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Sept 6, 2006
Bae Yong-jun's Fans Mesmerized with Actor's New Role
One Japanese fan of actor Bae Yong-jun says the actor looked his best in the teaser of his upcoming epic drama "Taewangsasingi," whose filming set on Jeju Island was attended by a group of Japanese fans September 5.
Some 130 Japanese fans arrived on the drama's filming set in five tourist buses, and were excited to see the footage of the drama's teaser prior to touring the set.
They were also lucky to see the shooting of a scene showing the young King Gwanggaeto.
A person from JAM Tour, the organizer of the event, said the director of the drama gave his permission to Japanese fans to see the drama's first shoot.
But after touring the set for about an hour the guests looked gloomy because the filming set had yet to be completed and they considered the scene they witnessed to be too short. Moreover, they had no chance to see Bae himself.
Nonetheless, the Japanese fans said they are willing to visit Jeju Island again if they have the opportunity to see Bae there.
A person from JAM Tour said the company never promised that the Japanese fans would see either Bae or the entire filming process of the drama when it announced the event, and expressed his regret that Bae was not supposed to shoot the drama that day.
JAM Tour has received reservations from some 5,000 Japanese women and plans to have invited 30,000 fans by February 28, when the drama's filming ends.
"Taewangsasingi," directed by Kim Jong-hak and written by Song Ji-na, is the story of King Gwanggaeto of the Goguryeo period.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1414098_11858.html |
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Sept 6, 2006
Shinhwa to Give Concert in Singapore
Shinhwa will become the first band from South Korea to give a concert in Singapore. The event will take place October 10 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium as part of Shinhwa's 2006 tour.
Shinhwa will visit Singapore for the second time following its first visit in 2004 to participate in the Euphoria 2004 concert. That same year, the band became the first from South Korea to enter the top-ten of Singapore's Mandarin chart with the song "Perfect Man."
"We'll do our best to leave a good impression in Singapore as the first Korean artists to give a concert there," said the band.
The four-member band Lug will appear as guest peformers to open Shinhwa's concert.
Shinhwa will sing "Once in a Lifetime," the title song of its eighth album, as well as "Brand New," "Perfect Man" and other hit songs.
On September 7, the band will domestically release its single 揟here Is a Sun in Our Hearts, |
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Sept 6, 2006
Japanese Magazine Admits False Reporting on Lee Byung-heon
A Japanese weekly magazine that reported groundless rumors about actor Lee Byung-heon has admitted its error.
Lee's agency, Phantom, said it has received an apology from the magazine for publishing false rumors about the actor on July 27, saying that Lee was dating a Japanese woman.
The agency warned of possible stern legal action against the magazine for publishing groundless rumors, but the case was closed after the magazine admitted its fault and apologized.
Lee's agent in charge of the actor's activities in Japan said he worked hard on the case to send a message of warning to the Japanese media, which have been underestimating Korean celebrities recently and spreading groundless rumors about them in Japan.
He also vowed strong action against similar incidents in the future because the recurrence of such incidents affects not only certain celebrities but all hallyu stars, and cited the need to build a systematic management system for Korean celebrities in Japan.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1414128_11858.html |
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Sept 6, 2006
Happy Hours and Two Complex Stars
The film "Our Happy Hours" directed by Song Hae-sung based on the novel by Gong Ji-young features two young stars, Kang Dong-won and Lee Na-young, whose charms dominate the movie. They are still beautiful when crying hard and sitting wearing rumpled prison garb. The movie tells the story of a woman who has tried to kill herself three times when she meets a man who is under death sentence for killing three people. Kang and Lee are like two candles that burn fitfully in the dark. The Chosun Ilbo spoke to two stars ahead of the
Kang Dong-won
#1
At a height of 186 cm, Kang nonetheless has a chiseled feminine face. Does he have a complex about the association people often make between good looks and bad acting? "No," he answers. "If I have a pretty face, I like it. I don't have any problems with my image as an actor. I'm just gradually moving toward being a true actor." What about the fact that he appeals to his women fans more as a younger brother, who seems to need their shoulders to cry on, rather as an older brother they can rely on? Kang smiles. "I like that too. I don't have to feel much responsibility" to protect those women.
