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February 22, 2008
I Think About My Mom Every Time I Win an Award
Actor and singing sensation, Rain, recently won the Korean Image Didimdol Award for being at the forefront of Korean pop-culture and introducing it to the world.
The 26-year-old, who抯 real name is Jeong Ji-Hoon, attended the ceremony dressed very stylishly, with his long hair tied pinned under a felt hat. Rain received the Korean Image Didimdol Award the 慍ICI Korea 2008 |
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Thanks to kdramafanusa for the highlight at soompi.com
February 15, 2008
Kwon Sang-woo and Song Seung-heon, friends in their film, but competitors in their dramas
Kwon Sang-woo and Song Seung-heon's upcoming film "Destiny" evoked such huge sensation when these two stars were to appear as the best friends in the film. However, outside their film screen, the two stars met once again as competitors in the TV dramas.
The "Destiny" is going to be released on 20th March and the two stars are expected to comeback to TV drama about the same time. The female viewers are already fluttered to see the return of the two hottest stars in Korea.
Kwon Sang-woo have finished KBS 2TV "Bad Love" and had verbal agreement to appear in SBS's special production, "Dae Mool". "Dae Mool" is based on the original Manhwa by Park In-kwon and is a story of a woman called Seo Hye-lim, who dreams to be the first female president of Korea. And Kwon Sang-woo will be acting a lady-killer, Ha Ryoo.
"Dae Mool" is expected to be on early May as a follow up of SBS new Wed-Thu drama, "On Air" which starts on upcoming 27th. Besides Kwon Sang-woo, other top stars are on the casting lists.
Recently, Song Seung-heon signed a contract to appear in MBC's special production "The East of the Eden" (Written by Na Yeon-sook, directed by Kim Jin-man), confirming his comeback to TV dramas in 5 years time after the end of KBS 2TV drama, "Summer Scent" in 2003. "The East of the Eden" is going to be as big as the "Dae Mool" with its high production cost of 25 billion-won. "The East of the Eden" is a revengeful story of two men who were born at the same time in a same hospital and Song Seung-heon is going to act one of the two, Lee Dong-chul.
There's high chance that the "The East of Eden" is going to be on-air after "Yi San", which is currently on debate over whether to extend the plot. Thus depend on how many extra episodes the producers of "Yi San" are prepared to produce; "The East of Eden" will be broadcasted either on May or June, unable to avoid the competition with "Dae Mool". Already many TV viewers are excited over how the two top stars who were friends in the film, will compete in the TV screen.
Original Korean Article: Mydaily
English Translation Credit: http://hancinema.net/ |
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February 14, 2008
"The War of Flower" Ah Kui 'Kim Yoon-seok' becoming the national actor through his latest film, "Chaser"
The actor Kim Yoon-seok earned a great public favour for his excellent performance in his latest film "The Chaser" (Directed by Na Hong-jin, produced by Bi-dan-gil Co.).
Kim Yoon-seok left a strong impression on the audience on his previous role as evil and cruel Ah Kui in "The War Of Flower". Once again, his passionate and realistic performance in the "The Chaser" grasped the audience.
He worked a long time as a theatre performer and now he is pouring out his experience and talent into the film screen. Here upon, the audiences commented "His performance is powerful", "His not just a realistic actor, he brings the reality into the film".
Meanwhile, "The Chaser (starring Kim Yoon-seok and Ha Jeong-woo) was released on 14th February.
Original Korean Article: Chosun
English Translation Credit: http://hancinema.net/ |
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Thanks to kdramafanusa for the highlight at soompi.com
February 18, 2008
"A new star couple, Lee Dong-wook and Lee Da-hae?"
[image=chosun]
The Netizen investigation team have suggested the birth of a new star couple, Lee Dong-wook and Lee Da-hae. When the two actors appeared in a popular drama, "My girl" there already was a suspicion of whether the two are in a relationship. Because they were often caught sharing intimate times.
Meanwhile, the sharp eyes of the Netizens caught the two sharing couple-look outfits and other couple fashion items. For example, the two wore same hats in different places, shared same expensive-brand couple mobile accessories, couple mobile phones and Lee Dong-wook had a photo of Lee Da-hae in his house. As these evidences spread throughout the internet, the Netizens' claim that the two are in a relationship gained more support.
Ever since the end of the drama, the possibility of the two in a relationship was suggested but the two claimed they are only good friends to each other.
Presently, their agencies insisted that "There is nothing but friendship between the two actors". However, the fans continue to question the truth behind the relationship between the two.
