Korean Entertainment News Update

katt

January 8, 2008

Song Yoon Ah, "Don't be surprised by my drastic transformation"



Song Yoon Ah is famous for being sweet and sentimental, and that is a reason why she is always popular among fellow actors. Even during the interview, actress Uhm Ji Won stopped by without hesitation to say hi.

And now she is taking the challenge to transform. Other than her 'evil' role in "Mister Q" back in 1998 and the movie "Jail Breakers," this character is probably her largest change.

Song Yoon Ah will be playing the ever so confident and fearless top class scriptwriter Seo Yeong Eun in the television drama series "On Air" which is to start airing on February 27th.

"There is a scene where a top actor comes to meet the writer to apologize for turning down a role, but Seo Yeong Eun tartly says, 'Why did you come see me if you're not going to take the role,' straightforwardly being displeased, even though for an actor that is the most respectful way to turn the offer down. She is that confident, has much pride, yet arrogant."

During the interview on a warm winter afternoon, Song Yoon Ah continued talking about her new image in "On Air" in her usual sweet manner, but says she changes when she arrives on set.

"It is incredibly enjoyable. The character is so honest and straightforward that it makes me feel good as well. Seo Yeong Eun's character is the type that lets everything out even though she may regret it later on, which is a lot different from the characters I have acted until now. And usually, a writer has an image of being ordinary, but she is very stylish and unique."

"On Air" portrays the production process of a drama series featuring writers, actors, producing directors, and managers. With the series being produced by the writer-PD team Kim Eun Sook and Shin Woo Cheol of "Lovers," it has been gathering much attention. Song Yoon Ah's role is in a way a portrayal of writer Kim Eun Sook herself.

"I realized that the character I saw when I first read the script is Writer Kim. Even her speech style is the same. Seo Yeong Eun's mother in the series runs a restaurant which is the same type as Writer Kim, and her great speech skills are the same as her, too."

Seo Yeong Eun's character is no exception to top actors. She works with them unavoidably out of need but always argues with the main character Oh Seung Eun (played by Kim Ha Neul).

"The staff on set are always surprised. They all thought I would have a difficult time playing such a character, but now they are to the point where they ask if it is my true character. Because I seemed to have adapted the character's speech style off the screen, they seem to be a little confused."

Another reason "On Air" is gathering the spotlight is because many of the real things that happen behind the camera are portrayed. Kim says, "I will write the script so that it is impossible to tell who the actual model is," but it seems the Netizen Investigation Team (?) will be very active once the series airs.

"Many true incidents are being portrayed. We are currently filming episode seven, but a lot of the incidents happen in reality. I also learned about different happenings that even I didn't know before."

But to keep the series entertaining, many infamous scandals are the main focus rather than pretty and clean stories. The staff is therefore being especially careful not to portray themselves too negatively.

"Because a lot of the unpleasant incidents are being emphasized, I am worried that people might think of one incident to be the whole. But the series reflects only one small portion of the entertainment industry. Regardless, I chose this series because I instantly read the script all four episodes in one sitting because it was so interesting."

Song Yoon Ah is also making a change in her appearance in the series梐s a mother. Writer Seo is divorced with a son in elementary school.

"The interesting thing is the child actor's real mother is the same age as me. I was surprised since I didn't think I was at an age where marriage is late. But as mothers these days are all young and active, nothing much has changed."

The 20-episode series "On Air" portrays the entertainment industry following the production of a drama series from start to finish. Song Yoon Ah, Kim Ha Neul, Lee Beom Soo, and Park Yong Ha will lead the series.

Source: Broasia.com

http://www.broasia.com/lwboard/l ... amp;pg=1&no=443

katt

January 9, 2008

[Talk of town] Nightmare of a new movie



Japanese actor Joe Odagiri began the New Year working with the Korean director Kim Ki-duk on the movie 揃imong,

katt

January 9, 2008

He's stirring up a storm as a dishy chef

Korean star Kim Gang Woo is tasting success as his new film Le Grande Chef draws in hordes of female fans

By Chang May Choon



TEENAGE girls scream when Korean star Kim Gang Woo is spotted on the streets of Seoul. Aunties pack the cinemas to catch his latest film Le Grand Chef. Even restaurants are happy to welcome the boyish actor and waive his bill.

But there is one woman who is less than overjoyed at his sudden rise to fame - his girlfriend of five years. This is because the busier Gang Woo gets, the less time he has for her.

'I always feel very sorry that I have no time for my girlfriend when I'm filming,' Gang Woo confessed in a recent interview with The New Paper.

Surely she would protest?

'She's already given up on that!' he added with a laugh. But, don't be too quick to jump to the conclusion that the 30-year-old actor makes a bad boyfriend. In real life, he actually dons an apron and cooks up a storm for his girl.