#2
In the film, Kang's character recalls the day Lee visited and says, "I wish there were only Thursdays in my life." What day does the actor himself wish it was? "I wish every day was yesterday. I was so happy to work on this film, and after the preview and a party to celebrate the completion yesterday, I constantly got text messages saying 'Thank you for your hard work.' Seeing the messages, I cried; I couldn't help myself, realizing that the time has finally come for me to say goodbye to a film I'll never forget." (The Chosun Ilbo spoke to the stars on Tuesday.)
#3
After the historical action film "Duelist" and the melodrama "Our Happy Hours", Kang is to play a brutal criminal in his next film. His choice of movies reveals his artistic ambitions: "Our Happy Hours" will be the first film where audiences will pay more attention to Kang's acting than his looks. But this young star is already looking scores of years ahead. "When I retire, I hope people remember me as the some kind of monster, who perfectly absorbed his character in the film and did his job so well to give them goosebumps all over. But I know that I still have a long way to go."
Lee Na-young
#1
Lee is unusual. Normally, if a star acts true to type over and over, audiences tire of them. But it seems Lee's mystique is a spring that never dries up. "If all my behavior was calculated, it would have come to light by now. I think it was possible because I tried to show what I am as I am," she says.
#2
When the tears are streaming down Lee's cheeks, she instinctively turns away and wipes her face, expressing both an unyielding determination not to let the world see what is inside and an excruciating pain that forces her to cry without knowing it. "When I did all the crying scenes in the movie, I felt this terrible pain I have in my knee. In reality, I usually just put up with the pain. When I feel like I抦 going to break down, I try to bear it by gritting my teeth."
#3
But Lee is more positive and determined than one might think. She reveals her excitement and pride about her job when she talks about a scene she had to repeat 38 times. "When I started acting, I thought all I had to do was not to fluff the shots. Everyone told me I couldn't do this job for long because of my personality. But I found it more and more exciting. When I start a new film, I always doubt whether I can do it, but I like the pressure my job puts on me. It抯 interesting for people to see an actress like me."
Source: [email protected]
http://english.chosun.com/w21dat ... 9/200609060016.html |
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Sept 6, 2006
Japanese publisher officially apologizes for reporting false Lee Byeong Heon scandal
The Japanese publisher that reported the scandal involving Lee Byeong Heon sent an official letter of apology to Lee Byeong Heon's agency.
A personnel of Lee Byeong Heon's agency, Phantom Entertainment, said on the 6th, "The publisher of the women's weekly magazine 'Josei Seven' sent an official letter of apology to our company in regards to the false scandal they published in July involving Lee Byeong Heon. The publisher admitted that the article was 100% false."
The magazine 'Josei Seven' caused a commotion when they published an article in their July 27th issue stating that Lee Byeong Heon was dating a Japanese lady. After the publication, Phantom Entertainment selected a local lawyer to take legal action against the publisher on charges of slander.
Phantom's international marketing personnel, Song Wan Mo, stated on the 6th, "We decided to accept the apology as they delivered it in a courteous fashion. We hope this serves as an opportunity to realize the serious consequences of false reports, and legal action will be taken if such an incident occurs again."
Lee Byeong Heon is currently filming the movie 'Yeoreum Iyagi (Summer Story)' (Director Jo Geun Shik, KM Culture Production). The distribution license to Japan of 'Yeoreum Iyagi (Summer Story)' was sold prior to the completion of the film at $4 million based on Lee Byeong Heon's popularity as a Hallyu Star.
[Copyright © 2006 Goodday News/Goodday E&I Inc. All rights reserved]
http://www.broasia.com/lwboard/lwboard.php...;pg=1&no=75 |
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Sept 7, 2006
Kim Tae-hee Takes Action Against Cyber-Terror
Actress Kim Tae-hee
Eleven Netizens have been booked without detention for spreading malicious comments about the actress Kim Tae-hee on the web.
On June 3 an article titled "Kim Tae-hee Heads to U.S. for One Month of Language Study" ran in the news section of a portal site. Surprisingly, it prompted Netizens to unleash a storm of personal attacks on the star. "She's headed off to get an abortion," one comment read. "She's getting married to Goh Hyun-jeong's ex-husband," surmised another. Kim's agency accused 34 individuals of defamation and reported them to the Seoul Metropolitan Police抯 cyber crime unit.
