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January 31, 2008
Lee Makes Big-Screen Comeback After 3 Years
 
Actor Lee Jung-jae will return to the big screen by starring in '1724 Kibang Nandongsageon.' The actor recently said he feels alive as an actor whenever he takes on more "energetic" roles.
At a recent press conference, the actor said he felt significant pressure because of his sophisticated urban image. He said he overcame his stress by practicing hard.
On the Andre Kim labeled clothes he wore in the movie, Lee said he had asked the famous designer to design something for him and that he was more than happy with the results. Talking about the film, he said the audience will have the chance to experience a faster-paced, unique-style movie as the film was alternatingly shot with 10mm and 6mm cameras.
The story revolves around the most sought-after gisaeng during the early 18th-century Joseon Dynasty. Lee co-stars with other top actors, including Kim Suk-hoon and Lee Won-jong. The film will open nationwide in May.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/mconten ... /1504886_11692.html |
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January 31, 2008
Actor Shin Stars in Japanese TV Drama
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Shin Dong-wook
Actor Shin Dong-wook leads the next generation of hallyu stars as he reappears on a popular Japanese TV series. The 25-year-old was cast as a detective in BS-i channel's "Cell Phone Detective" ("Keitai Deka") last December, and will once again make an appearance opposite Japanese teen actress Aya Omasa.
The actor met with the press Tuesday in Tokyo after two days of shooting the drama. Unlike the first time he appeared in "Keitai Deka," Shin had to deliver lines in Japanese.
"It was my first time acting in a foreign language. I learned that language is just one form of expression and got to know a different world," he was quoted as saying by Yonhap News. He went on to demonstrate differences and similarities between the Korean and Japanese languages.
Shin rose to stardom here through the hit SBS drama "War of Money," which is currently airing in Japan on BS11. His popularity spread to Japan, and an official fan club and website were established last fall. In November, he met some 1,000 Japanese fans in a large-scale event.
According to the star's management agency Star Art Entertainment, Shin, unlike predecessors like Bae Yong-joon (aka. "Yonsama"), has a younger fan base in Japan, including teens. The DVD of the MBC series "Soul Mate," starring Shin, is slated for release there Feb. 22.
The episode of "The Cell Phone Detective" starring Shin will air Feb. 23.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/ ... 8/01/178_18333.html |
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January 30, 2008
Tablo and Kim Sung-eun New Hosts of 'Music Bank' on KBS
Actress Kim Sung-eun and singer Tablo have been chosen as the new hosts of 'Music Bank Live' on KBS 2TV. The new hosts will take over for Ha Ha and Lee Hyun-ji starting February 15.
The producers of the show chose Tablo and Kim for their ability to appeal to a wide range of viewers, not just teenagers.
Tablo, who is a member of popular group Epik High, attracted numerous fans by hosting a variety of radio and TV shows with his polished speaking abilities. Kim has also been gaining her share of popularity through her "tone-deaf" performance on KBS 2TV's 'Happy Sunday.'
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1504774_11858.html |
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January 30, 2008
Kim Ok-bin, "Isn't this costume by Designer Andre Kim amazing?"
An interview and an open day in a shooting site of the film "Riot in a gibang in 1724" (Directed by Yeo Gyoon-dong/ Produced by Sidus FNH/ starring Lee Jeong-jae, Kim Seok-hoon, Lee Won-jong) was taken place in Kyung-ki-do Nam-yang-ju-si Yang-su-ri Seoul Studio Complex open set on 30th.
The film "Riot in a bar in 1724" is based on various mysterious incidents occurring surrounding a kisaeng called Myeong wal-hyang in 1724, just before King Yong Jo ascended the thrown.
Translated at http://www.hancinema.net
From original article at http://news.empas.com/show.tsp/20080130n16407 |
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January 31, 2008
'Chaser' Offers Heart-Thumping Thrills
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
A scene from "The Chaser"
Not another serial killer story ― and for St. Valentine's Day? You've got to be kidding. But "The Chaser," coming to theaters Feb. 14, is no joke. It's a film noir with a serious message, but is entertaining despite being ridden with social criticism from beginning to end.
