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June 26, 2012
Yoon Eun-hye has been making efforts in community service in Madagascar
By Elli Park Korea JoongAng Daily
In the morning of June 25, Yoon updated her Twitter, saying, “I made it back safely, finishing the project in success. For the beautiful nature of Madagascar, the lovely children who are facing the reality of starvation, I pray and hope that they soon will be blessed and helped by many.”
The update was accompanied by a picture of Yoon smiling with two Malagasy children in her arms.
In response to the picture, netizens praised Yoon’s efforts, saying it was nice to see Yoon taking part in such charitable deeds in the island country in the Indian Ocean.
Meanwhile, Yoon has started her post-graduate studies at Chung-Ang University this year March. |
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June 27, 2012
Actress Kim Bo-yeon denies secret divorce
By Shin Na-yun The Korea Times
It is unlikely that veteran actress Kim Bo-yeon, 55, will reunite with her former husband and actor Jeon No-min, 46, according to a TV program.
On the SBS program, “Good Morning,” Wednesday, Kim also denied rumors that she divorced Jeon due to financial problem caused by failure of a business operated by the couple.
She added that Jeon proposed the divorce first after they suffered from threats by people involved in the makgeolli fermenting business which they started three years ago. She said that she has not received calls from Jeon or met with him, reaffirming that there will be no possibility of reunion.
Kim, who had been envied by her friends and neighbors for her married life, also said that her two daughters have accepted the separation as natural.
The program also featured her younger daughter, Eun-jo, who is studying in the United States. |
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June 27, 2012
Friend says Yunho and Park Soo-jin are not an item
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
After pictures of TVXQ’s Yunho and actress Park Soo-jin emerged online via Sports Seoul’s Web site on June 27, the agency of Yunho’s friend Kang Dong-ho – who the two were visiting when they were spotted together – has come out to say that the two were not on a date.
“It’s true that Yunho came to talk on the show last Thursday. We didn’t know that Park was there also. But there must have been some seven or eight people with Yunho,” said Kang’s representative.
Earlier in the day, Sports Seoul reported that Yunho and Park, who are known for their 10-year friendship, were spotted together in Daehangno, central Seoul on June 21.
The article said that “with some people, you never know if they are just friends or dating. Celebrities are no exception,” before questioning the nature of Yunho and Park’s relationship.
The two were captured as they emerged out of the same van and went into a local theater to watch the musical “Finding Kim Jong-wook,” which stars Yunho’s good friend Kang, who Yunho met when they acted in the musical “The Palace” back in 2010. |
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June 27, 2012
Hallyu store-cafes become tourist magnet
By Jean Oh The Korea Herald
Overseas visitors putting entertainment companies’ rest-and-shop spaces on itinerary
Influencing overseas artists and attracting a burgeoning fan base that knows no borders, it should come as no surprise that Korean pop is one of the reasons why tourists visit South Korea.
What might baffle some is how overseas K-pop fans tour South Korea once they arrive, since music, by definition, is intangible.
K-pop, however, is proving to be more than just an audio-visual experience.
When music goliath SM Entertainment opened a five-story ode to K-pop in the form of a karaoke-souvenir-entertainment venue called “e” in September 2008, the place went on to become a tourist attraction for visitors interested in the music genre.
This was three years before SM Entertainment’s Paris concert, before the press ― both local and overseas ― would go wild over what is now oft-called the K-pop phenomenon.
Within those three years, SM Entertainment’s subsidiary SM Amusement has opened four more such venues ― three gift shops-and-corners and another souvenir-karaoke stop in Myeong-dong ― all under the moniker Everysing.
“We have seen a large increase in visitors starting last year,” Everysing Operation Division supervisor Lee Dae-o said. “Last year, sales jumped 60 percent. Our main customers are Asian tourists, with 40 percent from Japan, 30 percent from China and 20 percent from Southeast Asia. Following the SM Town concert in Europe last year, we also saw a hike in customers from Europe and South America, who now form about 10 percent of our tourist customer base.”