For a romantic date, the actor said he would even whip up bean paste stew with egg rolls and other side dishes. 'A simple Korean dinner has a uniquely refined, graceful appeal that Western food may not have,' he told The New Paper.

Spoken like a true chef, not unlike the one he plays in the movie Le Grand Chef, which is helmed by Korean director Jeon Yun Su. In town last week to promote the movie, which opens here on Thursday, Gang Woo was every bit the nice, humble guy he is known to be in Korea. During the press conference held at the Korea Tourism Organization office at Samsung Hub, he spoke earnestly and smiled easily for the camera.

SINCERE ROLES

On screen, he has a knack for choosing honest, sincere and diligent roles that fans love, like the supporting characters he played in dramas like Three Leaf Clover and Breathless. But it was only in the last few months that the Kwon Sang Woo lookalike truly shone.

After the commercial success of Le Grand Chef made him a household face in October, he went on to win critical acclaim by snagging the Best Actor award for his film The Railroad, at the Torino Film Festival held in Italy last month.

His new crime thriller Rainbow Eyes, which opened in Korea late last month, also drew rave reviews. But Gang Woo, who debuted in 2002, is not about to let fame get to his head.

'Of course I realise that people's expectations of me have become higher and that I've got to try my very best to live up to them. 'But just because a movie is commercially successful doesn't mean my acting is good. I'd still like to improve,' he said through an interpreter.

When it comes to work, he pours his heart and soul into every new project.

BIG CHALLENGE

For Le Grand Chef, the actor spent one-and-a-half months learning how to cook, chopping 30 radishes a day. He plays a top cook who fights with a rival to win a royal chef's long-lost knife. A bigger challenge was to gain the trust of the cow that 'plays' his pet in the movie - he spent a month having eye contact with it and feeding it water.

Gang Woo said he cannot juggle two things at one time, so when he is filming, he has no time for friends. And he can be very ambitious.

'I'm a go-getter and I'm competitive. I'd do everything to promote my film. Otherwise I'd have sleepless nights!' That would explain why he squeezed time out to visit Singapore. Gang Woo is no stranger to the Lion City. He first toured our island 10 years ago after graduating from university, and visited again last year to do a magazine photo shoot. Jurong Bird Park, Sentosa and the Merlion are some of the places he's seen.

He also had chilli crabs at Jumbo seafood restaurant. While he is still a relatively new face among K-pop fans here, Gang Woo gets mobbed in the streets of Korea. All thanks to the commercial success of Le Grand Chef. 'Fans feel a closeness to me now, whereas last time I was more distant and they didn't dare to approach me.'

GO-GETTER

'People also like it when I go to restaurants, since I play a chef in the movie, and they'd give me free food,' he added with a satisfied smile. And yes, he can create pandemonium in the streets. 'If one girls recognises me and starts screaming, the rest will just follow. I'd just greet them, shake their hands and be friendly to them.'

Won't he feel like fleeing the chaotic scene? 'No, because all these teenage girls are my audience. They'll be coming to see my next movie.'

That's the go-getter in him speaking, of course.

----

Director says: Food should be prepared with dedication

YEARS ago when he was a small-time assistant director-writer sharing an apartment with five other people, he had to cook for everyone.

How things have changed. Today, Jeon Yun Su has become a hotshot Korean director whose biggest claim to fame is the box-office hit film, Le Grand Chef. Adapted from the popular manga Sik Gaek, which tells of two top chefs engaged in a culinary battle to win a royal chef's long-lost knife, this is arguably the first movie on Korean cuisine and cooking.

In an e-mail interview with The New Paper, Yun Su, 37, said he was 'fascinated by the simple, honest stories of the characters in the original story' and decided to adapt them into a screenplay. 'I wanted to show that dedication and care in making food are more important than the visuals and taste of the food. I hope it will be evident to foreign viewers, too.' But venturing into unchartered waters had its risks, he admitted.

'Taking on a new subject matter that no one has done before is a very difficult and lonely task which requires countless trials and errors,' wrote Yun Su, who also helmed the film My Girl And I, which starred Song Hye Gyo and Cha Tae Hyun.

'But the fruit it bears is extremely sweet... I believe it was a...worthwhile struggle.' For one thing, it was tough to 'capture the essence' of the original manga by Hur Young Man without omitting any of its funny episodes, and at the same time, create some new visuals.

FIRST-RATE INGREDIENTS

Given a limited budget, he also had to replace some first-rate ingredients necessary for the cooking competition with cheaper alternatives that appear no less exquisite. But, Yun Su's efforts paid off when the film opened with stunning box-office success, despite it getting mixed reviews when it was first shown during the Pusan International Film Festival in October.