Police say those who posted the slanderous comments include university students, designers and drivers. One of the accused told police they had just overheard high school girls gossiping about the issue while on the bus, and to kill time had thoughtlessly posted the message on the Net. "Netizens for the most part don't realize that they will be punished for posting slanderous replies and do so without giving much though to it, |
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Sept 8, 2006
Heatthrob's Fan-Meet Spells Airline Emergency
Seoul hotels and airlines are on high alert ahead of an Asia fan meeting with Song Seung-heon, who will be discharged from the military on Nov. 15. A staggering 9,000 fans from nine Asian countries will descend on Korea to see Song after he ends his 24-month stint in the service. Upon release, Song will meet his admirers at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena in Seoul on Nov. 18 and 19.
The main hotels in downtown Seoul are already fully booked. Due to a shortage of plane tickets, Song's agency has started negotiations with domestic airlines about operating special charter flights from Japan. "The fans that are heading to Korea are very devoted and made it through 10:1 odds to get here," Song's agency says. "Around 3,000 fans are stomping their feet in protest after failing to get a hotel room and flight tickets."
Those lucky enough to secure tickets are expected to visit Korea the instant he is discharged to see him as early as they can. The majority will come from Japan. The 9,000 were picked from among some 150,000 applicants: a success on an astronomical scale for the heatthrob.
Source: [email protected]
http://english.chosun.com/w21dat ... 9/200609080018.html |
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Japanese Fans Flock to See Song Seung-heon
2006-09-11
Thousands of Japanese fans of actor Song Seung-heon are expected to visit Korea to see their favorite hallyu star,
who will be discharged from military service November 15. Reservations for Korea-bound flights from Japan are
almost filled up for the given period.
Song will hold a fan meeting at the Olympic Park in Seoul on November 18 and 19. Some 9,000 foriegn fans of
the actor who were lucky to obtain tickets to the meetings--winning a competition with odds of one in ten--will
arrive in Korea at least a day early to see Song as soon as possible.
The majority of Song's fans are from Japan.
Song's agency said that hotel reservations are already filled up for the period when the actor's fans are
expected to arrive in the country, while domestic airlines are in talks to add flights between Japan and Korea
during that period.
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Ryu Si-won抯 Concert DVD Takes 2nd Spot on HMV Chart
2006-09-11
The popularity of hallyu star Ryu Si-won is showing no signs of abating in Japan.
Ryu抯 DVD of his Japan Live Tour 2006 recently leaped to the second spot of the DVD booking chart of Japan抯 largest record company, HMV.
The actor/singer toured seven Japanese nations beginning June 13, with all his concerts being sold out, attesting to Ryu's unrivaled popularity in Japan. The singer抯 Japanese fans hope to relive happy memories of Ryu抯 concerts by watching the DVD, which consists of two discs and contains 21 tracks and the making-of film.
The DVD will go on sale in Japan November 8.
c: KBS Global
[ Last edited by adikkeluangman_ at 11-9-2006 03:43 PM ] |
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2006-09-11
"This is 'Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi (Legend)'", Bae Yong Joon and Moon Sori revealed in costume
Bae Yong Joon of 'Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi (Legend)' finally revealed himself.
TSG Company that is producing 'Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi (Legend)' (Directed by Kim Jong Hak, Script by Song Ji Na) revealed photos of the main character Bae Yong Joon as Dahm Deok and his first love Seo Gi Ha played by Moon So Ri on the 11th.
The photo released that day is the figure of Dahm Deok before he becomes a king. Bae yong Joon displayed a calm yet charismatic appearance wearing armor with fantastical patterns, while Moon So Ri displayed grace and beauty in a traditional costume, rather different from her features in movies.
Along with the main characters, TSG released the drama logo and title, slowly revealing the drama that is now filming.
With 30 billion won (approximately $30 million) invested in the drama along with 13 billion won (approximately $13 million) in building the set, 'Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi (Legend)' has gathered attention in regards to its plot and scale. With a spectacular global line of personnel involved from the main cast to the writer, producer, and director, along with the music director Hisaishi Jo, the production has gathered attention as it is not lacking to be labeled a 'dream team.'
'Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi (Legend)' began filming in March after the Gosa (traditional ceremony). The main character Bae Yong Joon playing Dahm Deok began filming the special effect scenes in August and started filming on set on Jeju Island earlier this month.