While giving the much-exploited genre a novel edge, it's a classic edge-of-the-seat experience with pulsating action, cynical comic relief and elusively gripping characters. Two hours fly by in no time.
"The Chaser" marks director Na Hong-jin's feature film debut. He made a name for himself in the international scene for shorts like "A Perfect Red Snapper Dish," and presents an original story that was three years in the making.
Here, the cat-and-mouse game is not between the police and criminal: In American parlance, a less-than-average Joe tracks down a serial murderer, while the corrupt police and public prosecutors prove to be rather useless.
Kim Yun-seok, the award-winning supporting actor from "Tazza: The High Rollers" and the familiar face from "The Happy Life," nails down his first lead role. Jung-ho is an antihero who gives a bad first impression. He's a former cop who got fired for bribery, and now runs a so-called door-to-door masseuse service, which is really a sordid call girl business.
Jung-ho is in a sour mood as one call girl vanishes after another. When Mi-jin (Seo Yeong-hi) disappears he notices that they've gone missing after getting a call from the same client, or cell phone number.
He suspects human trafficking and sets out to catch the culprit, grumbling how much money he had paid for the girls. "4885 ― that's you, right? If I catch you, you're dead," he says. Jung-ho does track him down, but it's far from heroic. He accidentally crashes into the guy while driving recklessly.
"I didn't traffic them.. I killed them. But that woman (Mi-jin) is probably alive,: killer Ji Myeong-min (Ha Jung-woo) "casually" mentions to the police. What's more, he can't seem to remember the exact number of his victims ― was it 10 or 12?
The police have hit the jackpot, as Myeong-min claims to be responsible for a bunch of unsolved serial murders. They try to put a case together in a desperate attempt to save face after a notorious incident that had literally dung-slapped the Seoul mayor.
While the cops are busy poking around in all the wrong places to retrieve evidence, Jung-ho, convinced that Mi-jin is still alive, embarks on his own investigation. It's because she is a valuable asset for business, not a sense of social responsibility.
But corrupt politics among the police and prosecutors, media play and other mishaps set the killer free. A breathtaking chase ensues.
Ha Jung-woo ("Never Forever"), whom renowned director Martin Scorsese had praised as having "as much potential as Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon," brazenly displays an animalistic instinct for acting. He is both passively aggressive and "aggressively passive" as the enigmatic murderer.
Is he sexually frustrated? A failed artist? A psychopath? The film does not attempt to deconstruct the mind of the murderer nor does it provide flashbacks of traumatized childhood or such. It simply lays out the senselessly brutal act as it is. A hammer, chisel and a full swing.
The average viewer, despite having been conditioned to movie conventions that offer a solid who, what, when, where and why, have no time to demand reason. Apart from being overwhelmed by the harrowing bloodshed, one is swiftly led from one heart-pounding scene to another.
The script, while a bit rough around the edges, is smart and stylish as it paints a grimacing portrait of contemporary society with all its muck and grit.
We see ugly modern man indulge in instant gratification and easily satisfy sexual urges with one phone call. His anonymity is guaranteed, of course, for names and personal identity have degenerated into numerical digits. Corrupt authorities that are blinded by personal gain overlook his sins.
"Yes, it is," Na said bluntly when asked if the movie was a social criticism. "Fury prompted me to write the story," he told reporters following the film's press preview in Seoul. "Intentions for murder cannot and should not be justified," he said.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/01/141_18274.html |
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January 31, 2008 (original article published Dec 5, 2007)
Analysis made by the Japanese media, "Who will the next generation of the Korean-Waves stars?"
Who will be the next generation of the Korean-Waves stars?
Recently, 'Yon-sama' Bae Yong-joon's "The Legend" is expecting revive the glory of the Korean-Waves once again, which seemed to gradually cool down last few years. In addition, the expectation for the new generation of the Korean-Waves stars is increasing.
On 5th, the Sankei newspaper reported that "Hyeon Bin, Joo Ji-hoon and Sin Dong-wook had been making frequent visits to Japan. It is interesting to see which of these stars will maintain their popularity as a Korean-Wave star in 10 years time".
