night Two Days" segment of KBS TV's "Happy Sunday" is one of these shows. Stars appearing in the segment visit Korea's famous scenic sites where they spend one night and two days and hold events for local residents.
When the show's cast visited the Dokdo islets, it cooked noodles for the coastguard. In one of the latest episodes, the cast visited Gageo Island, where it threw a pizza party for elementary school students. The episode received a favorable response from viewers and the island residents.
The widespread charity trend in TV shows apparently reflects the recently growing interest in celebrities' philanthropic activities. Moreover, viewers have become more demanding when it comes to variety shows. It is hoped that variety shows will be able to meet viewers' demands by combining volunteer work and charity with fun and laughter.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/mconten ... /1500509_11692.html |
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January 8, 2008
'My Sassy Girl' reborn in Japan, the U.S.
When director Kwak Jae-yong made his quirky romantic comedy film "My Sassy Girl" in 2001, he had no idea that it would become a huge hit throughout Asia, catapulting Jun Ji-hyun and Cha Tae-hyun into glowing stardom.
Seven years later, it's time for Kwak to see how his romantic blockbuster is received in Japan and the United States. This year, the Japanese drama version of "My Sassy Girl" is scheduled to run from April, while the American film version is also set to be released.
TBS, a major TV network in Japan, started shooting in December for the drama to be screened in April 2008, which is "unusual" by Japanese drama production standards. The long lead time, TBS says on its homepage, is intended to invest enough time in the project so that the Japanese drama will outshine the original film.
The cast and the production staff also highlight the scale and scope of the project. Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, also known as Chonan Gang in Korea and a member of the popular Japanese idol group SMAP, will play the title role. Kusanagi, who is fluent in Korean, is regarded as an ideal actor who can put a new spin on the Kyun-woo character played by Cha Tae-hyun in the original film.
"I instantly loved the film from the very moment when it was released, and actually I met with Cha Tae-hyun in person," Kusanagi says on the TBS website. "The shooting itself is very interesting, and I think there will be not only funny but also very moving scenes."
Lena Tanaka plays opposite Kusanagi, taking up the role of an unstoppable girl played by Jun Ji-hyun. Tanaka makes her drama debut in "My Sassy Girl."
The drama is directed by Nobuhiro Doi, who had helmed a slew of hits such as "Good Luck!!" and written by Yuji Sakamoto, known for such hits as "Tokyo Love Story" and "Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World."
Meanwhile, production of the American film version, directed by Yann Samuell, is finished and the film is gearing up for its debut on the U.S. market soon. The movie stars Jesse Bradford as a Midwestern guy and Elisha Cuthbert as a complicated and elusive girl.
By Yang Sung-jin ([email protected])
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/ |
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January 8, 2008
Male Stars Go to the Military This Year
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
This year, some of the hottest male stars in Korean entertainment will temporarily leave the spotlight to enter the military as part of the two-year service compulsory for all Korean males.
"Coffee Prince" star Gong Yoo met with around 1,000 fans in a special meeting Sunday. He asked fans not to worry while he was serving in the military, but became emotional during the event.
Gong's red-hot career will have to be put on hold for the next two years. The actor, who recently gained popularity for his role in the hit MBC drama, will enter the military Jan. 14.
Last week, actor Chun Jeong-myoung, who appeared in the film "Hansel and Gretel," and pop group NRG member No Yoo-min started their military training.
Hallyu stars Zo In-sung, Cho Hyun-jae, Yang Dong-keun, Lee Dong-gun and Kim Rae-won are also expected to enlist this year.
The K-pop music industry will also suffer the temporary loss of Shinhwa members Eric Mun and Kim Dong-wan, singers Eru and Sung Si-kyung, as well as former H.O.T. member Tony An.
As they prepare for the military, many male stars are scrambling to finish shooting TV dramas and movies, hold concerts, release new albums and endorse products.
Zo is filming the historical epic "Ssanghwajeom" directed by Yoo Ha, while Kim Rae-won will appear in the TV drama "Sikgaek."
Mun and Kim Dong-wan will be the first two Shinhwa members to enter the military. The group's 10th anniversary concert in March was also seen as a "farewell" concert because of the members' impending service.