Still, the film managed to attract more than 3 million admissions, making it the top-grossing film in Korea in the second half of 2007. It opens here on Thursday. Singapore is the first country outside of Korea to show it, and rights have also been sold to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Thailand.

In the movie, the two rival chefs are required to recreate a beef soup that supposedly made Korea's last emperor cry, after he lost his kingdom to the Japanese during war. Yun Su had declared then he would not edit even one second of the film, be it for commercial or historical reasons. After all, the film celebrates the unbeatable Korean spirit. To the director, what sets Korean cuisine apart from other international styles is the warmth of a mother's touch.

'The essence of Korean cooking is dedication and care - carefully preparing the ingredients and cooking it to such perfection that it tastes like a warm home-cooked meal by a mother. Korean food has the unique appeal of such warmth and heart.'

Source: The Electric New Paper
http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/show/story/0,4136,152913,00.html

katt

Popular S. Korean actor

Jan. 9, SEOUL, South Korea -- Popular South Korean actor Uhm Tae-woong (file photo) plays a leading role in the new film "Forever the Moment" about the success of South Korea in the women's handball tournament of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. The movie will be released on Jan. 10 in South Korea. (Yonhap)(END)

Source: Yonhap News
http://app.yonhapnews.co.kr/YNA/ ... E=2&AGINGPAGESIZE=5

katt

January 09, 2008

Rare visitors



A group of 800 Malaysian tourists on a four-day visit here toured Insa-dong in Seoul yesterday. Tourism by large Muslim groups is rare, the Korea Tourism Organization says. [NEWSIS]

Source: joongangdaily.joins.com

katt

January 9, 2008

Song Il-guk to Wed in March



Actor Song Il-guk has officially announced the date of his wedding.

Song will marry his girlfriend, five years his junior, on March 15 at the Sheraton Grand Walkerhill Hotel. The couple have been dating for the past year and a half.

The wedding ceremony will be a private affair among close family and friends.

Song met his bride-to-be on location in 2006 when she was training to be a lawyer at the Judicial Research and Training Institute.

Song is currently taking some time off from work and preparing for his upcoming wedding. He plans to stay away from work for the time being and enjoy his honeymoon and marriage.

Source: KBS Global

http://english.kbs.co.kr/mcontents/entertainment/1500699_11692.html


Actor Song Il-kook to Wed This Year

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Song Il-kook, 37, hero of the widely popular epic drama "Jumong" (2006) and "Lobbyist," (2007) will tie the knot in the first half of the year.

Song and his girlfriend met two years ago when the actor was still shooting the MBC drama "Jumong". His fiancee passed the state-run bar exam last year and is currently a student at the Legal Training and Research Institute.

Dates and other specific plans have not been decided yet, according to his agency.

When rumors about Song's wedding surfaced in 2007, the actor and his agency denied the stories and said that the he was seeing someone but there were no plans of a wedding any time soon.

Song, also the son of actress Kim Eul-dong, became a hit star with his acting in "Jumong (2006)," where he portrayed the historical hero Jumong, the founder of ancient Goguryeo (37 B.C-A.D.660). He also filmed the movie "The Art of Seduction" with Son Ye-jin, which was a big success in 2005.

Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/ ... 8/01/178_17014.html

katt

January 9, 2008

[MOVIE REVIEW] Erotic crime thriller falls flaccid



There is nothing special about the genre of "Open City," opening nationwide today. It is easily categorized as a crime thriller. But the subject of pickpockets operating in broad daylight is fairly unusual, perhaps the first ever Korean flick devoted entirely to the street-smart thieves.

Doubly unusual -- or strange -- is director Lee Sang-ki's attempt to incorporate a femme fatale theme into the film in a bid to turn it into an erotic crime thriller. There's no question about the beauty of Son Ye-jin ("April Snow," "The Classic") but it is an open question whether she is really up to the task of a tantalizing seductress.

Son plays Baek Jang-mi, which means "white rose" in Korean. If the name is too tacky, so be it. After all, her role is tackier -- a female boss of a small pickpocket ring keen to expand its territory in Seoul.

Baek Jang-mi draws some attention from authorities in both Korea and Japan by staging a series of high-stakes pickpocket forays in Osaka. Once she returns to Seoul, local police duly begin to track her every move, though her official job is a tattooist clad in a revealing dress.

Another dangerous woman named Kang Man-ok (Kim Hae-sook) comes into play. Kang used to be a veteran pickpocket, and the list of her crimes and convictions is quite long. As soon as Kang serves her time in prison, she encounters her former ring member, Baek Jang-mi, who hides her thorns inside.

Baek has set up a new pickpocket team and she wants Kang to lend her legendary hands so that they can hit it big, while conquering the lucrative market areas such as Myeongdong and Dongdaemun.