The newspaper said, "The first Korean actor to gain such a huge popularity among the Asian countries is Ahn Jae-wook from "Star in my Heart" in 1997". It also introduced various dramas starred by Bae Yong-joon, Jang Dong-gun and Lee Byeong-Heon, who are the leaders of the Korean Waves at the moment.
It mentioned the extended effect of the Korean-Waves phenomenon that "As the Korean dramas started to gain such rapid popularity in Japan; the viewers were captivated by the beautiful screen works (of the Korean dramas) and the impressive performance by 'good-looking male actors'".
It defined that "The Korean-Waves is definitely a multi-dollar consumer market in Japan. Upon such process, the actors appeared prior to 2002 can be grouped as the first generation of Korean-Waves stars and the second generation are those who came out much later including Kim Rae-won, Jo In-Seong and Lee Dong-geon".
"Among these stars, Hyeon Bin from "My Name is Kim Sam-soon", Joo Ji-hoon from "Princess Hours" and Sin Dong-wook from "Soul Mate" are the most popular stars in Japan at the moment".
In addition, the newspaper added, "These young male stars need to think carefully how to compensate for the 2 years gap in their acting careers when they went off to serve in the army".
Translated at www.hancinema.net
From original article at http://www.nownewsnet.com/news/newsView.php?id=20071205601010 |
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January 23, 2008
Film 'Open city' to be made a drama by the production company of upcoming "On-air"
Kim Myeong-min and Son Ye-jin's latest film, "Open City" (directed by Lee Sang-ki) is going to be made into a drama.
The film reached 1 million audiences within 11 days of its release, displaying the power of Korean films in January. The drama production, K-dream, which produced Lee Seo-jin and Kim Jeong-eun couple's drama "Lovers", decided to make the film into a drama.
The spokesman from the K-dream said, the drama "Open City" (the title of the drama is yet to be finalised) will be made into a total of 16 episodes, focusing on real depiction of pocket-picking crime and the joys and sorrows of metropolitan city polices who chase after them. The drama "Open City" is going to be created by the hands of the best producers and staff in the field and is soon to start making production preparations, aiming to be on-air this winter.
Because the film "Open City" just entered the 3rd week of showing at the cinemas, the news of making it into a drama have gained a great attention from the entertainment industry. In the past, the decision of making popular films into dramas was made well after it was off the cinema screen or if the film was based on an original work, the copyrights for both film and drama were bought at the same time.
The film "Open City" is a serious real crime action film, which involves the life and works of metropolitan city police and the shocking reality of pocket-picking crimes, which never been issued in the history of Korean films. Upon its release, the film gained much attention from various drama productions due to its unique materials and attractive characters.
Meanwhile, K-dream's latest drama, "On-air" is going to be televised this February, starring Song Yoon-ah, Kim Ha-neul, Lee Beom-soo and Park Yong-ha.
Translated at www.hancinema.net
From original article at http://news.naver.com/hotissue/d ... 2008012318510389496 |
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January 29, 2008
Previously-made drama, 'Bichunmoo' is finally on-air 1st February after so many complications
Starring Joo Jin-mo and Park Ji-yoon's epic drama "Bichunmoo - Drama" is finally going to be on-air in Korea. It took 2 years 7 months for this decision to be made. SBS is televising a new Friday drama "Bichunmoo - Drama" (script by Kang Eun-kyeong, directed by Yoon Sang-ho) from 1st of February as a follow up of "30K Miles In Search For My Son".
Based on the original manhwa "Bichunmoo" created by Kim Hye-lin, this epic melodrama is a tragic love story between a Koryu soldier, Jin-ha (Joo Jin-mo) and his Chinese lover, Sul-li. The setting of the drama is the end of Yuan dynasty, China.
It was one of the first previously-made dramas produced in 2004, but was previously televised in China and Taiwan due to complications involving copyrights between its production, Eight Peaks and the telecasting stations in Korea.
This is the first drama to be initially televised overseas and is coming back to Korea. The drama "Bichunmoo - Drama" with its high production cost of 7 million dollars and long period of shooting in China is going to be condensed into 14 episodes from its original 24 episodes.