Overseas visitors check out Korean pop souvenirs at Everysing ― a gift shop-karaoke-sticker booth
space run by SM Entertainment subsidiary SM Amusement ― in Myeong-dong, Seoul (Kim Myung-sub/The Korea Herald)
Myeong-dong, according to Lee, was chosen as the second main venue because the area attracts tourists.
“We Googled Everysing to come and buy K-pop stuff,” said Tanja-Maria Weiringer, 23, and Esther Farkas, 22, from Austria who dropped by the Myeong-dong store on a weekday afternoon. The two are in Korea for their studies.
“I like Big Bang and CNBLUE,” said Farkas.
“I like Super Junior,” said Weiringer, who added that she was a fan of Super Junior member Kyuhyun.
“I always drag her here, but Kyuhyun’s stuff is always sold out,” said Weiringer, who has also visited other Everysing outlets.
Hiromi Kokubu, 49, who was visiting from Japan, said she read about Everysing in a Japanese guidebook and that she had come to purchase Super Junior goods.
Despite all the merchandise on hand ― framed photos, pillow cases, tumblers, to name a few ― Kokubu said, “There are not as many items as I hoped for.”
While Everysing also sells non-SM Entertainment artists’ items including those of other K-pop artists and Korean dramas, it plans to continue to expand its merchandise to encompass more K-pop and to revamp the Myeong-dong space.
SM Entertainment is not alone in the K-pop rest-and-shop business.
This April, Cube Entertainment ― home to major K-pop groups 4Minute and B2ST ― opened a cafe that also sells souvenirs.
Cube Entertainment’s coffeehouse, Cube Studio, offers fans a place to check out souvenirs, take a break, and, if the timing is right, a chance to see their favorite artists, up close and in person.
Practice rooms for Cube artists were built on the floor above the cafe, upping opportunities for customers to see major K-pop idols when they visit.
“Essentially, Cube Entertainment CEO Hong Seung-sung wanted to create a place where he could foster communication with fans and also wanted artists to have a place where they could practice,” said Cube Entertainment PR team manager An Hyo-jin.
Situated near Cube Entertainment, JYPE and SM Entertainment headquarters in Cheongdam-dong, An explained how they wanted to provide a place for fans to rest while waiting to catch a glimpse of their favorite artists.
“Fans used to come and stand outside for hours on end,” An elaborated.
Liza Yunos, 27, said of Cube Studio, “Nice, fantastic, it has the best ambiance.”
Yunos, Siti Raihana and Zahirah Lyana, who were visiting from Singapore, said their plans were to visit JYPE and SM Entertainment headquarters after Cube Studio, but not before they had checked out Cube Entertainment souvenirs, including those of one of their favorite band, B2ST.
While there, several artists dropped by, causing a stir of excitement in the cafe.
“I feel lucky to have seen an artist,” said Okada Tomoko, 30, who was visiting from Japan.
Cube’s An said, “Before there was no place for fans to go and they could only take photos outside the headquarters. Fans have expressed their gratitude for a space like this.” |
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June 28, 2012
Choi Ji-woo returns to Chinese drama
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Hallyu actress Choi Ji-woo is set to make her Chinese drama comeback after a nine-year hiatus.
Choi’s agency announced yesterday that after considering several proposals from Chinese companies, she has decided to take part in “City’s Lovers” alongside Chinese heartthrob Qin Hao.
Choi will leave for China in July for three months of production.
The romantic melodrama starring two of Asia’s prominent actors centers on a love story between a female CEO and a new male employee.
As much as Choi is a renowned actress in Korea, Qin is a superstar in his own right in China. The 32-year-old has been nominated for awards three times at the Cannes International Film Festival.
Choi said she was excited to take part in another Chinese drama at long last.