Original Korean Article: http://news.mk.co.kr/newsRead.php?year=2008&no=88776
English Translation Credit: http://hancinema.net/ |
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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
Thanks to kdramafanusa-soompi.com for the highlight
February 20, 2008
[THE HIGH HIDE OF THE KOREAN WAVE(12)]
Malaysian love affair with Korean TV dramas
In the last few years, Korean films, TV dramas and pop music have become immensely popular abroad, a phenomenon known as the Korean Wave. This is the twelfth in a series of essays by a select group of foreign scholars and journalists looking at the spread of Korean pop culture in Southeast Asian countries and beyond. - Ed.
My love affair with Korean TV series began with a ring tone.
In April 2002, while at work in my hometown, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, my colleague`s mobile phone rang. The tune was refreshing, melancholic and melodic.
Later, I discovered that the tune was the theme song of a Korean drama series titled "Winter Sonata," which was directed by Korean director Yun Seok-ho.
The tune opened my eyes to the posters of Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo, who are the stars of "Winter Sonata," on window shops of video rental stores and travel agencies (which were capitalizing on their popularity to sell South Korean tours).
It seemed in Kota Kinabalu, which is a four-hour flight from Seoul, there was no escaping the "Winter Sonata" phenomenon. For example, the wind-swept haircut of Bae was as popular as Jennifer Aniston`s hairstyle in the 90s sitcom "Friends."
A month later - after a captivating and tantalizing wait - I watched the first episode of "Winter Sonata," which is a love story with South Korea`s entrancing winter scenery as a backdrop.
It did not disappoint. The heart-tugging storyline of star-crossed lovers became as addictive as bulgogi. And 1.5 million Malaysians also became addicted to the series, gluing their eyes on the TV screen whenever each episode was on.
"This drama has captivated the hearts of Malaysians who are family-centered and sensitive to emotions. It has left deep impressions in the hearts of Malaysian viewers of Malay or Chinese descent, regardless of race or religion," wrote Cho Chul-ho, a visiting Korean scholar to the University Malaya, in his dissertation titled "Korean Wave in Malaysia and Changes of the Korea-Malaysia Relations."
"Winter Sonata" was the first of the Korean Waves to crash onto Malaysian shores. A tsunami of Korean TV series such as "Autumn Fairy Tale," "Joyful Girl," "My Love, Patsi," and "Jewel in the Palace" followed its success. "Jewel in the Palace" which showcased Korean food was as addictive as "Winter Sonata" - its lead actress Lee Young-ae is second to Bae Yong-joon as the most popular South Korean celebrity in Malaysia.
The next Korean Wave then swept Malaysian cinemas. It began with the blockbuster "Shiri," followed by the horror movie, " Phone." These films introduced Malaysians to South Korean movie stars such as Lee Jung-jae and Won Bin. Other Korean movies such as "Old Boy," "Taegukgi: Brotherhood of War," "My Sassy Girl," "Windstruck" and "My Little Bride" surfed to the Malaysian shores on the popularity wave of "Swiri" and " Phone."
"Because of a relatively stable social structure of Malaysia, Malaysians prefer South Korean films that comically deal with love stories, rather than movies with serious themes of war or violence," noted Cho Chul-ho.
Malaysians were also swept away by South Korean pop singers and groups such as Jang Nara, Rain, BoA, BabyVox, and T.V.X.Q. For example, when the Rain World Concert Tour poured to Kuala Lumpur in January 2007, my cousins scrambled to get tickets along with 10,000 other fans. They went berserk when Rain, who was wet during a man-made downpour, sang "I`m Coming." Although the pop star sang in Korean, he charmed his fans with his chiseled body and cool dance moves. Plus his Korean good looks helped.
A Korean Wave that brought benefits to my business, CyberLab, which is a multimedia center, was Ragnarok. The online computer game had us scrambling to supply prepaid coupons in order to play it. Ragnarok, with its Koreana fairytale scenery and cute graphics appealed to a broad base of teenagers and young adults no matter male or female.
How did something foreign like the Korean Wave come to sweet Malaysia, which is a multiracial country?
There were two views on the success of the Korean Wave, according to Cho.
"The first view is that the South Korean programs feature Korean nationalism reflecting the unique Korean way of thinking and mode of living," he noted.
"The other view is that South Korean programs are based on global universalism that can win sympathy from anyone, regardless of gender, race or religion. Malaysians may have been attracted to the beautiful Korean landscape and the unique Korean ways of thinking and living, including the snow in winter, foliage in autumn and traditional costume and foods, as they have never seen these kinds of things in Malaysia."