Translated at www.hancinema.net
From original article at http://news.empas.com/show.tsp/cp_hi/20080129n18120 |
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January 29, 2008
Rain joined hands with KBS to expand the contents business to the global market
Singer Rain's agency, J-tune Entertainment (aka J-tune) is making full attempts to enter the global market through the contents business.
On 29th, the spokesman from J-tune said, "We are signing a joint contract with KBS Media, Co. and is planning a distribution of visual materials and merchandising business all over the Asia". Through this strategic cooperation with KBS Media, "We will produce various visual materials, games and off-line merchandises using vast amount of visual materials starred by Rain whose copyrights are of KBS'. And by making a full use of those videos that haven't been televised previously, the rarity of contents will be dramatically increased".
"We are targeting at every Asian countries in providing the contents to the media channels and off-line distributors".
Along with various KBS entertainment and documentary programs, Rain appeared as the main cast of following dramas, including "Sang Doo! Let's go to school", "Full House" and "A Love to Kill".
In particular, "Full House" was televised all over the Asia and recorded the maximum viewing rate of 40% and "A Love to Kill" is going to be on-air in Japan this year. Many expect to see the effects "A Love to Kill" may have in reviving the Korean Waves.
Meanwhile, Rain's Hollywood debut film, "Speed Racer" is going to be released in May and he is going to make a premier tour in Japan in July.
Translated at http://www.hancinema.net/singer-rain-joine...rket-12342.html
From original article at http://news.naver.com/main/read. ... 0001938735&iid= |
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January 30, 2008
Singers making their debuts as actors in TV dramas?
Yoon Kye-sang, Son Ho-young, Danny Ahn, Rain, Eric, Yoon Eun-hye, Ahn So-hee, Lee Min-woo, Park Jeong-ah..
This is the list of top Korean singers. Their talents and individuality attracted so many fans to fall in love with them. Sometime as a solo, and other times as a member in a group, they had been on the stage singing for their fans.
However, a whole new story kicks in when they choose the screen as their new stage. The long stagnation in music industry and the introduction of a new concept of "multi-entertainer" increased the demand for multi-talented stars who are talented in not only singing but dancing and acting as well. Consequently, these singers made acting as their second career.
For example, Rain (Jung Ji-hoon) in Director Park Chan-wook's "I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK", Eric Moon (Moon Jung-hyuk) in "A Bittersweet Life" and "Diary of June" and Yoon Eun-hye in "The Legend of Seven Cutter" have all made their debuts in the film industry.
In addition, Son Ho-young from group g.o.d recently initiated his acting career in "Miss Gold Digger" and Yoon Kye-sang, also from g.o.d, is going to release his second film, "Lovers of 6 Years on 6th February. His first debut film was "Flying Boys". Also Ahn So-hee from group Wonder Girls have just made her first debut in "Hellcats", which released not so long ago.
Lee Min-woo from Shinhwa have made his debut in "Holy Daddy" and Park Jeong-ah have also made an attempt to begin her acting career in "The Perfect Wife" but her film never get shown in the cinema. Evidently, the number of singers turning to acting career or work in both acting and music industries had been rapidly increased.
The producer of "Miss Gold Digger", Sidus FNH's director of production, Yoon Sang-oh said, "Nowadays, singers receive acting trainings in order to prepare for their acting career. For those singers who have confident acting skills, it's an effective marketing strategy to cast them than look for a new face".
In fact, it is true that the popularity of these singers will enhance the efficiency in advertising the film. Director Yoon also added that the growing number of actor-singers will satisfy the high demands in the Korean film industry to seek new talents.
However, the problem is that those films starred by these singers failed to attract audiences. Except few exceptions including Uhm Jung-hwa from "'How To Top My Wife", "Singles", "Marriage Is a Crazy Thing" and Yoo Jin from "Unstoppable Marriage", many singer-actors failed to make appeals to the audiences.