But the old "stealthy" hand expresses her will to stay clean by chewing none other than the sharp blade, a key tool used for stealing money from unsuspecting merchants and ordinary people.

What Kang does not foresee in her right decision to avoid the crime scene is her crisscrossed past, which has compromised her future. At the end of the lethal human spectrum stands Cho Dae-young (Kim Myeong-min), a talented detective who has a traumatic experience about his mother.

The movie breaks some fresh ground or cuts out numerous pockets by offering a close glimpse of how the experienced pickpockets approach and distract their "marks" and steal the targeted money. The tricks are rather simple. The members always work a tightly controlled procedure: first, they scour the street to select a victim; second, one member approaches the target and creates some distractions on the spot; and, finally, "the machine" with the sharp-edged blade makes a cut in the handbag or a coat, passing the money to another member.

While the routine is realistically portrayed, some of the details involving the pickpocket thieves are also cautionary. For instance, if you realize your money is gone, do not attempt to chase the obvious pickpocket, because it can lead to a life-threatening situation. In the dirty and dark world of street thieves, there is a vicious technique called "branch-cutting," referring to the thief's relentless move to block the victim's chase, often by attacking with knives or blades.

Except for the realism of the shady acts, "Open City" leaves too many cinematic aspects open to criticism. The most glaring problem is Son's mismatched femme fatale role. Son's heavy makeup, cleavage-showing dress and other accoutrements combined evoke the famous seductress Kim Hye-soo in "Tazza: The High Rollers," but stops short of mimicking Kim's superficial features only. Son changes her dress frequently, often to the colorful yet gaudy -- something that a secretive pickpocket boss never puts on for fear of attracting attention on the street.

The plot that connects detective Cho's not-so-happy childhood with the veteran pickpocket "machine" Kang seems at once half-baked and overdone.

Though there are some audacious pickpocket-eat-pickpocket moments, the movie's frequent use of extreme violence and an extremely flat lead performance do little to salvage the fatal flaw -- an erotic crime thriller that is neither too erotic nor very thrilling.

By Yang Sung-jin ([email protected]), poster from CINE21

http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/

katt

Actress Kim Ji-young in new movie

Jan. 9, SEOUL, South Korea -- Popular South Korean actress Kim Ji-young plays a leading role in the new film "Forever the Moment" about the success of the South Korean women's handball team at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. The movie will be released on Jan. 10 in South Korea. (Yonhap) (END)

Source: Yonhap News
http://app.yonhapnews.co.kr/YNA/ ... ticlePhotoMain.aspx

katt

January 10, 2008

Choi Kang-hee to Fill In as Radio DJ



Actress Choi Kang-hee will return as a radio DJ.

She will fill in for singer MayBee to host the KBS Cool FM show 'Pump Up on Volume' Jan. 14 to Feb. 3. It's been 14 months since she left the show as the DJ.

The replacement is scheduled because MayBee will undergo surgery on her vocal cords. MayBee was diagnosed last month while promoting her second album. She wanted to continue as DJ but her management and radio producers persuaded her to take a break for a while.

Upon hearing the news, Choi--the show's former DJ--willingly accepted the offer to sit in during MayBee's absence. Busy herself promoting her film "My Love," Choi has even delayed a photo shoot this month to a later date because of the radio gig.

Her management agency said, "Choi is happy to meet fans again as a DJ." She will also begin reviewing scripts for her next film.

Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/mconten ... /1500910_11692.html

katt

January 11, 2008

Um Jung-hwa Earns W10 Billion in 3 Months



Singer/actress Um Jung-hwa, who launched her own business last summer, posted sales revenues of 10 billion won just three months after launching her brand.

Um launched the fashion brands "Corner Suite" and "Zuhm in New York" in September in a joint effort with a private firm.

"Corner Suite" debuted on home shopping channels in mid-October, and was sold out in 50 minutes instead of the originally scheduled 70 minutes.

A person close to Um said the brands posted sales revenues of 10 billion dollars in three months and will be introduced on the GS and CJ home shopping channels in February. He ascribed the success to Um's efforts.

Um's popularity soared for her role in last year's drama "Osujeong," and she is currently looking for a new role.

Source: KBS Global


http://english.kbs.co.kr/mcontents/entertainment/1501137_11692.html

katt

January 11, 2008

Moon Geun-young Returns to TV Screen


By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff Reporter


Moon Geun-young

Actress Moon Geun-young, 21, will return to the television screen with the epic drama "The Painter of Wind."

Returning to TV screens after five years, she will play the lead role of Sin Yun-bok, a painter who disguises herself as a man. Sin Yun-bok is a painter who lived during the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) and was known for realistic and delicate depictions of daily life.

