|
|
March 25, 2008
[THE HIGH TIDE OF THE KOREAN WAVE(27)] Pop producer: Korean Wave is in trouble
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 27th in a series of essays by a select group of scholars and journalists looking at the spread of Korean pop culture in Southeast Asian countries and beyond. - Ed.
Media and policy makers are giddy over what Korean entertainers have achieved in Asia in the past 10 years.
Superficially, at least, there is plenty of optimism floating around here about the future of the Korean Wave, or "Hallyu" - more and more Korean singers and actors are targeting overseas markets from the very beginning, while top Hallyu stars continue to rule Asia.
From a different angle, however, Korean stars' increased sense of presence in Asia also reflects their ongoing struggles to survive the current crisis of the local entertainment market. This is why Lee Soo-man, founder and producer of the now 12-year-old SM Entertainment, has a somewhat gloomy outlook regarding the future of the Korean Wave.
"The local pop music market almost doesn't exist now, with only a few albums selling over 100,000 copies a year, and the pervasive practice of illegal downloading of films and songs is making the matter worse," Lee said in an interview with The Korea Herald. "What is big in Japan is also big in Asia, and what is big in Korea has a good chance of becoming a winner in the Japanese market, but the collapse of the local pop music market deprived us of our testing grounds." Having been a popular singer and show host himself throughout the '80 and '90, Lee successfully renewed his career when he founded the local entertainment giant with seminal boy band H.O.T.'s sensational debut back in 1996.
In fact, Lee's production house has been the most successful pop-idol factory in all of Asia during the past few years. Many of the pop stars leading the Korean Wave such as BoA, TVXQ (also known as Tong Vfang Xien Qi or Dong Bang Shin Ki), Super Junior and most recently, Girl's Generation (Sonyeo Sidae) were all discovered and nurtured by SM. Their music has been transformed into a competitive cultural commodity.
Like BoA, 22, who has sold over 10 million copies of her albums in Japan since 2001, each of them strategically planned to satisfy the varying tastes of young pop music fans. In a 2004 briefing to President Roh Moo-hyun, the company said that BoA alone had produced about $100 million worth of both tangible and intangible profits in and outside of Korea.
"SM has experimented with the combination of dance music with swing or soul, which has never been big in the history of Japanese pop music. Through these efforts, we have come up with a unique music style that can be called 'K-pop.' Culture is not something that can be developed in isolation, and the same goes for pop music," Lee said.
Although his entertainment powerhouse is not involved as much in the film industry as it is in the pop industry, Lee expressed serious concern about the effects of illegal downloading on the country's film industry.
"Film producers and investors often take financial risks to make good films because there is a DVD market. But illegal downloading has killed that market." According to Lee, the issue is more serious here than in China, the country once notorious for massive copyright infringement. As systems are getting better in China, the once well-established market here has suddenly gone cold.
To improve the overall competitiveness of Korean television dramas, Lee argued that the cost of a TV commercial, which is currently fixed, regardless of the popularity of a program, should be left to the invisible hand of the market. "Who in God's name is going to invest more to improve the quality of a soap opera if they ends up getting the same amount of money whether it's popular or not?"
Lee believes that Korean soap operas could be nearly as competitive in the entertainment world are as the almost-ubiquitous U.S. television series, if only there were a proper incentive to attract creative talent to produce good dramas at good prices in Asian market.
In his previous interview with The Korea Herald in 2006, Lee said he expected that China would grow to have the biggest entertainment market in Asia in a few years. "The biggest star always comes from the biggest market, and, thus, the Asian market will become the most important source of the world's top entertainers, as it includes China, which will be a 'future Hollywood.'"
He still holds on to this belief. "Changes taking place in the Chinese market are moving far faster than I expected. We still have a know-how in star management that China doesn't have, so we have to work to bring the benefits to Northeast Asia by collaborating with Japanese capital and Chinese human resources."
On Monday, Lee gave a lecture on the future of Asian entertainment to 22 students from the MIT Sloan School of Management at the headquarters of SM Entertainment in Apgujeong-dong, southern Seoul. The talk was part of the students' field trip to Korea, through which potential future global business leaders meet with the country's leading political and business figures.