On the contrary, the TV dramas starred by these singer-actors became huge hits. Examples include Rain's "Full House" and "Sang Doo! Let's go to school", Eric's "Revenge" and Yoon Eun-hye's "Coffee Prince". And many of them can be seen in various entertainment shows as many music programs have closed down.
There's no doubt that the TV viewers are familiar with these singers. However they aren't strong appeal as a main character in a film. Director Yoon said, "If the audience see these stars as actors rather than singers, they will be satisfied with their performance. But we don't have such atmosphere yet".
However, many critiques agreed that the singers should continue to make their debut into the film industry. Because the "actor shortage" phenomenon and the need of these singers to extend their career is closely intertwined and provide solutions to each problems.
Translated at http://www.hancinema.net/singers-making-th...mas--12347.html
From article at http://star.moneytoday.co.kr/vie ... 2008013008464795439 |
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January 30, 2008
Director Park Chan-wook's latest film 'Bat' having difficulties casting a main female character due to high sexual references
Director Park Chan-wook is having difficulties in finding a main female actor for his latest film "Bat" due to high sexual references.
Director Park Chan-wook earned an international reputation from his last film, "Old Boy". An excellent actor, Song Kang-ho is already chosen as the main male character. However, many female actors declined to accept the role.
The film is already receiving enormous attention in local and international market, in which the French film distributor, "Wild Side" already bought its copyrights even before the film began shooting. As Director Park Chan-woo said, the plot is a love story of a vampire.
However, as evident from Director Park Chan-wook's previous films such as "Old Boy" and "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance", his love story wouldn't be an another Hollywood clich |
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Korean news updates are copied and credited to the original source (please refer link at the end of each article). The updates posted by katt are mostly duplicated from soompi.com (the Kdramas/movies - News thread) with permission. Thank you. katt/rubie
February 1, 2008
Shin Dong-wook Plays Detective in Japanese TV Drama
Up-and-coming actor Shin Dong-wook has appeared in a Japanese TV drama as a detective.
In the drama, Shin says all his lines in Japanese, which he says helped him realize that language is just a means of communication and which had opened a new world to him.
Shin says he felt comfortable using Japanese while shooting the drama because the Japanese and Korean languages have much in common. The actor added that unlike Korean dramas, which are shot quickly but have longer scenes, Japanese dramas have shorter scenes and thus require more concentration.
The drama, "Mobile Phone Detective," is expected to boost Shin's popularity in Japan. Episodes featuring Shin will begin airing in Japan Feb. 23.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/mconten ... /1505206_11692.html |
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February 1, 2008
Bae accused of contract breach
Korean star sued by event planning company
Written by Mark Schilling
TOKYO -- Korean superstar Bae Yong-joon, who launched the craze for all things Korean in Japan five years ago with his perf in the weepy TV drama "Winter Sonata," is being sued by a Japanese event planning company for alleged breach of contract.
The company, Togashi, filed suit against Bae, his agency Keyeast and former Keyeast prexy Bae Sung Woong, claming $106,000 in damages for Bae's failure to appear in "Face in Japan Premium Event," a show featuring Korean stars held at the Tokyo Dome on Aug. 14.
The show was part of the Hallyu Expo, a series of concerts and events celebrating the so-called "Korean Wave" across Asia.
Keyeast issued a statement Wednesday claiming that the three parties in the suit "never made a contract" with Togashi, and that at the time of the event Bae was filming a TV drama series in South Korea, making it impossible for him to attend.
Saying that the three defendants have been "seriously damaged by this senseless accusation," Keyeast added that it intends to file a countersuit against Togashi.
Source: Variety.com
http://www.variety.com/article/V ... egoryid=13&cs=1 |
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February 1, 2008
Actor Song Sues Media
By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff Reporter
Actor Song Il-kook, 37, filed a 2 billion won libel suit against a reporter who alleged that he hit her, and an Internet news company that first reported the story.
A freelance writer, who mainly contributes to a monthly ladies' magazine sued Song first, Jan. 24. She insisted that Song hit her with his elbow when she approached him, without an appointment, for an interview in front of his house. Although she acknowledged that he didn't seem to have intended to push her, she said that she sustained an injury, which will take six months to heal completely. She has requested an apology from the actor.