Sung Si-kyung held a concert last December, and is said to be releasing an album before he joins the military in February.
Eru received much attention from the media, after he gave up his American citizenship two years ago. His management agency said Eru, entering the military in the second half of the year, will hold his first solo concert next month.
If these stars are worried fans may forget about them during their two-year absence, they should look at the experiences of male stars returning to the entertainment scene.
Even though actors Song Seung-heon and Jang Hyuk entered the military in 2004 after they were accused of draft dodging, their careers did not seem to have suffered lasting damage.
Jang appeared in last year's hit drama "Thank You," and is currently shooting his first Hollywood film "Dance of the Dragon." Song is filming "Fate" with Kwon Sang-woo, which will be released this year, and will soon appear in a TV drama "The City of God."
Other actors who are making a comeback after being discharged from the military are Ji Sung and So Ji-sup. Ji Sung is appearing in the MBC medical drama "New Heart," while Suh is still filming the drama "Cain and Abel."
On the other hand, Won Bin, who was discharged in 2006 due to an injury, has not announced plans for a film or drama. He only made brief appearances as a UNICEF Ambassador last year.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/01/201_16899.html |
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January 8, 2008
Rain Clarifies Olympic Song Rumor
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
Rain
Korean pop singer and actor Rain has not been chosen to perform the 2008 Beijing Olympics theme song, according to his management agency J Tunes.
J Tunes issued the clarification, after reports surfaced that Rain would be performing the theme song for the Olympics this summer. "An agency in China asked Rain to record a 'candidate' song for the Olympics, but we have not yet recorded any song," J Tunes said.
J Tunes said Rain would be honored if he were chosen to perform the official song for the Olympics.
Beijing Olympic organizers will announce the official song and singer, 100 days before the start of the Olympics. The Beijing Olympics will run from Aug. 8 to 24.
Rain is one of the most popular Korean singers and actors in China. He has appeared in numerous advertisements for Pepsi, DHC cosmetics and other products in China. Rain is also appearing in the highly anticipated Hollywood film "Speed Racer" this year.
Last year, Chinese superstar Jackie Chan recorded, "We are Ready," an official song that marked the countdown to the Beijing Olympics.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/ ... 8/01/139_16896.html |
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January 8, 2008
Dramas Feature Professionals, Comics
Left, "Before and After Plastic Surgery" Right, Lee Beom-soo in "On Air"
By Kwon Mee-yoo, Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporters
The New Year will be another one full of drama, as broadcasters prepare unique stories to grab audiences' attention. Korean dramas have always been at the forefront of domestic entertainment, for if a certain drama gains popularity, the actors ride on its success.
Dramas about Professionals
Last year, many TV soaps tried to portray the life of various jobs such as that of the baristas in "Coffee Prince," or intelligence agents in "Air City" and "The Time Between Dogs and Wolfs" and auctioneers in "Auction House." These dramas received favorable reviews ― some of them recorded high ratings ― from audiences who'd had enough of cliche scripts and melodramatic scenes. Continuing this trend, more professionals, from doctors to reporters and directors, are brought to the TV screen this year.
MBC's "Before and After Plastic Surgery" opened this year's battle. As the title indicates, this is a drama about plastic surgeons. The first episode, which aired at 11:40 p.m. last Sunday, was about an actress who undergoes plastic surgery to revamp her image. It recorded a rating of 8.6 percent according to TNS Media Korea, which is rather high for such a late night program. Some viewers criticized its similarity to the American medical drama "Nip/Tuck."
SBS "On Air: is second in the race. Currently shooting, it plans to air at the end of February. "On Air" is directed by Shin Woo-chul and written by Kim Eun-suk, the creators of hit dramas "Lovers in Paris" and "Lovers." Lee Beom-soo plays the agent of an arrogant top actress, played by Kim Ha-neul. Song Yoon-a becomes a mean scriptwriter while Park Yong-ha plays a drama director.
Another drama "Spotlight" takes the camera into a broadcasting station and zooms in on the lives of broadcast reporters. The drama is expected to air on MBC in April. The inspiration for the main character is an actual MBC reporter and anchorwoman Kim Eun-hye. Actress Son Ye-jin is the prime candidate to play the lead role.