Also attending the one-hour-long lecture were celebrities under the company's management, including members of Girl's Generation and boy band Super Junior and actress Lee Yeon-hee. After the lecture, the students joked with the stars on the stage, and took photos together.
During the lecture, Lee emphasized that "made by Korea" should be more important than "made in Korea," in what he calls "the third stage of Hallyu."
He explained that the first stage was initiated and led by Korean cultural content and artists born in Korea, such as the defunct H.O.T. and BoA, while the second one came when local agencies turned their eyes to neighboring markets - China and Japan - to make their talent and content big in Korea and elsewhere in Asia.
"In the third stage, Korea, Japan and China will exert control over the global entertainment market through their cooperation," he said. In that case, "made by Korea" should be more important than "made in Korea."
By Lee Yong-sung ([email protected])
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 26, 2008
[THE HIGH TIDE OF THE KOREAN WAVE(28)]
Film industry looking through nearsighted lens
Ahn Sung-ki seems perennially calm and collected.
A gentle smile on his face, he does not raise his voice even when he talks about the turbulent developments pummeling the Korean cinema in recent months. But his concerns are genuine because, in his view, the local film industry is in deep trouble and the future outlook remains gloomier than ever.
Ahn's perspective about the current state of Korean movies and filmmakers is hard to be discounted. The list of films in which he played a key role in the 1990s alone include "Two Cops" (1993), "The Taebaek Mountains" (1994), "Festival" (1996), "The Soul Guardians" (1998) and "Nowhere to Hide" (1999).
In the 2000s, he starred in many award-winning films such as "Chihwaseon" (2002), "Silmido" (2003), "Radio Star" (2006) and "May 18" (2007). Even now at local theaters, his latest feature film titled "My New Partner" is being screened.
Ahn Sung-ki [The Korea Herald]
After all, with more than 150 movies under his belt, Ahn is one of a few Korean actors who represent the entire Korean film industry, which was once a mighty growth engine of the Korean Wave, or "Hallyu." "People talk about the decline of the Korean Wave, but my opinion is that it has overheated too quickly and it's finally returning to a normal level," Ahn said in an interview with The Korea Herald. "Up until now, none of us had any idea about how to handle the Korean culture boom, nor did we expect the fever to cool down so fast."
Ahn said some Korean filmmakers rushed to cash in on the Korean Wave boom, a shortsighted move that resulted in greater losses. Lately, the number of new Korean movies is plunging, while exports to key markets such as Japan remain sluggish.
Investors who once dreamed of hitting it big on the film arena are now looking at their empty pockets helplessly due to the sudden slump that caught most filmmakers, production houses and distributors off guard.
So what's wrong?
"Trust is the most important element in doing any business, including movies, and that trust should be nurtured in the long term," Ahn said, referring to the eroded trust in Korean films that failed to live up to expectations in overseas markets.
Ahn also pointed to the lack of consideration for foreign markets. A growing number of foreign audiences outside of Korea are drawn to Korean films, but local filmmakers and actors do not pay much attention to the foreign markets.
"We should take initiatives in taking care of the quality of our movies for the sake of our foreign audiences. This is a crucial issue, but we have been so far negligent about this issue," he said. For Ahn, nothing is more futile than a short-lived success, and anyone who has a doubt about his conviction should take a look at his 51-year-long career as a professional actor.
Ahn started as a child actor -- an immensely successful one. He was so popular that he played roles in as many as 70 films by the time he turned 14 in 1965. Realizing his limitation as a child actor, he announced his retirement in that year.
Thirteen years later, in 1978, Ahn made a comeback by taking up a role in director Kim Ki-young's "The Soldier and Girls." Unfortunately, the country was under a military dictatorship, and the movie did not make it to theaters at all, and nobody noticed Ahn's misfired attempt to return to the cinema field.
His comeback turned out to be utterly disastrous, but what's more shocking to Ahn was the absence of familiar faces.
"When I made a comeback, I realized that all the famous and powerful filmmakers were sidelined to the marginal area in just 10 years. I felt sort of empty about the cycle in which nobody can stay strong for eternity in the movie industry," Ahn said.