The painter was known as a male, but a fictional historical novel "The Painter of Wind," written by Lee Jung-myeong and published in 2007, raised the question of whether Sin might be a woman dressed as a man.

"When I first read the novel, I just thought it was a story about the genius painters Kim Hong-do and Sin Yun-bok. However, I realized that there might be more secrets hidden in the drawings and I couldn't put the book down," Moon said in a press release.

The drama will explore the life of this genius artist and mysteries hidden in the paintings. Other characters, such as the teacher and rival of Sin, Kim Hong-do, have not been cast yet. With plans to start shooting in March, "The Painter of Wind" will be aired in the second half of the year on SBS.

Affectionately called as "the nation's little sister," Moon started modeling at the age of 12 and appeared in the docudrama "On the Way" (1999) the following year. Her major breakthrough as a star was the horror film "A Tale of Two Sisters" (2003) directed by Kim Jee-woon. Later, she starred in such hit films as "My Little Bride" in 2004 and "Dancing Princess" in 2005.

However, because she started as a child actor, her transition to an adult actor was not very successful. Her last appearance in the movie "Love Me Not" (2006) received mixed reviews.

She is currently a student majoring in Korean Language and Literature at Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul.

Credits: [email protected]

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/ ... 8/01/139_17121.html

katt

January 11, 2008

Moon Geun Young to play 'Shin Yoon Bok' and dress as a man



Moon Geun Young will return to the television screen after five years, this time as a 'man.'

Her agency on the 11th announced, "Moon Geun Young has selected the drama series 'The Painter of the Wind.' She will play the role of painter Shin Yoon Bok who lived during the later days of Joseon and dress as a man.

The series which is based on the bestseller novel published last year under the same title portrays the life of the genius painter Shin Yoon bok and Kim Hong Do of later Joseon. Moon Geun Young will play the role of Shin Yoon Bok and wear traditional robe of men of the time.

Her agency adds, "The series will focus on the mystery and life hidden behind the few paintings remaining of Shin Yoon Bok. The character in the original novel also dresses as a man."

Shin Yoon Bok in the series is the daughter who is born between Seo Jing, a painter who is murdered by an unknown man, and a celebrated gisaeng who was famous for her gayageum (twelve-stringer Korean instrument). But because of the tragic incident in her youth, she takes on the life as the son of Shin Han Pyeong who is a painter of the government's painting department.

To investigate her father's questionable death, Shin Yoon Bok chooses the life as Shin Han Pyeong's son rather than Seo Jing's daughter. Kim Hong Do teachers her painting and the two develop a friendship.

Moon's agency comments, "The role of Kim Hong Do has not been cast yet and nor has the broadcaster."

However, as SBS announced in their 2008 plans to air the 20 episode "The Painter of the Wind" series late last year, SBS is seen to be the most likely broadcaster at this time.

Ku Bon Geun of SBS says, "We have plans to include 'The Painter of the Wind' in our lineup if it is possible with the production company. However, there are certain things that need to be settled to finalize the issue."

Moon Geun Young has been focusing on films since 2003 after the television series "The Wife," and has not appeared in any piece since the 2006 film release of "Love Me Not."

Moon comments, "When I first read the original novel, I thought it was only the story of two genius painters of the Joseon era, Kim Hong Do and Shin Yoon Bok. But thinking that in their paintings there may be many other mysteries hidden within their pictures, I couldn't put the book down. I hope the story of Kim Hong Do and Shin Yoon Bok that has been brought back to life through the writer's endless imagination and reasoning will give an opportunity to viewers to rethink about the two characters."

"The Painter of the Wind" will start filming in March.

Source: Broasia.com
http://www.broasia.com/lwboard/l ... amp;pg=1&no=445

katt

Family in hanbok

Jan. 11, SEOUL, South Korea -- The family of TV announcer Kim Seong-joo (L) hit the catwalk dressed in traditional Korean "hanbok" during a fashion show at the Grand Hyatt in Seoul on Jan. 10. (Yonhap)(END)



Royal couple in Hanbok fashion show

Jan. 11, SEOUL, South Korea -- Popular TV talent Jun Kwang-ryeol

katt

1st Korean Drama on Europe's Terrestrial TV
Friday, January 11, 2008



A Korean drama will be broadcast on European television for the first time ever.

Hungary's national broadcaster MTV will air the historical drama "Dae Jang Geum," or "Jewel in the Palace," twice a week from mid-February. The 70-part hit series will air for six months.

The Korean embassy in Budapest announced the decision on Friday.

President Zolt醤 Rudi of MTV Hungarian Television said the Korean drama will help introduce foreign culture to the Hungarian public.

An MTV official said "Dae Jang Geum" is fun and informative all around but most of all highly marketable.