Bae Yong Joon had begun preparing for the role by a special diet and exercise, while also training in horseback riding, archery, and traditional military arts in preparation for the action scenes.
Bae Yong Joon has only been in contact with his agency for necessary calls focusing entirely on the drama itself.
Meanwhile, the 'Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi (Legend)' logo and English title 'Legend' holds the ambitious plan of targeting the series to 90 countries worldwide.
Photos of the first scenes of Bae Yong Joon on set were presented along with the main symbol and logo as the drama is aiming for distribution in all 90 countries including Japan.
'Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi (Legend)' which stars Bae Yong Joon and Moon So Ri, along with a cast that includes Choi Min Soo, Jeong Jin Yeong, Park Sang Won, Yoon Tae Yeong, Lee Da Hee, and others will be aired early next year.
[Copyright © 2006 Goodday News/Goodday E&I Inc. All rights reserved.]
Source: http://www.broasia.com/lwboard/l ... &pg=1&no=77 |
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Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Actress takes off mask in 'Woman on the Beach'
Director Kim Jong-hak of Korea's cherished drama "Hourglass (1995)" said that she was a "destructive actress who can overturn the whole scene with a blink of her eyes," while author Song Ji-na said that as an actress, she was a femme fatale with deceiving naivety. But to us, actress Goh Hyeon-jung was - more than anything - a golden girl who captured the heart of a young millionaire.
Of course, we had all known that Goh was a fine actress. But the title no longer suited this former beauty pageant winner when she suddenly married Shinsegae vice president Jung Yong-jin just after receiving a standing ovation for her fantastic acting in "Hourglass."
In a stunning yet delicate high-necked gown, Goh had walked down the aisle and looked as though she would never return to the public eye. Then, after a decade of silence, she suddenly wanted to be an actress again.
Earning beauty, fame and money at the age of 24, and going through a messy divorce after her eight-year marriage broke down, Goh's comeback was a juicy source of gossip for middle-aged women at beauty salons. Despite the success of drama "Spring Days" last year, rumors never seemed to die down.
Naturally, when this 35-year-old actress chose Korea's "naughtiest" filmmaker Hong Sang-soo's seventh movie "Woman on the Beach" as her next project, people focused on how much of her nude body would be seen.
As a little spoiler, the only nudity audiences will get to see in the movie is Goh's bare hands and ankles - but she still makes it worth seeing.
"Woman on the Beach" is probably director Hong's easiest, funniest, jolliest movie which still covers the most "Hong-like" subsequences in a familiar format. As another one of Hong's gloomy romances, the movie revolves around a young filmmaker - Hong's alter ego - and the two women he meets.
But amid the familiar - and thus, often boring - format, unexpected laughter is generated from the character of Kim Mun-suk, played by Goh.
Goh is still as beautiful as ever in the movie - but only if you find women with puffy eyes, a swollen face and tangled hair attractive. In the movie, Goh is neither serene nor elegant. She is too dumb, too easy, too pushy and most of all - way too ordinary.
Watching Goh's elegant mouth swearing, and asking, "Isn't my face too big? I wish I could just cut it off," without a trace of a smile, one can see that her exhausting life experience has made her a mature actress.
Goh may no longer be the dazzling beauty she was in "Hourglass," but through personal experience, she seems to have achieved a certain depth in acting - something that goes beyond inborn talent.
"Unconsciously, I was looking for works that gave me a certain 'tingle.' I realized that I was looking for roles that portrayed my own thoughts and past experiences in them," Goh had said at the preview of her first movie.
The character Mun-suk is a product of endless conversations between director Hong and Goh.
As widely known, Hong does not use prepared scripts. Heading off to a destination empty-handed, Hong writes one or two pages of lines on the spot and hands them out on the day of shooting.
"I usually create 50 percent of a character in advance and fill the rest up along the way. Goh was an actress who was ready to blend in with anything. She was amazing," Hong had said, explaining how he and Goh had created Mun-suk together.
With Goh, Hong could come up with a more understandable woman character. In his previous movies, woman characters had been somewhat vague and passive but Mun-suk is neither.
After finding out that her lover Jeong-rae (Kim Seung-woo) is sleeping with another woman, she tries to break down his door screaming at the top of her lungs. At her defeat, she drinks, cries, shouts and swears just like an "ordinary" woman.