Song, however, denied hitting or having any physical contact with her and claimed that she defamed him. Song said "I will not compromise on this.. I pledge my career as an actor on it" at his Internet fan club. "I think the worst man is a man who hits a woman. Had I pushed her, even unknowingly or unintentionally, I would have apologized to her. But I didn't even touch her," he said.
Lee Jae-man, Song's attorney, filed a 500 million won libel suit against the reporter, and 1.5 billion won against the news company, Jan. 31.
"We sued them for 2 billion won to symbolize the enormous damage Song suffered. For the Internet news company which first reported the story, we want more because they created a bigger ripple effect."
They also said that they would donate all money for the Taean oil spill if they win the suit.
Song, the son of actress Kim Eul-dong, is known for his portrayal of Jumong in the drama "The Prince of Legend" and appeared in the SBS soap opera "Lobbyist" last year. He will tie the knot with a student attending the Legal Training and Research Institute in the first half of the year.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/ ... 8/02/178_18363.html |
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January 29, 2008
Four Korean films to screen at Berlin Film Fest
Acclaimed director HONG Sangsoo will return to the Berlin International Film Festival with his eighth film Night and Day, which screens in the festival's competition section. This will be the first time that a film by HONG competes at Berlin, after his previous works Woman is the Future of Man (2004) and Tale of Cinema (2005) competed at Cannes.
The film, recipient of 2005 KOFIC Production Support for Art Films, which was 90% shot in Paris, stars KIM Young-ho as an artist who runs off to France and leaves behind his wife played by HWANG Su-jung. PARK Eun-hye and LEE Seon-gyun are cast as art students in Paris.
HONG抯 film is one of four Korean films that have been invited to various sections of the Berlinale. Beautiful by debut director JUHN Jai-hong tells the story of a woman who is persecuted because of her beauty. The film is based on a screenplay by well-known director KIM Ki-duk, who also served as executive producer of the film. JUHN is recognized as an up and coming filmmaker whose short film Fish screened in the short film competition at Venice last year.
In addition, the documentary Grandmother's Flower by MUN Jeong-hyun will screen in the Forum section. The film is one of the most acclaimed local documentaries of 2007, and it won the Woonpa prize for best documentary at the 2007 Pusan International Film Festival. Finally the 28-minute short film Light My Fire by LEE J.P. has been invited to the Generation section. The film centers around a young North Korean defector who wants to become a rock singer.
Members of KOFIC will be attending the festival as usual, and will hold a party together with the Pusan International Film Festival on February 11th at the Movenpick Hotel Bar.
KOFIC is also sponsoring a joint sales booth at Berlin's European Film Market for those companies that don't wish to run a separate stand, or that require more space. Participating companies include STUDIO 2.0, SHOW EAST, Activers Entertainment, CJ Entertainment, iHQ, INDIESTORY, MIROVISION, and bom Film Productions.
Particularly notable is the participation of INDIESTORY in the European Film Market for the first time. The company is Korea's leading distributor of independent film, and its participation in one of the world's biggest film markets is hoped to give added publicity to Korean independent films. The company will be selling Life Track, a Chinese-Korean co-production which won the top prize at the 2007 Pusan International Film Festival, and the omnibus film Fantastic Parasuicides, which screened in Pusan and the International Film Festival Rotterdam.
Darcy Paquet and Yi Ch'ang-ho (KOFIC)
http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/KOFI ... amp;Gesimul_SNO=905 |
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January 31, 2008
揜emember U518 |
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January 29, 2008
KIM Hye-soo transforms Modern Boy PARK Hae-il
Writer/director JUNG Ji-woo wrapped up filming one of the highly anticipated films of this year: Modern Boy, set during the occupation of Korea by Japan. The titular character is played by PARK Hae-il, a superficial young man who only cares about enjoying the fruits of modernization. Things change when he meets the mysterious and multi-talented character played by KIM Hye-soo.
KIM was chosen for the female lead since the character needs to be a very strong woman who has a profound impact on the young man抯 life, according to director JUNG抯 motivation. KIM has been lavishly praised for her commanding role in Tazza: The High Rollers.