Reported by KBS WORLD Radio
http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/ne ... &key=2008011112

katt

January 10, 2008

Lee Jun-ki Named a Goodwill Ambassador



Actor Lee Jun-ki is to be named the goodwill ambassador to China to promote bilateral cultural exchanges. He will receive the appointment at the 2nd World Chinese Merchants Convention in Beijing Friday afternoon.

Lee抯 agent reported that Lee has gained a huge following in China thanks to his impressive performance in film 揔ing and the Clown

katt

January 11, 2008

New TV Services Alter Movie Releasing Schedule

Thanks to new technologies, the television is emerging as a sort of second-run movie theater in Korea.

Hanaro Telecom has started showing recently-released films such as "May 18" and "The Happy Life" through a video-on-demand service on Hana TV, the company's Internet TV service. New movies including "Sex Zero 2" and "Lust, Caution" will be available on Hana TV within the month.

Some of these movies are still playing in theaters while others only closed a month or two ago. The Internet TV service has reduced the time between theatrical distribution and distribution through other media by as much as a year.

Until now, movies were first released in theaters and then made available on DVD or videotape three to six months later. Then it took another six to 12 months before they were aired by terrestrial broadcasters.

Internet TV has started to change that schedule by allowing viewers to watch recent releases at home even before they become available in video or DVD shops.

Meanwhile, CJ Cable Net on Thursday launched Hello D, a digital cable TV service that shows new movies for W3,500 each (US$1=W938).

The industry expects that the new Internet and digital cable TV services will replace movie theaters for many consumers.

Credits: [email protected]
http://english.chosun.com/w21dat ... 1/200801110011.html

katt

January 13, 2008

They make it when they fake it

Female stars get even bigger when they take on tomboy roles

By Chang May Choon

TAIWAN'S Ella Chen faked it. So did Japan's Maki Horikita.


(left) Korean star Yoon Eun Hye as her usual self and in her role.
(Middle) Ella of S.H.E. in real life and in reel life.
(Right) Japanese star Maki was well-known for her feminine look but she pulled off the tomboy look successfully.
--Pictures: AP, CHANNEL U, FUJI TV, HIM MUSIC --Design: FUZZ

And now, Korea's Yoon Eun Hye is doing it too.

Fake what?

Well, all three actresses have, in the name of art, chopped off their hair and flattened their chests to play female characters who cross-dress and pretend to be guys. This appears to be the new phenomenon in Asian TV dramas, following the trend of actresses uglifying themselves and putting on weight in breakthrough roles. And it has proved to be a sure-fire way to grab headlines, boost popularity and even score brownie points for acting credibility.

Student Karu Fong, 21, who has watched all the three cross-dressing dramas, said: 'It's a huge sacrifice to cut their hair and flatten their chests, but all three actresses played their roles successfully. 'It's a new challenge for them and they definitely earned more respect because of that.'

The trend started in late 2006 when Ella, 26, trimmed her short hair even shorter for the Japanese manga-adapted Taiwanese drama Hanazakarino Kimitachie. She played a teenage girl who disguised herself to enter an all-boys school so she could get close to her idol (Wu Chun). The S.H.E member was a natural choice for the role since she is known for her androgynous appeal and tomboyish image.

FANATICAL SUCCESS

What was unexpected was the fanatical fan response that propelled the drama's ratings to the highest among those shown in the same slot. It attracted high ratings in Singapore too, when it was shown on Channel U last February. Newbie lead actor Wu Chun shot to fame overnight, while Ella won praise for her cute portrayal of a love-struck girl who tries her best to cheer up her brooding idol-turned-roommate.

Then came the Japanese version of Hanazakarino Kimitachie last July. As if cashing in on the success of the Taiwanese version, it starred Maki, 20, as the same cross-dressing protagonist. Except that her transformation was even more stunning to see because she was known for her feminine, long-haired image all along.

Maki herself told reporters that she was 'a bit worried' about whether she could pull it off. But she acted so well that she won the Best Actress trophy at the recent 54th Television Drama Academy Awards. 'At first I thought I'd get Best Actor,' she joked, according to Sina.com. 'This fake guy character is really difficult to portray, it gave me a tough time.'

But her efforts were worth it. Not only was the drama a massive hit with ratings going as high as 21, it also turned Maki into one of the hottest stars in Japan last year. Magazines had to queue up to feature her in their pages, and her face also hawked beverages and snacks. She is reportedly the fifth highest-paid product spokeswoman in Japan, commanding a fee of 31 million yen ($403,000) for each deal. More recently, she was voted Best Actress by the readers of popular magazines Junon and Popolo.