“There were various proposals, but due to certain reasons, I couldn’t take on any of them,” she said. “I’m so excited and can’t wait to show another side of me as you’ve never seen before.” |
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June 29, 2012
T-ara's Eun-jung Cast In New Drama "Five Fingers"
KBS Global
Already a familiar face in the drama realm, T-ara's Eun-jung has been cast in another new role for the upcoming drama "Five Fingers.
Eun-jung was a name on the list for the role, but confirmations weren't made. Until now. Core Contents Media confirmed on June 29th that the idol star will be playing the role of Hong Dami, a girl that is forced to give up on her own personal dreams due to difficult family circumstances.
"Five Fingers" is about youth that struggle to overcome their tragic pasts and obstacles, fighting to reach for the stars and see their dreams come true. Joo Ji-hoon is another name confirmed; he will be playing the main male lead.
Eun-jung was debating on whether she should take the role or not, due to plans for T-ara's new album and ensuing promotions slated for the near future. However, she has decided to juggle both acts.
Eun-jung's previous drama projects include "Dream High 1" and "Coffee House".
"Five Fingers" will start airing on August 4th, following the currently running "Gentlemen's Class". |
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June 28, 2012
Davichi's Kang Min-kyung Cast In Drama "Haeundae Lovers"
KBS Global
Already having taken her first few steps in acting, power vocalist duo Davichi's Kang Min-kyung has been cast for her next project: a KBS drama.
A KBS representative confirmed on June 27th that Kang will indeed to playing a role in the upcoming new drama "Haeundae Lovers". She has already attended her first script reading on the 25th. The rep continued on, praising Kang's image and beauty which goes well with
the character she's been cast as.
Kang will play a secretary at a hotel named Hwang Joo-hee, who was a fellow classmate of the character Go So-ra (played by Jo Yeo-jung). Go is the daugther of a gangster who falls in love with a Seoul prosecuter, Lee Tae-sung (played by Kim Kang-woo).
Hwang is beautiful, and knows it, and uses most of her income to maintain that beauty. Hwang also has a crush on the elite lawyer Choi Joon-hyuk (played by Jung Suk-won), the vice president of the hotel she works at.
The drama will be filmed in Busan. This romantic comedy will start airing after "Big" on August 13th. |
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June 29, 2012
Choi Ji-woo Cast in Chinese Drama, City Lovers
KBS Global
Actress Choi Ji-woo has been cast in a Chinese Drama called City Lovers. According to her management company on June 27th, Choi was recently cast in the drama directed by Li Yuan and will leave for China in early July to shoot the drama in Beijing for three months.
It will be Choi’s first Chinese drama in nine years since 101st Proposal in 2003. City Lovers is a love story of a female CEO (played by Choi Ji-woo) with a new employee (Qin Hao) at her company. It will be aired on the Chinese Satellite TV network early next year. [Yonhap] |
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June 29, 2012
JYJ featured in French daily paper
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Boy band JYJ was featured in France’s Le Parisien daily newspaper on Wednesday in an article on the group’s rise to international fame.
The article, titled “K-pop conquers South America,” delved into the appeal of the trio, commenting on its “addictive lyrics and perfectly synchronized dance moves.”
JYJ’s success in South America was highlighted with the mentioning of the band’s recent world tour, which had the group make stops in 15 cities across the globe.
The fact that an Asian group managed to perform for fans in European countries as well as in Chile and Peru was deemed a phenomenal feat by the French paper.
The report also mentioned the group’s official “Membership Week,” which opened yesterday at Setec convention hall in southern Seoul, and saw more than 7,000 Japanese fans visiting Korea for the chance to meet the boy band members. More than 3,500 hotel rooms have been booked for the fan event.
The paper called JYJ a “Hallyu group that knows no bounds.” |
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June 29, 2012
'Bourne Legacy' Puts Seoul on Hollywood Radar
ChosunIlbo
A trailer of the fourth installment in the popular spy series "The Bourne Legacy" -- starring Jeremy Renner instead of Matt Damon -- was unveiled ahead of its release in August, stirring responses from movie fans here as it features scenes shot in Seoul.