What attracted me to "Winter Sonata" was the self-sacrificing love of the hero, Joon-sang (Bae Yong-joon), toward Yu-jin (Choi Ji-woo, the heroine). To me that was how a man should be. For example, when Joon-sang thought that he would die, he asked Yu-jin to return the star polaris necklace which he gave her and then threw it into the sea so there would not be any reminder of him after he dies.
Bae was a hero for me. I bought his posters. And I immersed myself in all things Korean. I downloaded the "Winter Sonata" ring tone on my mobile phone and screensaver, with scenes from the series to my computer. I ate Korean food instead of Malaysian cuisine.
And I frequented this little piece of heaven - located near a beach that faces the South China Seas - which Sabahans dubbed as "Little Korea." At first this little piece of heaven was overwhelmingly foreign as it housed Korean-owned sundry shops, cafes, internet cafes, spas and restaurants. But soon I was getting to know a little bit about Korea. And loving it.
For instance, a can of grape juice with jelly, which is produced by Lotte, a South Korean company, became my favorite drink. The name of the drink escapes me, as it was written in Korean.
It seemed it was not only me who became interested in South Korea. According to Cho, the Korean Wave led Malaysians to take greater interest in Korea`s society and culture and therefore stimulated curiosity about the Korean language and Korean studies. |
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"Winter Sonata" not only tugged at my heart, but also my stomach. In my forays to Little Korea, dishes like kimchi and bulgogi became as familiar as nasi lemak, which is a popular Malaysian dish.
Malaysians also became more curious about Korean. "A Jewel in the Palace," which featured traditional Korean food, played a major role in bringing these changes to Malaysia, Cho noted.
"Five new Korean restaurants named Daejanggeum (Jewel in the Palace) have opened in Kuala Lumpur. Thanks to the boom of the Korean Wave trend, exports of kimchi to Malaysia increased by 150 percent," he said.
The wave led many Malaysian tourists to visit South Korea. The number increased year by year - 55,848 in 2001, 82,720 in 2002 and 90,623 in 2003. The attractions of South Korea were its traditional food (including samgyetang which was introduced by the drama series "Jewel in the Palace" , sites where "Winter Sonata" was filmed (such as Nami Island, where the lovers had their first date) and Chuncheon (Bae Yong-joon`s character`s hometown).
I too was among the thousands of Malaysians visiting South Korea. In September 2005, when I arrived at Incheon International Airport in Seoul, I could not believe that I was in the land of Korean TV series.
I found Seoul was exactly what I imagined it to be. The next few days was dedicated to exploring Seoul. I bargained using funny sign language and a huge calculator at Namdaemun and Dongdaemun markets.
As I meandered in the bustling street, I was on the lookout for Choi Ji-woo or even Bae Yong-joon - but I did not see my idols. I also tried the famed kimchi spicy soup in a small street stall, which looked like those in the Korean TV series. I, however, took a rain check on the soju as I knew from drinking it in Sabah that it was very strong.
Before watching "Winter Sonata" my impression of South Korea was that it possessed weapons of mass destruction (oops, looks like I confused it with North Korea) and it had a rigid authoritarian government (again, maybe I was thinking of the North). However, the series and my visit to Seoul gave me a better understanding of South Korean society and culture.
And I feel that a little bit of South Korea has permeated into me. As Cho wrote, the Korean Wave might have brought changes to Malaysians` way of thinking and mode of living by allowing them to have access to the Korean way of thinking and living.
"The most immediate changes include efforts of Malaysian people and students to gather information on South Korean TV dramas, films, and entertainers, and to form fraternities to share this information," he said.
"Teoh Chit Hwa, a Malaysian resident who caused a stir by announcing he would donate his internal organs after his death, was reportedly influenced by a South Korean TV drama. The Korean people`s sense of community, diligence and good manners as seen in South Korean TV dramas and movies can give positive influence to the Malaysian society."
I now live in Bangkok, Thailand where I still watch Korean series, but through the internet because in this city it is difficult to get Korean DVDs with English subtitles. Whenever I hear the "Winter Sonata" theme song being played in Korean and Japanese restaurants in Bangkok, it brings back wonderful memories.