Ahn, since then, has been pursuing his peculiar strategy, which revolves around an optimal balance between popularity and failure. He is rarely in the brightest spotlight in a movie project; he is never completely sidelined as a has-been. And this move has been remarkably prescient because he has weathered a stormy 51 years as an actor and, more importantly, he is widely regarded as a leading Korean actor who symbolizes the Korean cinema.
Ahn said Korean filmmakers and actors should be more prepared for the cycles.
"Just as the stock market fluctuates, the film market also goes through a cycle. Now, local movies are stuck with the slump, but I expect a recovery to come in the future," he said.
As for the deep skepticism and sense of crisis facing Korean movie directors and actors, Ahn said the current downturn came as a great shock because the most recent upturn was so dramatic.
"Starting from the late 1990s to 2006, the Korean film industry enjoyed the biggest boom ever," Ahn said. "Now that we have gone though the painful trials and errors, I hope we can take long-term measures."
One of the much-needed long-term measures is steering more attention to the Asia-wide projects. In 2006, Ahn himself joined a multinational project involving Korea, Japan and China.
In "A Battle of Wits (Mukgong)," a Hong Kong historical action flick based on a Japanese historical novel, Ahn worked with other Asian actors such as Andy Lau, Fan Bingbing and Nicky Wu, under the auspice of director Zhang Zhiliang.
"Korea is better positioned for this type of a joint film project featuring Asian culture and languages. After all, Northeast Asian countries like Korea, China and Japan share similar cultures as well as Chinese characters. "Although my role in the movie project was relatively minor, I believe that we can do much more in the future, drawing on trust we have built through the project," Ahn said.
The problem with the local market is also related to the idea of trust. At the height of the Korean Wave boom, too much money was funneled to the local market, and, as a result, even sloppy projects ended up grabbing sizable funds.
When the bubble burst, investors went into the once bitten, twice shy mode - becoming deeply suspicious about Korean film projects. The lost of trust is taking its toll on the number of films produced. Local filmmakers estimate that about 70 films should be produced annually to bolster the industry's average turnout, but if the current slump continues, about 40-50 movies are expected to be made this year.
Ahn said what's important is to keep the movie industry on a normal track, and to that end, the government should take aggressive measures to deal with the illegal piracy of films on the internet so that filmmakers can diversify their source of profits.
By Yang Sung-jin ([email protected])
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 26, 2008
Actor Lee Byung-hun to Launch Film Tour in Japan
Top Hallyu star Lee Byung-hun is set to launch a large-scale film-screening tour in Japan.
The actor, who successfully pulled off seven large-scale fan meetings in four major Japanese cities last year--Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and Nagoya--will launch a two-month film-screening tour in 13 cities across Japan, including Hiroshima, Fukuoka and Hokkaido. The tour will begin on April 18 in Tokyo.
The tour, which will include a total of 47 film-screening events, will also feature backstage scenes from last year's Arena Tour as well as the latest and yet unreleased videos for Lee's fans. The actor is currently busy shooting a Hollywood film 'I Come with the Rain' with director Anh Hung Tran as well as 'GI Joe,' a film based on a popular animated series.
Meanwhile, Lee plans to return to the local big screen this summer by starring in 'Good, Bad, Weird' with fellow star actors Song Gang-ho and Jung Woo-sung.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1515331_11858.html |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 26, 2008
'Roundtable Plus' Welcomes New Host E Hyo-lee
The second season of 'Roundtable Plus,' a popular entertainment show on KBS 2TV, will air beginning April 8.
'Roundtable Plus' will welcome E Hyo-lee as a new host to join Tak Jae-hoon and Shin Jung-hwan, the two hosts from the last season. Announcers Choi Song-hyun, Lee Whee-jae and Yoon Se-yoon will leave the show.
A new segment will be added to the show as well. The current 'Star Comments' and 'The Birth of Games' will be replaced with a brand new corner.
