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2006-10-19
Meet Bae Yong Joon in Japan through mobile services
Hear the voice of Bae Yong Joon and see him through Japanese mobile phones.
Keyeast of which Bae Yong Joon is one of the major shareholders signed a memorandum of understanding with IMX Japan and mobile service company Accel Japan in regards to the 'Bae Yong Joon Mobile Site Content Business.'
The three companies will launch the first official Bae Yong Joon mobile site and start services through NTT Docomo, KDDI, Softbank Mobile, and others. This site will offer exclusive mobile photos, movie clips, sound and music clips of Bae Yong Joon.
Fans that have been curious about Bae Yong Joon's whereabouts will then be able to access photos, recent video clips, voice messages, and others through their mobile phones.
Keyeast will develop and continuously provide specialized mobile content of licenses obtained such as drama, movie, music, etc.
[Copyright © 2006 Goodday News/Goodday E&I Inc. All rights reserved.]
Source: http://www.broasia.com/lwboard/l ... amp;pg=1&no=100 |
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BoA Participates in "Anti-Breast Cancer" Campaign
October is Breast Cancer Recognition Month in Korea, and Korean Fashion Magazine "W Magazine" are celebrating this month with 23 Korean stars which included stars such as TVXQ and Hyori. In order to increase the Breast cancer education, which is fairly low in such a developed country such as Korea, W Magazine has taken action to educate Korean women about the causes and effects of breast cancer. W Magazine will be selling t-shirts with the real handprints of The 23 Korean stars, including BoA, stamped on the front of the t-shirt. W Magazine stated that the money raised will be donated to the Korean Breast Cancer Association. Despite the busy schedule, BoA recognized the importance of this problem, and decided to participate in the campaign.
Credits: BoA's House - www.boashouse.com
Source: My Daily - www.mydaily.co.kr
Image: My Daily - www.mydaily.co.kr
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New singers "cry" as big stars like TVXQ! and SE7EN make their comebacks
The comeback of big stars is making new singers lose their places on the stage.
Television performances of new singers are narrowed down because of the comebacks of big singers. Their return are causing tension and giving no space for new singers.
Big stars who have not had any acitivty for a long time are given longer performance time, lasting from 5 to 8 minutes. Consequently giving shorter time to new singers. The segment is commonly called as the "Comeback Special". Last October 1, TVXQ! had their comeback performance in SBS "Ingigayo", which lasted more than 8 minutes. The group sang 3 songs from their new album. Lee Seung Chul and Rain will soon be starting their album promotions for their 8th and 4th albums, respectively.
Other singers like Shin Seung Hun, Sung Si Kyung, Lee Jung Hyun and SE7EN, who will release his album on October 26, are all scheduled for television performances. As many big stars are making their comebacks, it is certain that new singers stand a narrow chance to showcase their songs.
Credits : Innolife + Digital YTN + Joynews24 + kpopper + kpopkingdom
[ Last edited by adikkeluangman_ at 21-10-2006 09:04 PM ] |
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[Uhm Jung Hwa Returns With Bold "Panty" Clothes]
Uhm Jung Hwa returns with bold "panty" clothes after 2 years and 8 months.
Last October 9, Uhm performed her new song "Cum 2 Me" at the cable television "tvN" celebration show held in the Seoul Olympic Park Stadium. Her sexy clothes composing of "Black Panty & Net Stockings" attracted a lot of attention. Opinions regarding her outfit ranged from "It was good" and "It's too much".
Jinu of JINUSEAN participates as a producer of Uhm Jung Hwa's 9th album. The album will be release on the 2nd week of October.
Credits ~ KBS World Radio + Newsen.com + Kpopper.com + noV@Kpop Kingdom |
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October 13th, 2006
Mass visit to Korea by 3,000 Hallyu fans, "Want to meet Ryu Shi Won, Shin Seung Hoon..."
This weekend, Shin Seung Hoon and Ryu Shi Won will hold a large event as Hallyu fans seek Korea in masses.
In order to see Shin Seung Hoon's concert across two days on the 14th and 15th, 1,000 or so Japanese fans will visit Korea. Following this, approximately 1,800 members of the Asia fan club will visit Korea for Ryu Shi Won's fan-meeting event on the 15th and 16th.
Hallyu stars' events have never been held so close together before. Due to the massive scale of Hallyu fans' visits, the Seoul hotels, travel agencies amongst others are now faced with special circumstances for an off season.
World tour's first step, 'The Shin Seung Hoon Show,' A stage for overseas fans
On the 14th and 15th, Shin Seung Hoon's concert, 'The Shin Seung Hoon Show,' will be held in Seoul's Jamsil Gymnasium. It will celebrate his 16th year after his debut, and is also the first sendoff stage for his overseas tour that will start next year.