By Vera Mopilin
Source: Korea Herald |
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February 18, 2008
The 'Fans of the Korean Waves' says, "We love Korean dramas, because |
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February 21, 2008
'Night' Shows Innovative Minimalism
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
A scene from director Hong Sang-soo's 'Night and Day'
Several films have put Hong Sang-soo on the cinematic map as a unique minimalist, and he upholds the reputation with his latest work "Night and Day." He captures the quizzical human sentiment with subtlety and presents mundane scenes with crafty simplicity.
"Night and Day" marks Hong's first project shot outside of Korea. It is set in Paris where Hong himself had resided temporarily. While the film is thoroughly Korean in nature, it has that dash of "je ne sais quoi" inherent to French films.
It recently premiered at the 58th Berlin International Film Festival, earning positive reviews from international critics.
Actor Kim Young-ho stars as Seung-nam, a painter in his early 40s who is about to get arrested for smoking marijuana. Scared, he flees to Paris, leaving behind his beloved wife (Hwang Su-jung). He finds lodging at a small bed and breakfast run by a Korean, and so begins his so-called fugitive life.
During the day he lounges around, wandering the streets and prowling parks, while at night he cries with his wife over the phone. He runs into a former girlfriend, but when she tries to seduce him, it doesn't ignite any interest for him. He's much too worried about his wife.
But as days go by, he begins to settle down, befriending other lodgers and exploring the city with ease. Here, Hong depicts not so much the touristy landmarks of Paris but rather the small wonders of living there: small galleries tucked away in obscure alleyways, cheap attics rented out by students, the cafe around the corner and water sweeping down the filth of the street.
Seung-nam becomes a sort of cartoon character, donning pretty much the same outfit and backpack, and always carrying around some sort of small plastic bag.
Nobody suspects Seung-nam, a "free-spirited" artist, and his "spontaneous trip." He is even introduced to the small community of Korean artists around the 14th district. Among them is Yu-jeong (Park Eun-hye), a beautiful and talented young art student, to whom he grows increasingly attracted.
He finally does manage to win Yu-jeong's heart, and engages in a dreamy romance. But his unsuspecting, but increasingly anxious, wife brings him back to Korea and back to reality ― which isn't so bad either.
While men may find Seung-nam tolerable ― and can even sympathize with him ― women may despise him, as his mindless philandering leaves several women in despair. For example, his former girlfriend reveals that she had six abortions while they dated, but he fails to do anything about it. He wrongs her again when he doesn't have the guts to reject her advances directly ― he takes her to a hotel room and reads her a passage from the Bible.
Likewise, with Yu-jeong, he pursues her aggressively, but his so-called love for her is more like an adolescent infatuation. He's just simple-minded and indecisive, and above all faithful to his current situation ― and his fleeting feelings ― and submits to sexual cravings.
The movie is charmingly anticlimactic as it walks the blurred line between night and day, reality and dreams, tragedy and comedy, and love and lust. It captures the movie-like moments of our lives, making it a life-like movie.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/02/141_19348.html |
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Thanks to the highlight by kdramafanusa-soompi.com
February 19, 2008
Hallyu Star KIM in Japanese Feature
Popular Korean actor KIM Rae-won, 26, is set to seduce Japanese audiences this Spring with his lead role in Japanese director Hayato Kawai抯 Flower Shadow, a romantic drama of international love.
Actor KIM is a familiar heartthrob in Korea, starring in comedies such as Mr. Socrates (2005) and My Little Bride (2004) as well as hit TV series Cat on the Roof (2003) and the upcoming series The Grand Chef (慡ikgaek |
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Thanks to IUPHIMAN-soompi.com for the highlight
February 21, 2008
Rain - Lee Byunghun, how much would they get paid in Hollywood?
On 13th, the singer and actor Rain revealed that he's going to appear as the main role in the Wachowski brothers' next film, "Ninja Assassin" after completing shooting the "Speed Racer". And Lee Byeong-Heon went to US last month to shoot his Hollywood debut film, "G.I. Joe" (produced by the Paramount. co.). Ever since, the Korean Waves stars' have set their first foot in their entrance to the Hollywood.
If so, how would they be treated in the Hollywood? One of the main areas of interest is how much they will be paid in Hollywood. Even though they receive the one of the highest fees in Korea, they are new faces in the Hollywood.
The Hollywood top stars such as Tom Hanks, Johnny Depp and Tom Cruise receive over 40 billion-won. However, the new faces get around 0.9 billion-won, which varies according to their popularity.
First of all, Rain and Lee Byeong-Heon are paid higher than other new stars in Hollywood, but not so high as they are new in Hollywood.