Producer Yoon Hyun-joon said the staff is currently reviewing about four different segments that may be added to the new season. He said the first half of the program is expected to comprise chitchat by the hosts and the guests, and the second half will comprise fun and meaningful segments.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/mcontents/entertainment/1515370_11692.html |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 27, 2008
Eugene to Play Second Mother Role
Eugene becomes the mother of a child and a lucky woman who receives the love of three men--Cho Hyun-jae, Jae Hee and Shin Sung-rok--one of whom is the father of the baby.
The new KBS 2TV (Wed./Thurs.) drama "Three Daddies and One Mommy" is about a married couple who receives sperm donations from three of the husband's friends. Although the conception is successful, the wife loses her husband suddenly in an accident. The story continues with the wife and the three friends.
Eugene plays the role of the widowed mother, "Song Na-young," but this isn't her first role as a mother. In 2005, the actress starred in the MBC drama "Wonderful Life" as a young woman who gets pregnant and thrown into married life after a night of bad judgments.
"Back then, the baby wasn't planned, but this time the baby is, so I can be much more of a proud mommy," Eugene said. "In the other drama, my husband didn't love me, but for this one I receive the love of three men, though I do lose my husband."
She laughingly added, "The three men are so wonderful, I could live with all of them!"
"Three Daddies and One Mommy" will fill the time slot of "Hong Gil-dong, the Hero." It is directed by Lee Jae-sang. who produced "Dal-ja's Spring," and written by Cho Myung-joo. who also wrote "The Man of the Vineyard."
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/mconten ... /1515549_11692.html |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 27, 2008
Cast of 'One Night and Two Days' Enters 'Korea Sings' Contest
The cast of 'One Night and Two Days,' a popular segment of 'Happy Sunday' on KBS 2TV, participated in 'Korea Sings,' a singing contest and one of the longest-running TV shows in Korea. The cast includes TV personality Kang Ho-dong and singer and rapper Eun Ji-won.
The cast members of 'One Night and Two Days' were on location in Geochang, South Gyeongsang Province, when they heard the news that 'Korea Sings' was coming to town. The following day, Park Sang-cheol, one of the cast members, performed 'No Matter What' during the shooting of 'Korea Sings' and received the Audience Choice Award.
Producers of 'One Night and Two Days' said Kang, the host of the segment found a promotional placard of 'Korea Sings' and urged the entire cast to take part in the talent contest. They added that the cast prepared for the contest all night long, including Kang, who claimed it will be his first time singing in public in 15 years.
Meanwhile, the producers of 'Korea Sings' said the township of Geochang went wild over the unexpected appearance of the star cast and applauded enthusiastically to their performance.
The Geochang episode of 'One Night and Two Days' will be aired on March 30 while the surprise episode of 'Korea Sings' will be aired sometime in May.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1515519_11858.html |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 27, 2008
'GP506' Puts DMZ Back on Map
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Actors Jo Hyun-jae, left, and Chun Ho-jin in a scene from the gory mystery
thriller "GP506" by Gong Su-chang. / Courtesy of Showbox/Mediaplex
In his second feature film "GP506," director Gong Su-chang ("R-Point") tells another agonizing tale about military life. But this time, he takes viewers to the demilitarized zone (DMZ). In this bloody mystery thriller, Gong explores the ever-so relevant yet alien area, where dark secrets and ghosts of forgotten histories lurk.
But the film does not deal with the ideological conflict between the Koreas. Rather, it fathoms the raw human instinct for survival.
On the 38th parallel, between the two Koreas, lies the last remnant of the Cold War. "Demilitarized" zone is perhaps the most improper name for one of the most heavily fortified places on Earth. On the south side is the tightly contained Guard Post 506 (GP506), where armed soldiers stay alert for possible aggressions from the North.
One rainy evening, sergeant major Noh Seong-gyu is called to attend to an emergency. A massacre has occurred within GP506, leaving 20 dead and one unconscious. The 30-year veteran and 20 others are dispatched to investigate the bloodbath.
It's a messy situation. There are no signs of external attack and the corpses are mostly unidentifiable. The entire Defense Ministry is on fire because the commander of GP506, first lieutenant Yu Jeong-u, happens to be the army chief's son. They have less than 10 hours to wrap up the case and bring back Yu's body.