Shin Seung Hoon in consideration of his Korean fans as well as 1,000 fans from Japan who will come to see his concert, a stage covering half of the Jamsil Gymnasium will be built to accomodate everyone.
He also put in serious effort and dedication to have LED screens and water screens, air ballerinas on wires, and other flamboyant sights such as a forty member chorus, along the scales of a musical stage.
Shin Seung Hoon's agency, Dorothy Music, said, "Shin Seung Hoon has put more effort than any other concert in the past, because he himself wanted to show many things," and showed confidence in the event.
Ryu Shi Won's fan-meeting consisting of motor racing and a birthday party
Ryu Shi Won travels back and forth between Korea and Japan, functioning actively as a singer, actor, MC, and even a racer. The fan-meeting event that will be held on the 15th and 16th, is one of which he can briefly take a break from his busy schedule and meet his fans.
On the 14th, Ryu Shi Won will participate in a racing competition at Everland's Speedway, where about 1,800 overseas fans will attend. On the next day, the 15th, a birthday party as a fan event will be held at the Dome Art Hall at the Children's Grand Park in Neung Dong, Seoul.
On the 15th, at the fan-meeting event which will be conducted as a birthday party, the fans will sang him the birthday song in Korean. In order to thank them back, Ryu Shi Won will sing 10 or so songs live as a part of the event.
Especially on this day, he plans to show his first live performance to his fans of his new single, 'Only One,' that was second on the Oricon chart when released on the 11th in Japan. On this day, the MC will be Yoon Jeong Soo, and Ryu Shi Won's childhood friend, singer Kim Won Joon, racing colleague Kim Jin Pyo, as well as others that are planning to participate as guests.
Ryu Shi Won will also give each of the fans who attend the event, a t-shirt and a silver necklace that he personally designed under the theme of '106,' which holds the meaning of his birthday, October 6th.
[Copyright © 2006 Goodday News/Goodday E&I Inc. All rights reserved.]
Credit: Broasia.com + kpopkingdom.com
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[BIG BANG Taeyang, Experienced His First Kiss In Music Video]
Taeyang of the group BIG BANG recently experienced his first kiss. He did it with the actress in his music video, "Ma Girl".
"I have never dated a girl before. Whenever I am in front of a woman, I get nervous", Taeyang revealed in their documentary. The female lead in the music video, who plays the beautiful woman who always appears in his dreams, was really focused in her performance and really kissed Taeyang.
Taeyang did not expect that to happen. The production team involved in the music video shoot praised the actress saying that she looked natural and performed well.
"I was so surprised that I did not feel that I just experienced my first kiss. When the time comes that I have a girlfriend, I want to kiss her well", Taeyang said in an embarassed way.
Credits ~ Innolife + Digital YTN + Joynews24 + NEWSIS + Kpopper.com + noV@Kpop Kingdom
[ Last edited by adikkeluangman_ at 23-10-2006 06:26 AM ] |
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[Bae Seul Gi, Featured In Eru's Comeback Performance]
"Bokgo Dance Queen" Bae Seul Gi did a vocal featuring in Eru's comeback performance.
On October 15, in SBS "Ingigayo", Bae Seul Gi and Eru sang "Black Eyeglasses", Eru's 2nd album title track.
Bae Seul Gi and Eru's live performance of the ballad song "Black Eyeglasses" exhibited sweet and beautiful harmony.
For this performance, Bae Seul Gi, who we are currently seeing as a "tomboy" in her "Strong Woman" hip hop concept performances, turned a 180 degrees and showcased a feminine image.
Eru will be doing promotions for his 2nd album entitled "LEVEL II" in various music programs. He has already performed last October 14 in MBC Music Core and on October 15 in SBS "Inkigayo".
Credits ~ Newsen.com + Kpopper.com + noV@Kpop Kingdom
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[Lies, lies, lies]
A South Korean cable channel recently held a survey on what lies South Korean celebrities usually resort to saying. Here are the results:
1 "Oh, no, no, I did not undergo plastic surgery operation."
2 "Euh, I know myself welll, I swear, we are not together."
3 "No, I never take care of my skin."
4 "Physical appearance is not an important criterion in choosing my woman. The only thing that counts is her personality."
5 "Oh, you know, I am already very content that my name is included in the list of nominees. I do not expect to receive an award!"