The President Jo Dong-won of Rain's agency, Jay Tune Entertainment Co., said "The important thing here is Rain's opportunity to set his foot in Hollywood. So we weren't too greedy over the fee, however, there is not much difference in how much he is paid in Korea and in Hollywood".
Commonly, when non-American actors appear in major studio films in the Hollywood, their fees are arraged based on how much the actor is paid in his country and other various profit factors. Thus, in case of Rain and Lee Byeong-Heon, who has a strong target power over Asia will have many other extra contracts other than their films' success in Asia.
The The President Son Seok-woo of Lee Byeong-Heon's agency, BH Entertainment Co., said "There are many optional contracts regarding his success in Asia, in particular, in Japan. Other Hollywood stars also sign various optional contracts".
In addition, for most of Hollywood blockbuster films, the profits from their share of franchise copyrights are often greater than their own performance fee. For example, Bae Yong-joon raised such huge profits from his share of franchise copyrights in "Winter Sonata" in Japan.
Since Rain and Lee Byeong-Heon are both appearing in Hollywood blockbuster films, their earnings are expected to increase dramatically from their share in franchise copyrights.
original article: http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=L...939298&iid=
translated by: www.hancinema.net |
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February 21, 2008
Marketing to highlight Seoul as filming location
 The homepage of Seoul Film Commission: http://seoulfc.or.kr/eng/
One of the reasons that Seoul remains a relatively unvisited tourist estination despite its rapid rise to prominence over the past few decades is because most people never get to see what the city is like unless they actually come here.
To overcome such an obstacle, the capital city last year launched the "Seoul Location Incentive Program," a plan to encourage the creation of foreign movies and so on right here in the city by partially paying for expenses.
Seoul is having some success in attracting films and documentaries that are jointly produced by Koreans and visitors. This is partly thanks to the heightened interest in Korean films abroad which began around 2003-2004.
"Film producers in countries like Japan, Hong Kong and India have been showing some interest in filming in Korea. Several films from Japan have even shot scenes in other regions like Busan," said Alex Seo, head of the Planning Team at Seoul Film Commission (http://seoulfc.or.kr/eng/), in her interview with the Korean Overseas Information Service.
 
Both modern and traditional sites in Seoul
Overseas filmmakers who decide to use Seoul as a setting for a movie can receive up to 25 percent of the production cost, or $100,000 in cash, according to the Commission, in charge of receiving online applications. Seoul has allotted 500 million won to these incentives alone. This also covers additional expenses to cover flights and lodgings for film staff coming to Korea to check out filming locations.
Some of the films the Commission has attracted include Treeless Mountain by Soanbrad Inc.(USA), about a five-year old Korean girl抯 journey to maturity, set in Busan in the 1970s. Other American independent films have also been discussed.
 Treeless Mountain (2008) by Hanji Box Film
"Most American films that will be filmed in Seoul are indie movies, but on the scale and expense of an average Korean movie, so it should not be underestimated," Seo said. "Stories mostly revolve around Korean adoptees."
The most common beneficiary of Seoul抯 incentive program are films co-produced by Korea and Japan. Programs like news, sports or films less than 60 minutes in length are excluded from the incentive program, however.
Korea抯 award winning director Kim Ki-deok shot "Sad Dream," a joint production with Japan, which depicts a love story between Korean man and a Japanese woman.
National Geographic Channel and the Korean Broadcasting Institute also joined hands to produce three documentaries on the pacer of life in Seoul; "Traffic in Seoul", "Quick, quick Korea" and "Digital Korean."
The prospects look better down the road as the Commission late last year clinched a deal to assist the filming of a new Hollywood movie by Fox Atomic, an affiliate of 20th Century Fox.
The Korean-American film producer Roy Lee, who came to check out the city last November, revealed that some 80 percent of the shooting will take place in Seoul for a movie inspired by the earlier film "Black Rain (1989) by director Ridley Scott. If all goes well, this would bethe first blockbuster movie to be shot in Seoul.
 N-Tower, Seoul
"I was particularly impressed with N Seoul Tower, where you can see the whole of Seoul," Lee was quoted as saying in the daily Chosun Ilbo newspaper upon his visit to Korea last November.
The director reportedly visited various sites in Seoul including Bukcheon Hanok Village and Nakwon musical instrument market in Jongno-gu in downtown Seoul before making up his mind. It is told the final clincher was the "better production value" Lee saw in Seoul than Shanghai or Japan.