Corporeal Gang Jin-won, found with an axe in hand and now lying in a coma, is naturally the prime suspect. "I will now kill our entire unit. We must all be dead by the time this is discovered," says a disturbed-looking Gang in a self-taped video. It seems like another spur of the moment act by a soldier gone mad.
Due to the downpour, the investigation team too becomes trapped in the GP. Noh, however, realizes that there are only 19 dead bodies. The soldiers search the maze-like GP and find lieutenant Yu, alive and traumatized. The 6 a.m. deadline draws near, but Yu refuses to break his silence and tries to escape, violently and to no avail
Yet, as Noh looks into the case, it becomes clear that there is more to it than what appears on the surface. Bizarre happenings had crippled GP506 long before the killings, but critical files have been destroyed and Yu does everything in his power to keep things hidden. Deeper into the night, one ominous secret unravels after another and the 21 investigative soldiers are doomed to face a similar fate.
"GP506" follows the highly publicized military shooting incidents in recent years. While it takes place over one night, director Gong devoted two years to bring a story he thought of 20 years ago. The movie reveals GP506 for the first time onscreen, and takes us to the DMZ, a place so close, yet so far away. While profoundly ingrained in the heart and soul of Korea, it is also a place that is slipping away from our memories.
No man's land since July 27, 1953, the DMZ remains unspoiled by humans, where rare _ and probably many unknown ― flora and fauna flourish. It's a haven for endangered wildlife, but it's also where unique viruses like the hantavirus are found.
It's a real place but is shrouded with so much mystery that it allows room for fictional fantasies to take flight. While "GP506" begins like a typical Agatha Christie thriller, it has a touch of "Alien 4" or "Silent Hill" as it solely takes place within the claustrophobic labyrinth of GP506.
Veteran actor Chun Ho-jin displays strong charisma and warm humanity as Noh, while heartbreaker Jo Hyun-jae breaks away from his melodramatic Romeo roles to play the agonized Yu. Rising actor Lee Young-hoon shines brightly as Gang, and viewers will be able to sympathize with these young, virile men who are doomed to perish in the confines of forced military service.
This is not recommended for weak stomachs: be prepared for lots of gore and explosive sound effects complete with an actual K2 grenade launcher. In theaters April 3.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/03/135_21497.html |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 27, 2008
Actress Donates Money to Promote Book Reading
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Actress Moon Geun-young
Actress Moon Geun-young has donated close to 100 million to Morning Reading, a non-profit organization that promotes reading books.
The 20-year-old gave 4.3 million won in 2005, 4 million won in 2006 and 70 million won last year. The popular star of TV drama "Autumn Fairytale" made the contributions secretly through her mother, Ryu Seon-young, but her good deeds became known when Morning Reading revealed its 2007 account information online.
Founded in 2005, Morning Reading encourages elementary, middle and high school students to read books. Moon became acquainted with the organization when Ryu first bequeathed 1 million won, and has since helped whenever there were budget constraints, said the organization, according to Yonhap News.
"When we first received the gift, we thought it was a mistake because it was too much. Later Ryu introduced herself as a librarian at the national library," Han Sang-su, head of Morning Reading, was quoted as saying. "Moon's help was critical to our development."
Moon is affectionately called "the nation's little sister" and has appeared in popular movies like "My Little Bride." She is also known for continuously supporting other causes such as library-building and helping disadvantaged students in small villages, as well as promoting scholarship programs and securing funds for those with terminal diseases.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/ ... 8/03/178_21519.html |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 6, 2008
Singer Kim Ji-hyeon, visits screen in seven years after "Summer Time"
Kim Ji-hyeon, who used to be in the group Roo'ra, will visit the screen.
Juggling her solo singing career, acting, and personal business, she has finished filming independent film "Purple Rain".
Director Jang Dong-hyeon, who was the assistant director for "My Wife Is a Gangster 2" and "Gohae", is directing "Purple Rain", the story of Yong-dae, a director of erotic videos, and Young-hee, a worker at a bar. The main characters are Choi Hak-rak, who has shown his acting in "Raybang" and "Lump sugar", and Choi Eun-joo, who starred in "My Wife is a Gangster" and "The First Amendment". Kim Ji-hyeon plays the wife of Yong-dae.