Last but not least is "Jejungwon" of SBS, which is a variation of a conventional medical drama. Instead of shooting in a modern hospital with expensive-looking equipment, "Jejungwon" is set in a hanok (traditional Korean house), the first modern hospital building in Korea. Planning to air later this year, "Jejungwon" will trace the history of modern medical science, which was first introduced in Korea in late 19th century.
Dramas Based on Cartoons
With original characters and fast-paced story lines, cartoons are filling the relative dearth in content for television drama producers. Previously, Korean fans had the chance to experience unique dramas that were solely, or even partly based on comic books. MBC's "Princess Hours" (2006), starring Yoon Eun-hye, and KBS's "Full House" (2004), starring Rain and Song Hye-kyo, were successful cartoon-based drama remakes.
Expect five or more of such cartoon-based dramas this year. SBS's "Sikgaek" (working title) portrays the story of two chefs who continuously compete in different contests in a bid to become the best chef of all time. Korea's heartthrob Kim Rae-won ("My Little Bride," 2004) and actress Nam Sang-mi (TV drama "Sweet Spy," 2005) will star in the drama that will air this April. Based on Huh Young-man's popular namesake cartoon, it was also released as the movie "Le Grand Chef" in 2007.
For those who are into fantasy cartoons and stories, "Bicheonmoo" will be a treat. Actor Joo Jin-mo ("200 Pound Beauty," 2006) and singer turned actress Park Ji-yoon will tell the sad love story between an illegitimate girl and soldier that took place 700 years ago in China. Scaled down from the original 24 episodes to 14, the drama "Bicheonmoo" will offer a more dramatic and exciting storyline. Fans will be able to see the ancient love story Feb.1, 9:55 p.m. on SBS. It was also made into a movie in 2000 starring top stars Shin Hyun-jun ("Marrying the Mafia 3," 2006) and Kim Hee-seon ("The Myth," 2005).
Other dramas based on cartoons are under way such as "Tazza" (working title) and "I Love You" (working title), both rigorously read by Korean cartoon lovers. The KBS epic drama "The Kingdom of the Winds," which is to be aired later this year, is also based on the cartoon of the same name. This comic strip has already been transformed into a game and musical.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/01/135_16898.html |
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January 9, 2008
[Talk of town] Lush actor in liquor love talk
Some people call alcohol 搇iquid courage. |
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January 9, 2008
Feisty TV mom clobbers husband for cheating
Kim Hye-sun in SBS TV抯 揊irst Wives |
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January 8, 2008
Jun, Hwang Become Super Heroes
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Actors Hwang Jung-min, left, and Jun Ji-hyun speak at a press conference
for their new movie "A Man Who Was Superman,'' Monday at a Seoul theater.
/ Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
Hallyu princess Jun Ji-hyun (also known as Gianna Jun, "My Sassy Girl," 2001) and Korea's favorite leading man Hwang Jung-min ("Happiness," 2007) may seem like an odd pair, but they have one thing in common: superstar power.
The two join forces in "A Man Who Was Superman," a story about an unlikely "hero" (Hwang), who goes out of his way to help ― or rescue ― the planet by helping senior citizens cross the street and hand-standing in the middle of the road "to push away" the detrimental effects of the sun. Jun plays the role of Song Su-jeong, a cynical documentary filmmaker who records his story.
A press conference Monday at a Seoul theater buzzed with reporters trying to catch the two stars in the latest work by Chung Yoon-chul, the director who had the entire nation crying with his tearjerker "Marathon" (2005).
The director and actors arrived a little late for the event, and Hwang explained that it was because the emergency exit door was locked. "I wanted to break it down, but I couldn't use my superpower. I can't use it as long as I have kryptonite stuck in my head" he said.
Kryptonite is a fictional substance that weakens Superman's powers in the original American comic series. In the movie, his character claims to have kryptonite stuck in his head, and when Song (Jun) discovers through an X-ray that there really is something in his brain, she knows she has the story of her life.
"I am Superman, a man who is truly Superman at heart," Hwang introduced himself. Hwang is undoubtedly the most high profile actor in Korea, and revisits fans with a third movie just a few months after "Black House" and "Happiness" (2007).