Some parts of "The Bourne Legacy" were shot at subway stations in Gangnam and nearby areas in the capital for two days last year, the Seoul Film Commission said.
"It might be the first time that a Hollywood film has featured Seoul. 'The Bourne Legacy' production team was apparently drawn to Seoul as it has been less exposed in films than other Asian metropolises like Tokyo, Beijing and Shanghai," it said.
Seoul is becoming an increasingly popular location for foreign films. The number of foreign movies for which the commission provided some administrative support more than doubled from 10 in 2008 to 24 last year.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government is also running a program to support 25 percent of the production costs spent by foreign production companies, up to a maximum of 100 million. In 2008, only five films benefited from the program, but this rose to 10 in 2011. As of June this year, five films have been selected to enjoy the program's patronage.
According to the commission, Southeast Asian producers began shooting films in Seoul in the late 2000s due to the Korean Wave, and most were successful in their domestic markets.
In 2006 and 2007, the beneficiaries of the program were mostly documentaries produced by the U.K. or the U.S., as well as low-budget films. But from 2009, the trend began to change.
The Thai fim "Hello Stranger" was shot in Seoul in 2009, and over 90 percent of the scenes feature famous tourist spots such as Myeong-dong, Deoksu Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Mt. Nam. The movie revolves around a romance between a young Thai couple who meet in Seoul while on holiday. It was the third-most successful film at the Thai box office in 2010.
Other foreign films made in Seoul also became box office hits in their respective countries last year, including "Kimmy Dora and the Temple of Kiyeme" in the Philippines and "Aku Ada Kau Ada" in Malaysia.
But experts point out that Seoul lacks a strong landmark or cultural symbol to attract big Hollywood and European productions. The commission said it invited Hollywood producers to look around Seoul early this year and they expressed interest in pockets of the city with a more traditional setting and unique atmosphere.
That suggests Seoul's fast development and modernization could work against it with some filmmakers, so it will have to preserve its distinctive traditional charms to become a world-class location, the commission added. |
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June 29, 2012
Kim Hyun-joong set to begin filming
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
After selling the rights to a drama that hasn’t even gone into production, Kim Hyun-joong is finally set to start filming “City Conquest.”
A spokesperson for the drama said Friday the first location for shooting will be in Japan, starting on July 10 and continuing about two weeks.
“The filming will take place in Nikko and Edo Wonderland in Utsunomiya. Tochigi Prefecture has kindly promised to offer its full support, no doubt as the program is one that is gathering much attention overseas,” said the spokesperson.
Nikko is a city known for its historical attractions, with many shrines and temples designated as World Heritage Sites.
Other stars to take part in the drama are Nam Gung-min, Kim Seung-woo and Jung Yu-mi.
Earlier, Kim and his upcoming TV show made headlines when it was announced that four locales in Asia had signed contracts to purchase rights to the drama. By signing with Japan, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan ahead of time, Kim made 11.8 billion won (about $10 million). |
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June 29, 2012
Jung Il-woo invited to China awards
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Actor Jung Il-woo has been asked to attend a Chinese awards ceremony as the Korean celebrity guest of honor.
Jung’s agency confirmed on Friday that Jung will make his way to Beijing for the 2012 Huading Awards ceremony that recognizes the Chinese public’s favorite entertainers. It will be held on July 4 at Beijing Olympic Stadium.
It marks the first time in the seven-year history of the awards that a Hallyu star has been invited to the ceremony.
The awards show had previously focused only on the Chinese entertainment scene, but this year decided to acknowledge the wider Asian entertainment industry.
Award winners were chosen through phone and online surveys on Chinese Web sites, such as Sina.com, Sohu.com and the awards’ main site.