When Jeong-rae tries to cover up his infidelity with a ridiculous philosophy of images and essence - how certain "wrong" images can get in the way of seeing the person's essence - Mun-suk gives him a sardonic smile and says, "That's bullshit."
To audiences who are used to Goh's image, Mun-suk is a shocking character - and even more so after hearing that the Goh projected a lot of herself into the role.
But come to think of it, it wasn't Goh who built up her current image. Even in her past TV dramas "Hourglass," "Mother's Sea" and "Fearless Love," Goh had always been an outspoken woman who didn't hesitate to slap an arrogant guy's face and spit on the ground to mock the world. The audiences were mostly on their own forming such prejudiced views of her.
With help from director Hong, this passionate - yet surprisingly ordinary - actress has finally peeled off her mask of dazzling beauty and a flashy marriage that had clung to her for so long. Pleased to meet you, the "real" Goh Hyeon-jung.
([email protected])
By Shin Hae-in
Source: The Korea Times
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/SITE/data/htm...00609130118.asp
[ Last edited by katt at 13-9-2006 02:42 AM ] |
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Originators of Korean Wave Still Loved in Japan
2006-09-12
Four Korean actors who are considered the originators of the Korean Wave, or Korean pop culture craze, have been found to still be the favorites among Japanese fans.
In its internet edition on Monday, the Japanese entertainment magazine Oricon Style announced the results of its survey of Japanese people between their teens and 40s that asked, 揥ho is your favorite Korean actor and actress? |
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2006-09-12
"Japan's best Hallyu Stars are Bae Yong Joon and Choi Ji Woo after all"
Bae Yong Joon and Choi Ji Woo of 'Winter Sonata' that sparked the Korean Wave were chosen as Japan's favorite actors.
Japan's Oricon Style News recently noted the interest in the Korean movie 'The Host' and released on the 11th the results of a survey conducted amongst the Japanese in their teens to 40s about their favorite Korean actor and actress.
From the survey, the favorite actors were ranked in the order of Bae Yong Joon, Jang Dong Geon, Lee Byeong Heon, and Won Bin, and actresses Choi Ji Woo, Yoon Son Ha, Lee Yeong Ae, and Jeon Ji Hyeon.
From the survey, Bae Yong Joon was reviewed as "sincere, cares for his fans, and has a charming smile," receiving the most votes confirming the popularity of Yon-sama.
Jang Dong Geon whose 'wild and masculine image' was selected as his charm was ranked second, once again proving his popularity as an actor in Asia. Lee Byeong Heon and Won Bin also ranked 3rd and 4th.
Oricon Style commented regarding the survey, "The Hallyu boom started three years ago, but the four Hallyu 'kings' still exclusively claimed the top four."
Also, 'Ji Woo Hime' Choi Ji Woo who is actively appearing in drama series and commercials in Japan received reviews that she is "beautiful and has good style," and was chosen as the favorite Korean actress of the Japanese.
Yoon Son Ha who is active in Japan placed second receiving the support of male fans with reviews that she always "tries hard in a foreign land," followed by Lee Yeong Ae who is said to have "intellectual and innocent charm with great acting abilities."
Meanwhile, in a survey conducted amongst Korean people, Jang Dong Geon was chosen as the favorite actor followed by Won Bin, Jo In Sung, Jo Jae Hyeon, and Song Gang Ho. Song Gang Ho who is the main actor of 'The Host' received a broad range of support with reviews of "great acting abilities and has the presence of an older brother type figure."
Son Ye Jin was selected as the most favorite actress amongst Koreans followed by Lim Soo Jeong, Moon Geun Yeong, and Jeon Do Yeon.
While not being ranked in the top of the above surveys, Lee Jun Gi and Cheon Jeong Myeong were introduced as 'actors to look out for in the future.'
[Copyright © 2006 Goodday News/Goodday E&I Inc. All rights reserved.]
Source: http://www.broasia.com/lwboard/l ... &pg=1&no=78
[ Last edited by katt at 14-9-2006 02:04 AM ] |
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Sept 13, 2006
Rain to Launch World Tour in December
Singer Rain will give a free-of-charge concert ahead of his world tour slated for December. Some 40,000 fans have been invited to the concert, which will be held October 13 at the Jamsil Olympic Stadium in Seoul under the theme, "Rain's Coming."