Meanwhile in Korea, Eun Hye also earned critical raves for faking it as a guy in the popular drama Coffee Prince. She plays a tomboy who disguises herself to work in a cafe that employs only guys, and ends up falling in love with the hunky owner (Gong Yoo). Reviewers raved over her superb acting and how her 'large and kind-looking eyes, coupled with her amiable and cute facial features' made her character so loveable, according to Dong-A Ilbo.

Her secret? Eun Hye said she spent a lot of time studying male behaviour. It's not just the way they talk and gesture, but also how they keep their legs apart while sitting down and walking, and how they use their fingers, hair and eyebrows to express their thoughts, she said.

GETTING MALE VOICE

To speak in a low, husky voice, Eun Hye apparently sang herself hoarse at karaoke lounges.

'I emulated a laid-back type of guy instead of a gentleman,' she told Dong-A Ilbo.

The producers were initially worried about casting the 24-year-old former girl band member, as she had always been known for her cutesy, girlish image. But her makeover was so successful that she inspired a horde of fans copying her tomboy image.

Chosun Ilbo reported last August that young women could be seen cutting their hair short and dressing in the baggy, androgynous-looking T-shirts, bermudas and sneakers that Eun Hye's character often wore. There was also fervent discussion online about Eun Hye's role and how to dress like her.

In a way, the trend was deemed a 'backlash to the society which puts too much emphasis on looking feminine, sexy and glamorous', reported Dong-A Ilbo. Not surprisingly, the drama, which is now showing here on Channel U, drew impressive ratings.

MediaCorp's vice-president of branding and promotions, Mr Paul Chan, thinks that it is Eun Hye's bubbly appeal that makes the drama work. 'She's super likeable, not a great beauty but more of a girl next door, and she breaks down walls between you and her.'

Administrative executive Yvonne Tan, 26, also gave Eun Hye the thumbs up for her convincing acting. 'She was very natural and the way she ate noodles was scary, so uncouth and totally like a guy.'

If Singapore were to make its own version of either Coffee Prince or Hanazakarino Kimitachie, which actress would make a great fake guy? Some viewers named MediaCorp artiste Jesseca Liu. Ms Tan said she 'looks guyish' in the currently showing serial Kinship 2, in which she plays a tomboyish character. Student Ms Fong added: 'She looks good in short hair and she's played tomboy roles before. She can carry it off.'

Source: The Electric New Paper

http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/show/story/0,4136,153276,00.html

katt

January 13, 2008

Announcer's Gaffe Most Searched

By Kim Rahn
Staff Reporter



Mistakes and broadcast hiccups of announcers swept up the top spots on the nation's No. 1 online search engine Naver last week.

MBC announcer Choi Hyeon-jeong topped the Web site's most searched word list because of a broadcasting mistake she made in November. Choi's junior Moon Ji-ae also made a blunder during a live program last week, which led to searches comparing the two announcers' mistakes by Internet users.

During a live program last November, Choi went to the restroom while she was off camera. Due to an upset stomach, she vomited and the sound of her vomiting and flushing the toilet was heard on the air through the microphone attached to her clothes.

Moon took third place. At the end of last Monday's evening news, Moon burst into laughter. Although laughter is generally considered a small mistake, this time the situation was more serious, as the news had just carried the story of the tragic deaths of 40 workers due to a fire in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province. Following criticism, Moon was replaced the next day.

Comedienne Kwak Hyun-hwa came in second. Kwak was wearing a low-cut dress in a comedy program last Wednesday, exposing part of her breasts. TV viewers denounced the program but the producers said that what was seen was a part of the dress.

Coming in fourth was actress and singer Hyun Young's blog. She recently disclosed that she and singer Kim Jong-min had started dating. Her fans rushed to her blog to congratulate her.

On the other hand, actress Han Ji-hye was listed fifth because of her breakup with actor Lee Dong-gun. The two dated for four years.

Television show "Muhan Dojeon" (Infinite Challenge) ranked sixth. The six entertainers in the program are very close. With one of them scheduled to leave for military duty, whether his position is replaced or not is a hot issue online.

Coming in seventh was pop idol group Big Bang, who resumed performances after a two-week hiatus due to one of the members' being ill.

Actress Jeong In-seon took eighth place. The former child actress, who is now 18, uploaded recent photos of herself on her blog, which attracted many Internet users.

KBS new soap opera "The Great King Sejong" came in ninth. The epic drama, starring actor Kim Sang-kyung, depicts the life of the fourth king of the Joseon Kingdom.

Coming in 10th was the explosion of a laptop. A laptop computer, owned by a journalist, burst into flames. The manufacturer is currently investigating the cause of the explosion.

Credits: [email protected]

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/ ... 8/01/113_17215.html

katt

January 13, 2008

Must-See Films in 2008

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter


Star Power Reigns Big Screen

This year, a long lineup of star-studded movies, both homegrown and Hollywood imports, awaits release with Korea's hottest stars and bona fide actors gracing the silver screen throughout 2008.