More than anything else, the actors and staff were captivated by the perfect scenario and participated for no pay.
Those from the producing company said, "The actors including Kim Ji-hyeon saw the script and decided to participate with no salary out of their pure hearts rather than commercial profit".
Mid-last month, they finished filming the last scene when Yong-dae meets Young-hee to give her the most special present in the world. Filming lasted two months, and "Purple Rain" is currently in its later stage of producing but the premiere date is undecided.
Original article at www.heraldbiz.com
English translation by www.hancinema.net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 19, 2008
So Ji-sub, Lee Yeon-hee act as lovers in short film
Actors So Ji-sub and Lee Yeon-hee came out as lovers in "U-Turn", a movie produced by Ssang Yong Motors and On Media. Director Jang Jin of "A Day with My Son" will produce the short film, made of three parts of four minutes each.
The story is that So Ji-sub falls for Lee Yeon-hee's awkward yet lovable charm when she enters his life.
"U-Turn" has filmed from last month to mid-March in Seoul and Kyung Gi Do, and it will be aired on cable starting on April 1. It will also be used as a commercial for SsangYong Acty-On.
Original article at media.daum.net
English translation by www.hancinema.net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 19, 2008
Lee Byeong-Heon, first filming of Hollywood movie "G. I. Joe"
Lee Byeong-Heon finished the first filming of the Hollywood action move "G. I. Joe" as Storm Shadow.
Paramount Pictures said on the 19th that Lee Byeong-Heon successful completed an important filming on the 13th.
His character, Storm Shadow, has a complicated and dark past. He left Korea on January 23 to practice action scenes and rehearse.
His first Hollywood work, "G. I. Joe" is a remake of a cartoon, and it portrays the conflict between the terrorist commander Cobra and U. S. military unit.
Paramount Pictures said, "Lee Byeong-Heon is a top star popular not only in Korea, but in all of Asia".
Original article at news.empas.com
English translation by www.hancinema.net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 20, 2008
Kwon Sang-woo, "I want to marry within two years"
Actor Kwon Sang-woo revealed that he would like to marry before becoming 35.
He said in an interview with Sports Korea, "If there was someone I was seeing, I would like to marry even now. I think I need to marry before I become 35 in order to have children and raise a normal family. I don't want to go beyond 35".
It is time for kwon Sang-woo to be thinking seriously about marriage, for he turned 33 this year. He must also think of his parents, who are expecting him to marry, for his older brother of five years married already. He said, "If you're not an actor, you should be married by this age".
After debuting in 2001 in his twenties, he is now moving towards his mid-thirties. He joked, "I was so fresh before. If I look at how I looked at my debut, I feel I got a lot older. It's hard for Asian actors to stay handsome even with age. I want to remain handsome".
He received the role of a violent gang member in the movie "Fate", coming out on the 20th. It is his first evil character after debuting. He said, "I have No Regret of choosing my role. The character is villainous, but he gives laughter. I hope everyone can accept it as a change".
Original article at news.naver.com
English translation by www.hancinema.net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 20, 2008
Kim Seon-ah, Come back in drama after "Yi San"
There are talks about "Sam Soon" Kim Seon-ah becoming the leading female role for "Every Night", to air after "Yi San".
The character is a sexy 29-year-old single woman. The male character, a player who only likes young women, may be played by Lee Dong-geon.
Kim Seon-ah is attempting another comedy after MBC hit drama "My Name is Kim Sam-soon". There is expectation that there will be successful viewing rates.
Her drama plans to air after "Yi San" ends in June.
Original article at kr.news.yahoo.com
English translation by www.hancinema.net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 20, 2008
Top stars' next work anticipated
Top stars including Jeon Do-yeon, Choi Min-sik, Song Kang-ho, and Seol Kyeong-gu are emerging as saviors of Korean movies. From blockbuster hits to cinematographic movies, they aim to revitalize various genres this summer.
Jeon Do-yeon, who received the Cannes Film Festival award for Best Actress for "Secret Sunshine" is working hard to finish filming "A Fine Day".