The concert will herald the beginning of Rain's five-month world tour, which will cover 12 countries, including the United States, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, China and Japan. Audiences will be invited to donate money to help physically challenged people.
Rain抯 world tour will be produced by globally renowned concert producers including Jamie King, who also produced and choreographed concerts for Madonna, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. Rain met with King in July in the United States to discuss the preparations. Other prominent figures involved include Tom Hudak, who produced concerts for The Eagles and Prince, and Roy Bennet, who was in charge of lighting at the U.S. MTV Video Music Awards. The scale and quality of Rain抯 upcoming tour will be comparable with the global tours of the world's top artists, and will likely serve as an opportunity for the domestic performance sector to develop further.
Lee In-kwang, CEO of StarM, which is organizing Rain's tour, said that the upcoming concert in Seoul will serve as a starting point for Rain's advancement to the global market, and that the charity aspect of the concert will be its most important part because Rain feels great responsibility as a big star.
He also added that one-fourth of the audience will comprise foreign fans and music experts. Rain will donate a part of his world tour proceeds to needy and starving children in underdeveloped countries. StarM will begin distributing tickets to Rain's concert nationwide this month.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1415181_11858.html |
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Sept 13, 2006
BoA Plans to Act Next Year
Young Asian star BoA will come back to Korea as an actress, not a singer. She is now trying to make a final decision regarding the film or drama in which she will appear.
Wanting to be prudent and careful in her decision, the young singer has thought about her move to the TV or movie screen for more than a year now, as she has constantly been asked to appear in a drama or film.
Her agency said that they will decide on a film or drama in which BoA will make her acting debut by October. But she will continue to hold annual Arena tour concerts in Japan until April next year.
BoA is currently in Japan preparing for a six-city tour that is scheduled to start in Nagoya on Sept. 29 and end in Sapporo on Oct. 28.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1415275_11858.html |
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Sept 13, 2006
Are Korean Movie Stars Too Expensive?
The Korean film industry continues to grow at an alarming pace. After "Silmido" opened an era of 10-million ticket sellers in 2004, four more films quickly followed suit. "The Host" recently set a new record, taking the top spot from the "King and the Clown," which itself brought more than 12.3 million Koreans to the theaters earlier this year. But the growth in the industry means the amount Chungmuro's biggest names are charging for appearances on the big screen is also shooting through the roof. How does it compare to overall production costs?
How Much Do They Make?
Clockwise from left: Bae Yong-joon, Song Kang-ho, Lee Byung-hun, Jang Dong-gun,
Jang Jin-young, Jeon Do-yeon, Jeon Ji-hyun and Lee Young-ae
The rates stars charge are a good way to gauge their popularity. Currently, Bae Yong-joon is Korea's highest paid actor. In last year's "April Snow," the actor was estimated to have earned at least twice the W300 million(US$1=W959) he got for his work on "Untold Scandal" in 2003.
By using the buzz generated by Bae Yong-joon's popularity, only in the early stages of production the film was exported to Japan for US$7 million and subsequently raked in W23 billion with its successful run. Choi Min-sik, Song Kang-ho and Seol Kyung-gu are known as the Three Musketeers of Chungmuro for their ability to bring box office success, and they command around W500 million per film. Then there are Lee Byung-hun and Cha Seung-won, who each get about W350 million per movie, and of course Jang Dong-gun, whose appearance in "Taegukgi: The Brotherhood of War" helped take that film above the 10 million tickets mark.
Among the women, Lee Young-ae and Jeon Ji-hyun are at the top, each getting about W350 million-W400 million for their work, while Jeon Do-yeon and Jang Jin-young get W300 million -W350 million for their appearances.
Hollywood Prices
Clockwise from left: Tom Cruise, Johnny Depp, Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt,
Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman, Cameron Diaz and Julia Roberts
It is hard to make a direct comparison between the price of Korean stars and their foreign counterparts, due to the fact that the scope of distribution is different, as is the size of the market. Tom Cruise made the most money last year of any Hollywood actor, according to the U.S.' Quigley Publishing, which has every year since 1932 researched producers and theaters owners to find out who the top 10 earners are.