Other films under discussion -- as there are so many variables in the movie industry -- include S(e)oul Station, a horror thriller by Luca Production (USA), The Hanji Box, a melodrama by Fire Circle Films LLC and A Brand-New Life, a drama by Gloria Films (France).
Two other Japanese films by Be-Wild Productions and AtRandom Inc, one an action-melodrama and one, a musical drama are also being mulled. "Vertigo Entertainment, which intends to re-make Roman Polanski抯 Frantic, is also considering shooting in Seoul and several other documentaries too," Seo also added she almost succeeded in attracting people from Bollywood last year. "Indians like Seoul抯 atmosphere because it is so different from their home country. But in the end the staff couldn抰 film because of visa problems."
To learn more about the incentive program please visit http://eng.seoulfc.or.kr/eng/ or contact Mark Siegmund, Phone: +82 2 777 7092, Fax: +82 2 777 7097, email: [email protected]
By Kim Hee-sung, Korea.net staff writer
http://www.korea.net/news/news/n ... archDay=&page=1 |
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February 24, 2008
Henney to Join Hugh Jackman in X-Men Prequel
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Actor Daniel Henney
Hearthrob actor Daniel Henney, 28, will costar in the new X-men spin-off film "X-men Origins: Wolverine."
Henney will star as Agent Zero of the Mutant Weapon X program, a mutant who can control electricity and has specialized tracking abilities, according to Twentieth Century Fox Korea.
The Mutant Weapon X program aims to control mutants and transform them into living weapons.
The movie "Wolverine", directed by Gavin Hood, is a prequel to the X-men saga that traces Wolverine's past as he discovers the world of mutants. The audience will join Wolverine's journey as he finds out he's a mutant, gets tangled up in with Sabretooth and learns more about the Weapon X program.
Hugh Jackman, also the producer of the film, will once again play Wolverine, while Liev Schreiber will star as his nemesis, Sabretooth. Danny Huston will be the young William Stryker, who was originally played by Brian Cox in the previous X-men movies.
New mutant characters other than Henny will also appear, such as Dominic Monaghan from the famed TV series "Lost" and rapper Will. I.am.
Henney has received attention not only in Korea but also in the United States for his role as an adoptee in the movie "My Father" (2007) and also the hit drama "My Name is Kim Sam Soon" (2005, MBC). He received the award for best newcomer from the Korean Movie Critics Association, the annual Blue Dragon Awards and the Korea Film Festival for his acting in "My Father" and also appeared in numerous commercials.
The new X-men movie is currently being filmed in New Zealand and will be released on May 1, 2009.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/ ... 8/02/178_19515.html |
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Actress Cho Yeo-jeong in new drama
Feb. 25, SEOUL, South Korea -- Popular South Korean actress Cho Yeo-jeong, one of the stars of the new TV drama "War of Money," participates in a press conference about the series in Seoul on Feb. 25. (Yonhap) (END)
Source: Yonhap News
http://app.yonhapnews.co.kr/YNA/ ... E=2&AGINGPAGESIZE=5 |
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February 25, 2008
Daniel Henney Cast in 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine'
Actor Daniel Henney will co-star with Jack Hughman in 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine.'
20th Century Fox Korea said Daniel Henney has been cast as 'Agent Zero' for the 'Weapon X' program. Agent Zero is a mysterious character who has the ability to control electricity.
'X-Men Origins' is a prequel to the existing X-Men films, introducing how Wolverine was created as well as exploring his violent and romantic past and his relationship with Sabretooth. The film also introduces in detail the 'Weapon X' program.
Director Gavin Hood, who received the 2005 Academy Award for Best Foreign Film for 'Tsotsi,' is directing the film which is currently being shot in New Zealand.
Source: http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1509328_11858.html |
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February 25, 2008
Rain Unveils Samsung's Olympic Theme Song in Beijing
To introduce Samsung Electronics' Anycall mobile phone model for the Beijing Olympic Games, singer Rain attended the "Press Conference for Samsung Advertisement Model, Rain" held in Beijing, China on February 21.
During the press conference, Samsung Electronics, the official sponsor of wireless technology for the Beijing Olympic Games, announced it had selected Rain as its publicity envoy. Fans also had a chance to meet the superstar in person.
Samsung Electronics described Rain as a young, passionate and ambitious person whose image well-matched that of the company. It added that the global company Samsung Electronics and trendsetter Rain will add "a special sparkle" to the upcoming Olympic games.
At the press conference, Samsung Electronics' Olympic theme song was revealed. The spectacular advertisement in music video format began shooting on February 22.