His agency said Jung was invited following the popularity of last year’s “Flower Boy Ramen Shop.” The tvN production was No. 1 top among dramas streamed live online in China. |
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June 29, 2012
Han Ji-min takes Mnet drama award
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Actress Han Ji-min won the “20’s Drama Star” prize at Mnet’s 20’s Choice Awards on Thursday at the Banyan Tree Club and Spa in central Seoul.
The awards, which are determined by netizens from six locales, cited Han’s work in the drama “Rooftop Prince.”
Han emerged onto the stage in the club’s pool area to claim her prize and thanked “the staff and actors who took part in the drama.” Han said she was grateful for the award and that she plans to continue to strive to become a better actress.
Others nominees in the category were Yoona from Girls’ Generation, Ha Ji-won, Shin Se-kyung and Jung Ryeo-won.
The award show, which is in its sixth year, gave out awards in 20 categories. Fans from Korea and abroad voted online, while agencies and industry experts also took part in various surveys.
Other winners included Suzy from Miss A and actors Han Hye-jin and Kim Soo-hyun. Kim won for best male drama star and “Hot Star” of the moment. |
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July 1, 2012
Yoon Jin-seo released from hospital
By Moon Gwang-lip Korea JoongAng Daily
Yoon Jin-seo, who starred in the 2003 movie “Oldboy,” was discharged from the hospital Friday, after being treated for an overdose of anti-influenza medicine, according to her agents.
A day earlier, Yoon was rushed to the emergency room unconscious, triggering media speculation that she attempted suicide with sleeping pills. Her agency denied it.
“I am sorry that I concerned many people,” her agency quoted Yoon as saying.
One of her assistants found the 28-year-old actress sleeping at her residence in Ilsan, north of Seoul, Thursday afternoon with a paper bag of medicine at her side and called for emergency treatment just in case, according to the agency.
The agency said it was only cold medicine that she had taken for a sleeping disorder from the jetlag caused by her recent trip to the United States. The documents at the scene were movie scenes that Yoon was working on, the agency said. |
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July 1, 2012
Legal damage claims are mounting
By Moon Gwang-lip Korea JoongAng Daily
Legal disputes involving actress Lee Mi-sook and her former agency, The Contents Entertainment, are getting uglier with the money claimed in pending lawsuits reportedly growing to 3 billion won.
Last Friday, the agency filed a lawsuit against Lee and two others for breach of contract and defamation and claimed 2 billion won in damages.
Lee’s former manager, identified only by his surname Yu, and Song Seon-mi, another actress formerly with the agency, were also named in the lawsuit.
In 2009, Lee and Song moved to an entertainment company set up by Yu, called Hoya Entertainment.
Lee countersued last month when a media outlet quoted company officials saying that Lee had an “inappropriate relationship” with a male host 17 years younger than her. In the suit, filed against the company as well as the two journalists who reported the story, Lee claimed 1 billion won in damages. Lee denied the report. The 53-year-old Lee debuted as a TV actress in 1978. She received the best actress award from MBC in 2008. |
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July 2, 2012
Bae Soo-bin mulling over role in KangFull's political film
Reporter : Lucia HongEditor : Monica Suk 10Asia
Bae Soo-bin [BH Entertainment]
Korean actor Bae Soo-bin is mulling over a role in a political film adapted from the webtoon by KangFull, according to the pic's production company, Chungeorahm Film.
A producer from Chungeorahm told the magazine in a phone interview on Monday that Bae is currently in discussions to play a secretary in "26 Years."
The film is already surrounded by some of the most popular Korean stars, including Korean ballad group 2AM's Seulong, actress Han Hye-jin and actor Jin Goo.
"26 Years," which had evoked controversy when first released in comic strips, begins with one of the most critical events in Korean history in the 1980s.
The story goes deep into the pro-democracy movement in the city of Gwangju on May 18, 1980, when thousands of people -- mostly composed of college students -- were killed or wounded by the South Korean government.