Tom Cruise confirmed his popularity with "War of the Worlds," after winning back the top spot with "Vanilla Sky." Johnny Depp was second, followed by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, who starred in "Mr. and Mrs. Smith." According to Hollywood sources, Tom Cruise earns $28 million-$30 million per film: a sum 56 times greater than the highest-earning Korean screen star. Tom Hanks came second with $27million-$28 million, and Johnny Depp followed with $26 million. Julia Roberts and Cameron Diaz get about $20 million per film, while Nicole Kidman, Jessica Alba and Angelina Jolie earn around $15 million.
Source: [email protected]
http://english.chosun.com/w21dat ... 9/200609130009.html |
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09-13-2006
Pop Music to Bridge Gap Among Asians
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
Park Youn-woo has been a big fan of the Japanese pop group Arashi for almost seven years. Park, who studied Japanese, found she could easily relate to the lyrics and themes of Arashi抯 pop songs.
揟here's nothing special about Japanese music. I think the melody of pop songs around the world is same. But even if I'm Korean, I can relate to the song lyrics and find something similar to Korean culture," Park told The Korea Times.
Despite political tensions between Korea and Japan, it seems pop culture is helping bridge the gap between the two countries. Japanese fans have been gobbling up K-pop, Korean dramas and movies in the past few years, but recently Japanese pop groups like Arashi are becoming popular in Korea.
The Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE) would like to see more of this kind of pop cultural exchange among Koreans and the rest of Asia. This is the ultimate goal of the Asia Song Festival, now in its third year, which will be held at the southwestern city of Kwangju on Sept. 22.
Hong Kong singer Kelly Chen
This year, top Asian pop stars such as Arashi, Korea's TVXQ and Buzz, Japan抯 Koda Kumi and Hong Kong's Kelly Chen are scheduled to perform at the Kwangju World Cup Stadium.
It might seem like just another pop concert but KOFICE is hoping music will be the bridge to bring Asian countries closer to one another.
"The Asia Song Festival is aiming for Asian cultural exchange and fostering a cultural community among Asian countries, especially in pop culture. The Asia Song Festival would also like to share Asian values between the Asian countries," KOFICE executive director Ryoo Jae-ky told The Korea Times.
Ryoo noted the festival has gained the support of top Asian entertainment agencies that have sent their biggest stars to participate. "We want to see that in Asia, there are no boundaries in culture," he said.
This year, the Asia Song Festival is shaping up to be the biggest ever, with 12 artists from nine countries. While the first two concerts attracted around 7,000 fans, this year抯 event in Kwangju is expected to draw over 30,000 fans and attract TV audiences throughout Asia.
K-Pop group TVXQ
TVXQ, one of the most popular K-pop groups nowadays, will make its third appearance at the Asia Song Festival. Buzz, a Korean rock band, will also perform at the concert.
Japan will be represented by Arashi, now in the midst of their Asian concert tour, and best-selling female singer Koda Kumi. Other singers invited to perform at the festival include the Philippines' Kitchie Nadal, China's Sun Nan, Thailand's Katreeya English, Vietnam's Ho Quynh Huong, Singapore's Tanya Chua and Taiwan's Tank.
Ryoo said the artists for this year are not only popular, but also talented. Since the concert is a non-profit festival, there are no performance fees given to the artists.
The first Asia Song Festival, which was held in Seoul in 2004, featured Asian pop superstars such as BoA, Ayumi Hamasaki, Leon Lai and F4. The second festival was held in November 2005 in Busan to coincide with the hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Performers for the Busan concert included TVXQ, Jang Na-ra, Maki Goto, Alex Su, Cui Jian and Nanase Aikawa.
Sponsored by the Culture and Tourism Ministry, Kwangju city, and Korea Tourism Organization, the concert is free of charge but fans have to apply on the Web site (www.kofice.or.kr) to get tickets.
J-Pop group Arashi
Sustaining 'Hallyu'
Hallyu or Korean Wave has allowed Korean dramas, music and films to attract audiences first in China and Japan, then Southeast Asia. There is no doubt Hallyu has raised the profile of Korea as a modern, stylish and hip center of pop culture in Asia.
But there has been some backlash against Korea's growing dominance in pop culture. Ryoo said there should be an effort to prevent one-sided dissemination of culture and to allow more cultural exchanges between countries.
KOFICE, which was originally established as Asia Culture & Industry Exchange Foundation in 2003, is working for the development of popular culture in Asia and to expand cultural exchanges in the region.