To help Chinese schools improve their gym facilities, Rain also took part in a hand-printing event which will collect proceeds to be used for public welfare by auctioning off the handprints.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1509379_11858.html |
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February 26, 2008
[MOVIE REVIEW] Film showcases Ahn Sung-ki's superb acting
In a frighteningly complex web of movie scenarios, a straightforward plot often works better, especially when the cast is wisely chosen and actors perform to their full potential.
And no Korean film actor is more capable than Ahn Sung-ki, who debuted, as a child, 50 years ago, and is still doing superb work. Ahn is one of the icons of Korean cinema, and his skills honed over the decades, and reflected in his gracefully shaped wrinkles, shine in "My New Partner."
The movie, directed by Kim Jong-hyeon, involves two cops -- old and new -- and Ahn plays the experienced one who knows how to strike a compromise with the mundane world. This set-up inevitably reminds viewers of Ahn's role in "Two Cops," a 1993 comedy in which he played a slightly corrupt yet likable cop in conflict with his new partner, a young and justice-obsessed newbie.
A scene from "My New Partner"
"My New Partner" follows a similar track. Ahn's Kang Min-ho got entangled in a corruption scandal and was demoted. In the process, he also deeply disappoints his only son, Young-jun (played by Cho Han-sun), who later enrolls at a prestigious police academy, and denies he has ever had a real father. After an eight-year hiatus, Min-ho, now the head of an insignificant police unit stationed in the southeastern port city of Busan, reunites with his now grown-up son, fresh from the academy and never willing to recognize his father. The duo, however, have to work as a team to track down a drug ring whose connections seem to be linked with higher-ups in the police.
The movie never loosens its pace, starting with a fine (and deadly precarious) rollercoaster sequence, and running through a series of fighting scenes that reflect Cho's dedicated performance as a budding action star.
Ahn does not run, kick and jump much, but he makes his talent clear through his natural delivery of lines, and evokes a real father figure dealing with a troubled past and the painful challenge of trying to win back the heart of his son.
The movie does not limit the father-son theme to Ahn and Cho. In fact, a parallel dynamic is depicted at the opposite end of the good-and-evil spectrum, where the meaning of son is delicately twisted, thanks to a sex-change operation.
The basic format -- two cops who have to work together, despite their resentment, to chase after bad guys -- is not new, but director Kim's fast-paced presentation and the solid performances of Ahn and Cho are fresh enough to generate an impact on audiences.
Those who have seen "Two Cops" and its sequels over the years are bound to enjoy comparing Ahn's current and past characters, since there are similarities and differences. The similarities are obvious. Ahn's Min-ho is well-versed in the tricks of the trade, yet he knows where to stop and take care of justice. What's interesting is the subtlety of the differences. Unlike his previous cop role, Ahn seems more at ease with himself, supporting not only the storyline but also other characters.
Cho's character feels that Min-ho, flaunting gaudy shirts and wavy hair, is neither an affectionate father nor a reliable detective; however, the son comes to realize that he has been assigned to a really fine partner.
By Yang Sung-jin ([email protected])
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/
PHOTOS from the 25/2 press preview at innolife.net |
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February 26, 2008
Cho Kwan-woo and Gavy NJ Take Part in OST of Movie 'Fate'
Singer Cho Kwan-woo and the female vocal group Gavy NJ took part in singing the theme song of a new film entitled 'Fate' starring superstars Song Seung-heon and Kwon Sang-woo.
'Fate' will be the first movie Song will star in since his discharge from the army and Kwon's first role as a villain. In the movie, the two best friends end up becoming arch enemies after they are betrayed by a close friend. It is a high-energy movie filled with large-scale action scenes.
The heartbreaking ballad song 'One-Sided Love' which Cho Kwan-woo sings in the original soundtrack of the movie was written by songwriter Kim Do-hun who wrote past hit songs like 'Toc Toc Toc' for E Hyo-lee and 'After I Met You' for Yangpa.
Meanwhile Gavy NJ sings 'Remember,' a medium-tempo song written by Min Myung-ki who wrote songs for the female vocal group in the past including 'Happiness' and 'Life Goes On.'
'One-Sided Love' and 'Remember' were announced to the public on February 21 and have been getting rave reviews.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/mconten ... /1509625_11692.html |
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February 26, 2008
New SBS drama set to be a smash
The blockbuster-making duo Shin Woo-chul and Kim Eun-sook have teamed up again to create SBS' new drama "On Air."