Credits ~ KBS World Radio + Kpopper.com + noV@Kpop Kingdom
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Jang Woo-hyuck Tops Charts with Second Album
2006-10-26
The second solo album from a former member of the disbanded five-man group H.O.T. conquered on- and offline music charts just a day after its release. Jang Woo-hyuck抯 揗y Way |
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Oct 21, 2006
Ha Ji-won Speaks Up for Chosun-Era Gisaeng
It isn't until the setting sun makes the shadows grow long on the set of "Hwang Jin-I," the KBS 2 historical drama that took a staggering 20 percent of the viewing rate at its debut, that Ha Ji-won can settle down for a moment's rest. "This is the first time that I have felt jealous during acting," she says. "The charisma of a world-class beauty, the intellect to keep her on a par with the scholars in a poetry contest: there was nowhere she was lacking. More than anything else, she didn't give in to the pressure of her class or of the era in which she was born. She took the life she was given and lived it in an admirable way."
To the brassy question, "Aren't gisaeng just the girls who pour the liquor?" the actress kept her cool: "You can look at it that way, but they were at once entertainers and artists." "Nowadays you can see celebrities on TV and on stage, but in the Chosun period it was the gisaeng that filled that role," she said. "But they did have to pour the drinks, and sometimes they had to give their bodies, and since they could never love easily, their lives were often filled with pain."
Through the role, the actress is living the arduous life of a Chosun-era entertainer for herself. "There was one extra who cried real tears during the shooting of a scene where their feet were bound and strung upside to perform a dance," she recalls. "Physically and mentally, the life of the gisaeng is hard."
And she added, "For a female entertainer, the closest companion is pain." Asked if there is a line like that in the drama, Ha smiles. "Yes, it's a line from the fourth episode. Since I'm going through the joys and sorrows felt by the gisaeng throughout the drama, certain lines speak to my heart word for word." Ha is an actress who has a wide range of room to be analyzed. In an industry full of stars who have finely chiseled noses and wide eyes, Ha looks like the girl next door. Ironically it was that ordinariness that helped her to grow into a top class actor on the big and small screen. Most of the characters she played in some way broke the mold, and it was possible because of an appearance that can become any character as well as her fine dramatic craft.
For Ha, a drama requiring her to embody traditional feminine beauty is both an opportunity and a risk. "As you know, I don't have a pretty doll-like face, nor do I have a lot of charisma. But because of that, I can fit better into various types of characters. I often wish I were prettier, though." In the drama she refused to use a double for the tightrope walk scene. She set up a rope in the yard of her house and learned herself over the course of two weeks. "I felt like I lack something, and that's why I always want to learn. Interestingly, whenever I want to learn something, there comes the chance to shoot a movie or drama related to it. When I started to get interested in dance, I ended up starring in 'Duelist', which allowed me to learn both ballet and tango. Do you think I have some sort of psychic power? It's scary."
Source: [email protected]
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/new...0610210002.html |
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Oct 23, 2006
"War of Flower" Enters Box-office's Top-10
The movie "War of Flower," based on the same-titled cartoon by cartoonist Heo Young-man, has joined the ranks of top-10 domestic movies.
Since its opening September 28, the film had drawn 5.68 million viewers as of October 22, according to its distributor, CJ Entertainment, surpassing the number of viewers drawn by "Married to Mafia" (5.66 million). If the film's popularity remains as high, it will likely even outperform "Joint Security Area," which is currently ranked ninth at 5.83 million viewers.
Viewers have been raving about the film for the stunning acting of its lead actress Kim Hye-soo and the impressive directing skills of director Choi Dong-hoon.
Another film, "Radio Star" by director Lee Jun-ik, which opened October 19, has also gained enormous popularity through word-of-mouth and is about to record its two millionth viewer. The film's distributor, Cinema Service, says the film ranks second or third among domestic movies in terms of booking rate.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/new...1505_11858.html |
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Captivating Glimpse Inside 'Restless'
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
The fantasy-action epic "Jungchun" (The Restless) won't hit theaters until December, but the buzz surrounding the movie is already starting to build.
Everyone is eagerly awaiting director Jo Dong-ho's film, starring Kim Tae-hee and Jung Woo-sung, which promises spectacular effects and an engaging storyline.
For those who can't wait to see what the buzz is about, "Art in the Restless," an exhibition about "Jungchun," is now being held at the N Seoul Tower in Namsan Park. The exhibition gives viewers a captivating glimpse into the film and whets their appetite for more.
Jungchun refers to an otherworldly dimension between heaven and earth. It is said that when people die, their souls will spend 49 days in Jungchun before moving to heaven or hell or being reborn.