Although Jun was regularly seen on TV through various commercials here, she makes an appearance on the big screen for the first time in two years since "Daisy" (2006). She had also been busy shooting her Hollywood debut piece "Blood: The Last Vampire."
For "Superman," the actress cut off her signature long silky hair, and her character even suffers from balding. But Jun explained that the hair wasn't a problem at all ― it was having to smoke that worried her. "I actually smoked, and it wasn't as difficult as I imagined. But I put health above everything else, and I asked myself if I really had to hurt my health for my career," she said. When asked rather mischievously if she'd choose a sex scene over smoking, Jun simply said, "I want to shoot movies that I'd be proud to show my children."
But she knew that "Superman" was a big opportunity. "Although luck was probably involved, I think it's destiny for an actor to 'meet' new work," she said.
She also admitted feeling a lot of pressure acting opposite her co-star, a bona-fide actor. "But on the first day I met him, I realized that I have much to learn from him, not only from his acting, but also as an individual," she said.
Hwang also complimented his co-star. "I was amazed to see myself make such different facial expressions. But it's because of Jun. Acting is not something you can calculate, it's a heart-to-heart dialogue, and it was possible because of her."
In fact, there was one scene that required 34 retakes because of Hwang, and Jun calls this her "triumph. I thought that the great actor Hwang Jung-min would just need just one go," she joked.
"This movie shows that it's not so difficult or a big deal to make a difference in the world, that we can all become Superman," said the director. "I hope the audience will feel happy while watching the 'supernatural' acting of our actors, and realize the potential in themselves."
When asked what they would do if given superpowers, the director said he would help clean the oil spill in Taean, South Chungcheon Province, while Jun said she would start with the little things in life such as a helping a needy neighbor, and Hwang joked he would turn back time to retrieve money he had lost to a bully as a child.
"I am proud to be able to share the successful `localization' of the American comic strip," said the director, drawing a hearty laugh from the crowd. "Perhaps you can stay tuned for 'A Woman Who was Wonder Woman' starring Jun Ji-hyun in the future."
In theaters Jan. 31.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/01/141_16934.html |
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January 4, 2008
Social Trends and Issues for 2008
Environmental concerns such as global warming are expected to be a hot topic in Korea this year.
It's of course just one of the many social issues Koreans will be facing in 2008.
Kang Minji has more.
With 2007 headed to the history books, Koreans are looking forward to a new year and wondering what it will bring.
The year begins just after Korea's worst-ever oil spill hit the nation's west coast in December.
It gloomed the year's end, but has surely brought the public's attention to major environmental issues for the new year.
According to the so-called ''Bali Roadmap,'' adopted by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Korea will soon be under international pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
''Nearly 190 countries agreed to work together to create a treaty by 2009. Korea should start planning thoroughly how it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions to meet the mandatory quota. The government and NGOs like us will also need to cooperate in setting up appropriate policies. Above all, public support and participation is a must.''
The most-anticipated IT advancement for 2008 is Internet Protocol Television, better known as IPTV.
The National Assembly has recently passed a bill paving the way for the launch of this new medium.
IPTV is a next-generation broadcasting technology that uses the Internet to deliver television programs.
It's also interactive, which means users can look for information on the Web about items they see on TV without interrupting the program they're watching.
''Many film experts say 2008 will mark notable Hollywood debuts of Korean actors and movie productions as big-name stars like Jang Donggun and Rain are set to exude their charm, already creating a buzz in tinseltown.''
Jang Dong-gun will star alongside Kate Bosworth in an upcoming Hollywood movie called ''Laundry Warrior.''
The movie is being produced by ''Lord of the Rings'' and ''Matrix'' producer Barrie Osborne due out in theaters some time this year.
Also, K-pop superstar Rain will make his Hollywood debut in ''Speed Racer,'' directed by the Wachowski brothers.
The list goes on with Lee Byunghun and Song Hyegyo among several other actors and actresses while well-known Korean directors like Kang Jegyu are aiming to make their names known in the world cinema.
Credits: Kang Minji, Arirang News
http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/Ne ... 7413&category=7 |
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Post time 7-1-2008 03:09 PM
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