Producer Shin and TV scriptwriter Kim masterminded the hit SBS dramas "Lovers in Paris" (2004), "Lovers in Praha" (2005) and "Lovers" (2006). Their biggest hit, "Lovers in Paris," which starred actress Kim Jung-eun and actor Park Shin-yang, brought in a record viewer rating of 56.3 percent.
Now, Shin and Kim are pooling their talent to create an entirely new and refreshing miniseries. They started off by exchanging their trademark byword "lovers" for a much less romantic title, "On Air." And that's not the only thing different about their latest project.
"'On Air' is about how a drama is made," said Shin at a press conference last week. "It will start with the planning of a drama, to its casting, its filming, the airing of the first episode, the viewer ratings, and will go all the way through to the airing of the last episode. This drama will show the entire process."
According to Shin, their new miniseries, which features four main characters instead of the usual two, is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a drama. Just from the plot synopsis, it is clear that this isn't your everyday love story.
But why make a drama within a drama? Will this lure viewers? Kim thinks so.
"Now, Korean dramas are not just seen in Korea," explained Kim during the press conference. "They can be seen everywhere. So I think interest in Korean dramas is higher than it has ever been before."
Kim may be onto something. Several Japanese reporters and fans attended the press conference, testifying to the power of Hallyu. And, of course, to the star power of Hallyu icon Park Yong-ha, who will be playing a producer in "On Air."
Park, 30, who took part in the press conference, fielded a question about his current popularity in Japan by saying, "I find it to be a huge obligation ... I am trying not to think too much about it, and am focusing on my role."
With a Hallyu star like Park on board, "On Air" is sure to catch viewer interest abroad. And it has already managed to get the attention of Taiwanese viewers, thanks to two weeks of on- location filming in Taiwan.
But just how accurate will "On Air" be? When asked about how she conducted research for this drama, scriptwriter Kim answered, "I was worried that this question would be asked. I guess everybody is really interested in just how much of what I wrote was real, and who it was based on."
She went on to say, "While writing this script, I realized just how little I actually knew about the drama-making process. Since I don't go on set often, I didn't know how they filmed a scene, so I went out on set. And since I didn't know the broadcasting station really well, I drew a map of it."
When it came to researching celebrities, she played the part of a reporter, and talked to them in person.
"I asked the actors and actresses here about their lives, both public and private," said Kim, gesturing to the cast of "On Air." "I asked them about fun incidents on sets, and things that made them happy, people who touched them. As written into the script, 'Getting to know celebrities is harder than getting to know aliens.' While I meet and see celebrities often, I don't really know them. So I talked to them a lot."
But Kim was quick to clear up any mistaken speculations about the true identities of her characters.
"I couldn't just write it out the way it was," she mused. "So, to make it a bit more fun, I made it more theatrical. I was really worried that this might start up rumors about who these characters are based on. But you won't know who it is. I expanded upon and revised the characters."
But, though these characters aren't based on any real celebrities, an all-star cast promises to make them larger than life.
Actress Kim Ha-neul, 30, who starred opposite Kwon Sang-woo in the hit flick "My Tutor Friend" (2003), will be playing the diva actress, Oh Seung-ah. And veteran actor Lee Beom-soo, 38, who won audiences over in the hit SBS drama "Doctor Bong" (2007), will be playing her manager.
Hallyu star Park Yong-ha, who was Bae Yong-joon's rival in "Winter Sonata" (2002), will be playing the arrogant SBC producer, Lee Kyung-min. And actress Song Yoon-a, 34, who starred opposite actress Kim Hee-seon in the SBS drama "Mister Q" (1998), will be playing the feisty TV scriptwriter, Suh Young-eun, who gets under producer Lee's skin.
Of her role as diva extraordinaire, actress Kim said, "My character was brought up by a really tough manager. And that experience scarred her ... That's why she is so harsh.
"This role is really different from the previous characters I've played," she added.
Co-star Lee discussed his approach to his role: "My character is not just a manager; he is more like a young boy with a lot of dreams."
Judging from the preview screening of "On Air," both Lee and Kim promise to bring strong, colorful characters to the screen. And co-stars Song and Park may be hard-pressed to keep up.
With four top stars playing the title roles, and a hit producer-scriptwriter duo, "On Air" is destined to live up to expectations. But viewers will have to wait till March 5 to get the first installment of what promises to be yet another blockbuster.
"On Air" airs its first episode on Wednesday, March 5, at 9:55 p.m. on SBS.
By Jean Oh ([email protected]), image from yoonaroom with thanks to Demen
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/ |
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