While a high profile cast hasn't always guaranteed a sellout, it would be hard to walk past movie posters featuring top stars.

The New Year starts off with a bang. Jun Ji-hyun (also known as Gianna Jun) makes her long-awaited comeback after a two-year hiatus opposite Hwang Jung-min in "A Man Who Was Superman," to open across theaters Jan. 31.

The movie garnered attention by butchering down Jun's "wholesome" image for the role of a chain-smoking, tomboyish filmmaker. Meanwhile, fans are anxious to see how Hwang will pull off his interesting role as Superman.

The red poster of "Hellcats" features three female stars representing their own generation: 47-year-old actress Lee Mi-suk ("Untold Scandal," 2003), whose sex appeal seems to grow stronger with each passing year; 25-year-old fashion icon Kim Min-hee, who appears onscreen for the first time in six years; and 15-year-old Ahn So-hee of the sensational K-pop group Wonder Girls, who is making headlines with her acting debut.

Tracing the highflying romances of these three women, this ultimate "chick flick" is slated for release Jan. 17.

A host of films boasting macho star power will be released this year. In March comes "Nuneneun Nun, Ieneun I" (Eye for an Eye, Tooth for a Tooth) starring two household names, Han Seok-gyu ("Shiri," 1998) and Cha Seung-won ("My Teacher, Mr. Kim," 2003). In his 16th film, Han gives an edge to his soft charisma as a merciless cop while Cha pumps up his muscles to play the perfect criminal.

The poster for "Sukmyeong" (Destiny) steals women's hearts and provokes men's jealousy as two "momjjang" or "hot body" actors appear together _ topless. Song Seung-heon makes a big comeback _ after serving in the military _ opposite Kwon Sang-woo in this action-packed drama about a friendship that goes sour.

Director Kim Jee-woon ("A Bittersweet Life," 2005) brings a "Korean-style Western" movie to the screens starring three of Korea's A-list male celebrities: "certified" actor Song Kang-ho, hallyu megastar Lee Byung-hun and heartthrob Jung Woo-sung.

The movie is set in the 1930s, during the Japanese occupation of Korea. Far away in Manchuria, the Good (Jung), the Bad (Lee) and the Weird (Song) become entangled in a train robbery case over a treasure map. This larger than life story becomes even more complicated as Japanese authorities and Korean independence fighters enter the scene.

Another highly anticipated film is "Ssanghwajeom," coming to theaters this summer. It combines the star power of Zo In-sung ("A Dirty Carnival," 2006) and Joo Jin-mo ("200 Pounds Beauty," 2006). Director Yoo Ha takes the two handsome actors back to Goguryeo Kingdom (37 B.C.-A.D. 668). Zo and Joo play the parts of a king and bodyguard, respectively, who become involved in a homosexual romance.

Other long-awaited films include low-budget projects that still shine with star power. Korea's celebrated director Kim Ki-duk brings together Korea's popular actress Lee Na-young and Japan's heartthrob in "Bimong" (Sad Dream), which will be in theaters in the fall/winter.

Actress Jeon Do-yeon, undoubtedly the biggest headline maker of 2007, continues her post-Cannes acting career through a small, mellow film "Meotjin Haru" (One Fine Day, working title), which is also slated for release in the fall/winter.

Filmmaker Park Chan-wook, whose name alone is enough to attract crowds, has fans anxiously waiting with "Bakjwi" (Bat, scheduled to show this spring) as well as a "Hongdangmu" (Carrot), a film he is producing for the first time.

Meanwhile, Hollywood films starring top Korean talent make 2008 an exciting year for fans: "Speed Racer" starring pop star Rain (Jung Ji-hoon) and Joon Park (Park Joon-hyung), the former member of K-pop group G.O.D.; "Laundry Warrior" with hot actor Jang Dong-kun (Jang Dong-gun); "Blood: The Last Vampire" with Jun Ji-hyun (Gianna Jun); and "Fetish" with Song Hye-kyo.

Other big movies to look forward to this summer are the latest installments of Hollywood blockbusters: the 22nd of the James Bond series and the fourth Harrison Ford classic "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" in May, as well as the Sylvester Stallone-helmed "Rambo 4" (release date in Korea to be announced).

Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/01/141_17200.html

katt

January 14, 2008

Gwangju film flinches from true horror



The Gwangju popular uprising and democracy movement in May 1980 marked a critical step toward deposing the military rule in Korea.
Yet it took years before the truth surfaced about what really happened during that turbulent summer in the former capital of South Jeolla.
The government covered up the event, and it has taken 27 years for the story to get the full cinematic treatment.
Filming 揗ay 18,