This movie is about an unemployed, single woman in her thirties who meets an ex-boyfriend and embarks on an adventure for a day.
She acts with Ha Jeong-woo, who is raising stock prices with this year's best movie, "The Chaser".
As soon as filming ends at the end of this month, they will go into the latter half of production.
Park Ji-eun, the marketing team leader of the production company said, "There isn't a definite genre and plans for marketing, but it is certain that you can see this film in theaters in the later half of the year".
Choi Min-sik is done filming "Himalaya-Where the Wind Stops".
He showed his great acting in 2004 in "Old Boy", and this is his first film in three years after "Crying Fist" in 2005.
When a Nepalese factory worker dies in an accident, Choi Min-sik's character goes to a town in the Himalayas to give his family the remains. Director Jeon Soo-il has gone to many international film festivals with movies such as "The Bird Who Stops in the Air".
Team leader Son Min-kyung of Show East, the producing company, revealed that, "Kim Hyeong-suk, who was the music director of "My Sassy Girl", is also involved. It will be premiered in the first half of this year if impossible".
Song Kang-ho, a very influential actor, will be appearing in the Western style blockbuster "The Good, the Bad, and the Weird".
It is an action movie of men who are in lawless Manchuria in the 1930s during Japanese control. It is expected to be this year's best movie, for it features other top stars such as Lee Byeong-Heon and Jeong Woo-seong.
Also, Seol Kyeong-gu will play Kang Chul-jung, and Choi Min-soo will be in "Street of Dreams", a joint production of Korea, America, and Japan.
Movie producers said, "The fact that top stars like Jeon Do-yeon and Song Kang-ho are starring means an audience of at least 1 million. There is great expectation that they will bring a new craze into the stuck movie industry.
Original article at media.daum.net
English translation by www.hancinema.net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 21, 2008
Kwon Sang-woo, "Acknowledge criticism on pronunciation"
Actor kwon Sang-woo revealed his strengths and weaknesses.
In an interview, he joked, "My weakness, although it may be biased, is that I'm tired of hearing criticism about my pronunciation. My strength is that I'm a sensible actor. I'm very focused and I catch what the directors want. I'm a pretty good actor".
In addition, he said, "Honestly, I have a lot of faults, but I try to look at my strengths instead and overcome my weaknesses. It's not like actors work for little pay, and I think actors need to be on set early and do their best to do what the director says".
He also said, "I concentrated on "Fate" a lot, because it was my first thing since resting for two years. I thought I should go back to the intention I had as a beginner. I bought drinks and met with my acting coach and talked about the script a lot. Next door, there were students and new actors practicing for their debut, but I didn't think it was embarrassing".
He added, "I prepared this for my satisfaction and pride. I don't think there was a time I tried so hard".
He is acting as an evil character for the first time in his eight-year acting career in "Fate", showing on the 20th. His character betrays his friend (played by Song Seung-heon), but it is a role that gives laughter to the audience. "Fate" tells the story of four friends who hurt each other through misunderstanding and betrayal.
Original article at news.empas.com
English translation by www.hancinema.net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 20, 2008
Revealing of stars who are different inside and out
It is not an exaggeration when we say stars live on their "image". It is because the public image they portray can determine their success or failure. Controlling one's image is that important. This sometimes becomes a double-edge sword to stars. If there are stars who are met with public favor through their consistent control of image, there are also who are met with frowns because they can't manage their crazy personal lives.
There are some who gain popularity for their consistency with images inside the TV and out. A main example would be Kim Jeong-eun. It is her specialty that she's not different from her roles on TV. She has been judged as always being optimistic. She not only tries hard for each role, but is an actress who knows how to lower herself.
Recently, she has become the host of the music talk show "Chocolate". She is inviting all the guests herself, and is known as a hard worker.
Song Yoon-ah, who has recently been in the middle of criticism for her overacting, is also one who is not different from her appearance. She is known for choosing roles that need her, whether or not they are main roles. She is sensible and honest and also well-mannered, for she doesn't focus on money. Among producers, directors, and co-workers, there are none who don't like her, and she is acknowledged as one of the top actresses who directors want to work with.