The incident showed how the people were brutally suppressed by the dictatorial administration of the time and KangFull's web comic puts emphasis on the overcoming of inter-personal and societal barriers.
The film was originally set to star actress Kim Ah-joong and Ryoo Seung-beom under the title "29 Years" in 2008, but the production came to halt once investors pulled out from funding the film due to external issues.
Bae made his debut in 2002 through the Chinese TV series, "The Proof of Memories" on CCTV. The actor has since appeared in other dramas such as "The Painter of the Wind," which won him the new star award at the 2008 SBS Drama Awards.
His credits include MBC's historical drama "Dong Yi - Jewel in the Crown" and since then he has been promoting the show in various countries in Asia. Bae last starred in SBS' series "49 Days" with Jung Il-woo, Lee Yo-won and Nam Gyu-ri.
In Japan, Bae has recently starred in the Japanese film titled "The Man of White Porcelain," alongside Japanese actor Yu Yoshizawa. |
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July 2, 2012
Lee Si-young steps up for another boxing competition
By Elli Park, intern reporter Korea JoongAng Daily
Ilgan Sports reported on July 1 that actress Lee Si-young, 30, also dubbed “Boxing Queen,” will compete in a boxing competition starting July 6.
According to the sports daily, Lee will enter the women’s 48-kilogram weight segment at the Seoul Boxing Competition, which will run from July 6 to 8 at the Korea National Sport University.
Lee has participated in boxing competitions in the past, most recently when she took the championship title at the 92nd Annual National Sports Competition in March of last year.
While filming the KBS dramas “Poseidon (2011)” and “Wild Romance,” Lee was professionally trained for boxing and has since become a serious boxer.
After first coming across boxing in her drama, Lee entered and won the Seventh Annual Women’s Amateur Boxing Competition in 2010, and continued the momentum to win the KBI National Boxing Competition in the same year.
Lee’s winning trend continued throughout 2011, collecting many championship titles and trophies on the way.
A source added that “Lee has been running six kilometers every morning and training for this competition.”
“Lee is really passionate about boxing, and we hope this competition will bring good results again,” said Lee’s agency. |
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July 2, 2012
Kang Min-kyung to star in new drama
By Elli Park, intern reporter Korea JoongAng Daily
Kang Min-kyung of the vocal duo Davichi has been casted for KBS’s new drama “Haeundae Lovers.”
“Haeundae Lovers” is a romantic comedy that revolves around a prosecutor who lost his memory and a daughter of a mobster.
In the drama, Kang will work with actress Cho Yeo-jeong, appearing as Cho’s high school friend.
Previously, Kang showed her talent as an actor in the SBS drama “Smile, Mom” (2010) and MBN’s “Vampire Idol” (2011).
Actors Kim Kang-woo, Jung Suk-won and Nam Gyu-ri have also been cast for the show.
“Haeundae Lovers” wil supersede the current drama “Big” on the KBS network and will premiere on Aug. 13. |
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July 2, 2012
Joo Sang-wook gives comedy a try
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Actor Joo Sang-wook has been recruited for the second season of “Qualifications of Men” - a segment within the KBS weekend variety show “Happy Sunday.”
Joo’s agency confirmed yesterday that after much deliberation, the 33-year-old star decided to take part in the comedy program.
“As Joo has only really taken on serious acting roles to date, we thought long and hard about it. Then we decided that the show will help him connect with viewers and decided to get on board,” said a spokesperson from the actor’s agency yesterday.
Joo will join comedian Kim Jun-hyun and singer Kim Kyung-ho in addition to the original cast as filming begins today.
On June 10, the star of the drama “Feast of the Gods” held a fan meet at Meitetsu Hall in Nagoya, Japan.
As well as answering questions and reciting a song at the event, the Hallyu actor announced his upcoming plans.
“I am going to take part in a Chinese drama and in Japan I will try my hand at singing,” Joo revealed. |
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