With filming finished, Modern Boy is in the final stages after a development process of three years, including a shooting period of almost seven months in numerous locations spread over the Korean peninsula.
Expectations are high, since Modern Boy promises strong characters, impressive visuals, an interesting recreation of the time抯 fashion and urban landscape, and an original take on the modernization of Korea in a controversiol time by director JUNG.
JUNG previously helmed the acclaimed Happy End, his feature film debut which screened in the Critics Week Section at the Cannes Film Festival. The film starring CHOI Min-sik and JEON Do-yeon was also a success at the box office. JUNG was also praised for his latest, Blossom Again with KIM Jung-eun in the leading role.
PARK Hae-il portrayed the bitter former student activist in The Host. He also starred in last year抯 hit Paradise Murdered. He was also praised for his roles in Memories of Murder, and My Mother the Mermaid.
Yi Ch'ang-ho (KOFIC)
http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/KOFI ... amp;Gesimul_SNO=908 |
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February 3, 2008
[HERALD INTERVIEW] 'It's Choi Sung-hee, not Bada'
K-pop diva Bada is famous for choosing her words carefully in interviews. But she is different now.
The member of the former girl band S.E.S kept on talking and talking -- until even her manager told her it was time to finish the interview and rehearse before the show began.
The singer is currently playing the lead role, Esmeralda -- a seductive but unfortunate gypsy -- in the Korean rendition of the French musical "Notre Dame de Paris." And she had much to say about her new career as a musical actress.
"I want to let my brand 'Bada' go. It is time to show the real me, as the actress Choi Sung-hee," said Bada, referring to her real name.
"If I lived my life as a brand called 'Bada' until now, I don't want to make that happen again. I want people to remember me as 'Choi Sung-hee,' not the luxurious and glittering image of 'Bada' on the stage," said the 29-year-old in an interview with The Korea Herald.
Acting on the stage was what she wanted to do even before she debuted as a pop singer in 1997. She led the three-girl group S.E.S for six years, but she began a solo career in 2003.
K-pop diva Bada, real name Choi Sung-hee,
shows her acting talent by playing a lead role in the Korean rendition
of the French musical "Notre Dame de Paris." [Kim Myung-sub/The Korea Herald]
When she was recruited to the girl band, Choi was studying drama at Anyang High School of Arts. It was Lee Soo-man, head of SM Entertainment, who saw her singing at the school's annual festival and asked her to train as a pop singer. Although it wasn't exactly what she wanted to do, she took the offer because the company promised to provide her with a living and pay for her university tuition. "I was only 13 when my father's business went into bankruptcy, There was nothing I could do about it. But I kept on dreaming while singing and dancing all alone. I didn't let my dream go," she said.
It took more than ten years for her to play on the stage as an actress, even though she had considerable success as pop singer.
"For a long time, I encouraged myself, saying 'I am an actress acting like a singer, and I should be a real actress some day,' Last year was the right year for me. I was totally ready to be on stage as an actress," Choi said.
She said she felt destined to play the role of Esmeralda in the musical based on the novel "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," recollecting her memory of a local church where she lived for six years.
"I lived at a local Catholic church for six years because my family didn't have a place to live after my father's business failed. The church was the new home for us as my dad took a managing job there," she said.
The backyard of the church was her favorite place, where she spent the entire afternoon dancing and singing.
"I don't think that life in the church was miserable. Rather it was a very meaningful time for me because it taught me how to take a look into the bright side of the world," said Choi who is playing Esmeralda four times a week in the musical.
"Notre Dame de Paris" is one of the most successful French musicals, having drawn more than 10 million theatergoers around the world since its premiere in 1998. Korea is the first country in Asia and the fifth in the world -- after Britain, Italy, Russia and Spain -- to transform the French musical into a local version.
Before "Notre Dame," Choi performed in another musical, "Tell Me on a Sunday." She took the role of a young British woman exploring love in New York City and Hollywood in the Korean version of the Broadway musical.