Jang Dong-gun, who seems to be the perfect man, is also known for his humanity. He is the best in stardom, acting, and manners, and he continues to receive love calls from advertising companies. In the beginning, people thought he was merely good-looking, but now is accepted for his acting through movies such as "The Coast Guard" and "Taegukgi".
There are comments that he doesn't like to show his emotions, but people who have worked with him compliment his consideration for others and professionalism. His friends say that he's not prideful despite being a top star and always tries his best.
Many are jealous of Cha In-pyo, who shows off his love for his wife and has a clean personal life. He is also well-mannered and considerate to strangers. It is said that he lives a upright life, and he plays his role as the head of the family well. Though he has been inactive for a while, he is awaiting the premiere of "Crossing", a movie about North Koreans.
Ahn Seong-gi is also number one for a good image. He is a national actor, known for excellent acting, whether or not in the lead role. He humbles himself anywhere, at any time, and for anyone. Known for his kind heart, he also does community service, including UNICEF, and donates his time and money. He also helps the progress of many events without pay.
Kim Jang-hoon, Ahn Seong-gi, and Cha In-pyo complimented for being the same "National stars for sure"
Pure image Miss 'A' is person of underworld; calm Miss 'B' is really the queen of the nightlife
Moon Geun-yeong, whom Ahn Seong-gi has said he wants to work with, is good-humored even at a young age, and is known for being kind to others. She is the epitome of 'anonymous service'. Last January, she bought land, donated money for building, and provided transportation for a study lounge in a village. It is not irrelevant that she has great parents. Her parents let her be an actress if she agreed to donate a certain amount to the community.
Original article at news.naver.com
English translation by www.hancinema.net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 21, 2008
Lee Jeong-jae & Jeong Ryeo-won, Lovers in "Mellows"
Lee Jeong-jae and Jeong Ryeo-won will be acting as lovers on the screen.
They confirmed to star in the movie "Mellows", which will start filming late April, and are now working on the details.
"Mellows" is a melodrama portraying the love between an insurance inspector whose wife committed suicide and a blind woman who had been in a coma for a year. "Mellows" has drawn great interest, as it is a new movie by Director Song Hae-seong, who also produced "Failan" and "Our Happy Time".
Because it is love with someone in a coma, it will contain a feeling of fantasy as it goes back and forth from fantasy to reality.
There is great interest to see the on-screen chemistry between Lee Jeong-jae, who is coming back to the screen after a long break after "Riot in a Bar in 1724", and Jeong Ryeo-won, whose first movie was "2 Faces of My Girlfriend".
Original article at news.naver.com
English translation by www.hancinema.net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 23, 2008
Hard times for Yoon Eun-hye? Growing pains of becoming a big star
Yoon Eun-hye has fallen in a happy dilemma, for she is becoming popular after the success of "Coffee Prince".
She is not doing a drama or movie right now but is so busy with commercials that she hasn't found time to recharge as an actress. It seems she's resting after her drama but truthfully, she is spending at least twenty days in a month for promotions. For this month, she has filming for Basic House and JoinUs, and a commercial for v=b in April.
She is a model for many clothing brands, and although she received proposals for alcohol, tire, candy, and fast food commercials, she refused because it did not fit with either her image or her busy schedule.
"Coffee Prince" has gained much popularity in Japan and China, and there are requests for her to visit or have promotions there. But she is so busy in Korea that it is impossible to have three free days. The media press of Japan, who has become tired of waiting, requested press coverage of Yoon Eun-hye in Korea, and are planning to go in April.
It has been a while since she became the first choice for dramas and movies. Because of this, there are rumors that the pay must be 50,000 dollars per drama episode, and it is leaving her company speechless.
Original article at media.daum.net
English translation by www.hancinema.net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 24, 2008
Hyeon Bin, Screen Comeback with movie "I Am Happy"
After two years, Hyeon Bin will be coming back to the screen since "A Millionaire's First Love". He wasn't involved in anything after drama "Snow Queen".
On the 20th, he posted a message at his fan caf |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Author