As part of its activities, KOFICE also promotes the TV broadcasting of Asian documentaries and dramas in Korea. Ryoo said in this way, there will be improved understanding of contemporary culture among Asian countries, which may be near geographically but culturally distant.
[email protected]
Source: The Korea Times
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/ ... 091316492711690.htm |
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2006-09-13
Shin Hyeon Joon, to capture Korea and Japan simultaneously with the movie 'Gamun' series
Hallyu Star Shin Hyeon Joon is going to star in 'Gamun eui Buhwal (Marrying the Mafia III)' which opens in Korea, and 'Gamunui Wigi (Marrying the Mafia II)' in Japan.
Shin Hyeon Joon left for Japan on the 13th at 4:40pm for a three day trip during which he will conduct interviews with Japanese press, appear as a guest on television shows as well as attend a special premiere for the promotion of 'Gamunui Wigi (Marrying the Mafia II).'
Cho Deok Hyeon of Shin Hyeon Joon's agency Olive9 commented, "300 people were invited to the special premiere of 'Gamunui Wigi (Marrying the Mafia II)' but more than 3,000 people had inquired to attend, once again surprising us with Shin Hyeon Joon's popularity."
During his visit to Japan, Shin Hyeon Joon will also attend a meeting with So-net of Sony in regards to his official Japanese website. The official Japanese website of Shin Hyeon Joon is scheduled to launch in mid-October.
[Copyright © 2006 Goodday News/Goodday E&I Inc. All rights reserved.]
Source: http://www.broasia.com/lwboard/lwboard.php...;pg=1&no=79 |
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Sept 14, 2006
A Superior Weepie About the Meaning of Compassion
The film "Our Happy Time," which went on general release on Thursday, tells a doomed love story between a woman who longs for death and a man who is being forced to face it against his will. The movie has all the typical elements of a melodrama, and the simple plot makes it easy to predict what the two have been doing and will be doing next -- and that is just what happens. What makes the movie special is the undeniable charm of the two young stars and the director's ability to express nuances. The film is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a weepie this fall.
After failing to kill herself for the third time, Lee Na-young's character comes to visit Kang Dong-won's character, a prisoner sentenced to death. Imprisoned for murdering three people, his initial response to her is cold, but soon the walls between them break down and they tell each other of their painful past. Lee and Kang, whose strength lies in expressing the weaknesses of human beings, are ideally cast in a film about understanding and love between those with an excruciating pain in their heart.
A poster for "Our Happy Time"
Lee proves that she is fully capable of taking the lead in a film. She confesses a past that she has been hiding in sentences broken by the difficulty of doing so. That is what makes it so moving. Where "queen of tears" Jeon Do-yeon expresses her characters' pain by weeping copiously, Lee desperately tries to fight her tears. Kang also acquits himself more than honorably by perfectly inhabiting a character where audiences can focus on his acting rather than his pretty face. Since ambition is the first step to becoming a great actor, Kang's future in the craft looks bright.
Song Hae-seong, who directed "Failan," again showcases his uncanny ability to understand when he should make his audiences cry or wipe their tears away. His skill in showing changes in the character's view of life with seemingly trivial actions adds vitality to the well-worn story. This melodrama is less about love than about compassion: both rich and poor, killers and suicides are entitled to our compassion. While it cannot save the dying, it can be a warm blanket that helps them withstand the sense of futility in life. But wait: isn't compassion the very thing that lies at the heart of love?
Source: [email protected]
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/new...0609140007.html |
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Time Tripper
SEPTEMBER 14, 2006
Choi Soo-jong, the 'time machine actor' who has played characters from various points in history, will appear as a hero from ancient Balhae this time. Having starred in 'Wang Gun |
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Sept 15, 2006
Kang Dong-won to Appear in Lee Myung-se's New Movie
Actor Kang Dong-won will once again work with director Lee Myung-se after appearing in Lee's "Duelist" in 2005, which focused on physical acting rather than spoken dialogue. This time, he will appear in the romantic drama "M."
Besides these works, Kang played a convict on death row in "Our Happy Time," and a kidnapper in "His Voice," expanding his acting capabilities.
In "M," Kang will play Han Min-woo, a bestselling author in his late 20s trapped in a dim, mystic memory of love.
Shooting will start in late October with the aim of releasing the film around fall next year.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1415666_11858.html |
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Author
Post time 11-9-2006 12:41 PM