Asked on the difference she feels between being a singer and an actress, she said: "It is really difficult to show all of myself in just four minutes on the stage singing. But I feel more comfortable when acting because I have enough time to reveal my inner self and share my feelings with the audience."
By Cho Chung-un ([email protected])
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/ |
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February 3, 2008
Scrub up the dubbing, say 'Bichunmu' viewers
A star-studded cast and state-of-the-art stunts might not be enough to save SBS' latest drama "Bichunmu" from a bad time slot, awkward dubbing and a poorly written script.
"I felt like I was watching a pathetic Chinese movie," a viewer wrote on the drama's official bulletin board, after the first two episodes aired last Friday.
Jointly produced by Chinese and Korean companies, "Bichunmu" features a combination of both Korean and Chinese actors. The first two episodes solved the language issue by dubbing all the Chinese actors into Korean.
But Korean audiences aren't responding well.
"Are they trying to ruin the drama?" wrote one viewer.
Yet another viewer recommended switching to subtitles, writing, "If it weren't for the dubbing, it would be an acceptable drama. It's not too late to change to subtitles now."
Viewers will have to wait till next Friday's installment to find out if SBS takes the hint and starts subtitling. But the dubbing isn't the only problem this drama faces.
The epic martial arts drama originally aired as a 24-episode series in Hong Kong and Taiwan before coming over to Korea. To better suit Korean tastes, the drama has been revamped into a much shorter 14-episode series.
But by re-editing this classic love story, the whole plot becomes choppy. And the romance between the hero and heroine, played by Korean actor Joo Jin-mo and Korean pop star Park Ji-yoon, moves along too quickly. By the end of episode two, the ill-fated couple has already declared their undying love for one another.
Add to it the sappy lines and awkward delivery, and viewers definitely won't be watching this series for the script.
Viewers, however, may tune in for the spectacular Hong Kong-style action scenes, gorgeous costumes and the sweeping landscape of China, where the entire series was filmed.
Ninjas and skilled sword fighters battle it out in swaying bamboo forests. Maidens draped in airy silks and linens dance and stroll against a verdant backdrop. Joo Jin-mo, who starred in the blockbuster "200 Pound Beauty," makes for an excellent martial arts hero, while Park Ji-yoon, looks lovely in her billowing gowns.
The eye-catching stunts and seamless computer graphics match the over-the-top production costs. According to news reports, "Bichunmu" production costs totaled a whopping 8 billion won ($8.4 million).
But with a Friday night time slot, all those great special effects might go to waste. Playing at a time when most people are out enjoying the upcoming weekend, the drama faces the daunting challenge of reeling Koreans into their living rooms.
It seems that "Bichunmu" is up to the task. The first and second episodes, which played back to back, brought in viewer ratings of 12.8 percent and 14.3 percent (AGB Nielsen Media Research), respectively. The ratings are similar to those of SBS' previous Friday night drama "In Search of Son," which, according to news reports, recorded viewer ratings of 12.5 percent and 14.7 percent for episodes one and two.
Featuring a strong cast, including Korean actor Kim Kang-woo, who won the best actor award for his role in "The Railroad (Gyeongiseon)" at the 25th Torino Film Festival in Italy in December, "Bichunmu" just might be able to up its ratings this coming Friday.
Based on Kim Hye-rin's popular comic book series, "Bichunmu" is a love story about a sword fighter of Koryo descent, and a Mongol-Chinese woman.
"Bichunmu" plays on Friday nights at 9:55 p.m. on SBS.
By Jean Oh ([email protected]), image from empas.com
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/ |
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February 4, 2008
Celeb couple on board for adopting babies
Cha In-pyo, left, and Shin Ae-ra with their adopted babies
in a composite. [JoongAng Ilbo]
Whoever says celebrity couples are only good for drama has never met Cha In-pyo or Shin Ae-ra.
The well-known actor duo, married since 1995, told the JoongAng Ilbo they adopted a three-month old baby as their third child last month through the Social Welfare Society, a government-funded organization. The couple was inspired to adopt the baby girl, their second adopted child, while volunteering at the organization. Their new daughter抯 name is Cha Ye-jin.
揥e thought it would be easier this time as we have adopted before, |
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