Actors Jung Woo-sung and Kim Tae-hee play star
-crossed lovers in the much-awaited fantasy film
"Jungchun" (The Restless), which opens in
December
The film revolves around Jung, an ancient warrior who looks for his true love in Jungchun. Kim, who is already in Jungchun, has become an angel and does not remember her past. Both characters are caught in the battle between good and evil.
While the exhibition features a number of publicity photos, especially of Kim and Jung, "Art in the Restless" mostly deals with the artistic elements of the film.
Japanese designer
Emi Wada
One of the most important elements is costume design, which helps create the characters and the overall mood of the film. Japanese costume designer Emi Wada designed the elaborate, colorful clothes worn by the characters in the movie.
A video documentary shows the design process in which Wada sketches designs, supervises the dying of the fabrics used for the costumes and oversees the costume fitting for the actors and actresses.
Six costumes worn by the major characters are on display, some of which may remind you of the flowing garments worn in "The Lord of the Rings" films. However, Wada's costumes have a distinctly Oriental touch, with delicate embroidery, silky fabrics and strong colors.
To emphasize her angelic character, Kim wears a snowy white gown, decorated only by embroidery on the waistband. Jung抯 warrior character wears a deep turquoise tunic and a dark chocolate robe.
You can easily distinguish the evil characters from their costumes, such as a menacing-looking black robe and a powerful black and red military outfit.
Wada won an Academy Award for costume design for Akira Kurosawa抯 film "Ran," and she designed the costumes used in Chinese director Zhang Yimou's "House of Flying Daggers" and "Hero."
Music also plays an important role in "Jungchun." Japanese composer Shiro Sagisu created the soundtrack. Samples of his music are played in the exhibition hall.
Sagisu is one of the most successful music producers and composers in Japan. He has composed music for movies such as "Neon Genesis Evangelion," "Nadia" and "Musa."
The exhibition also has a media arts room, a darkened chamber where images and video clips are projected on the walls whenever someone places their palm on the biometric hand reader.
If the exhibition is any indication, the film "Jungchun" promises to be an audio-visual feast.
[email protected]
10-22-2006 22:05
Source: The Korea Times
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/culture/20...22054011700.htm |
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10-23-2006
Korea Drama Fest Opens in Chinju
By Han Eun-jung
Staff Reporter
The Korea Drama Festival 2006 will start this week in Chinju, South Kyongsang Province.
A variety of events, including drama screenings and celebrity fan meetings, will take place under this year's theme "water, light and stars" in Chinjusong and on the banks of Nam River from Oct. 26-29.
Actors Song Il-guk, left, and Han
Hye-jin, stars of the popular
historical drama "Chumong,"
currently airing on MBC, will make
an appearance at the Korea
Drama Festival in Chinju, South
Kyongsang Province on Oct. 28.
The Korea Drama Festival, organized by Kyongsang Province and the city of Chinju, was launched last year.
This year, not only have a wider range of sights and activities been prepared, but top industry insiders will be making appearances throughout the festival.
The first day will see "Hallyu" stars Kim Jae-won and Park Sol-mi, veteran actors Lim Dong-jin, Bae Jong-ok, Sa Mi-ja open the festival and take part in the follow-up event "The Star." Hong Kong stars Jordan Chan, Chang Min and Japanese Shioya Shun will also be attending. "The Star" will offer festivalgoers the chance to watch clips from popular dramas in the presence of celebrities hosting the event. The stars will also be sharing their own personal experiences in shooting dramas.
Next TXGV!, MC Mong, along with 10 other big K-pop names, will take the stage for the taping of Show! Music Focus, a weekly music countdown program that airs on Munhwa Broadcasting Company (MBC).
On the second and third days, festivalgoers will have the opportunity to meet and take part in group discussions with renowned drama producers such as Ko Dong-sun of "Sweet Spy" (Talkomhan Supai), Kim Jong-hyuk of "Shoot for the Stars" and others.
A talent search for the next Bae Yong-jun (or Yon-sama as he is better known as to his Japanese fans) and Lee Young-ae of "The Jewel in the Palace" will be held on the second day.
A fashion show by local designer in Andre Kim in which actor Cha In-pyo of the recent blockbuster "Hanbando" make an appearance is planned for the third day. The event will be followed by a fan meeting with the cast of the most-watched drama today "Jumong." Song Il-guk, Han Hye-jin and others are scheduled to attend the event.
The festival will come to a close with a music concert and fireworks on Oct. 29.
Kim Tae-ho, South Kyongsang Province governor and chairman of the organizing committee, expressed high hopes for this year's festival. "We plan to see that this festival held in Chinju becomes Asia's premier drama celebration," Kim said in a press release.
All the events are free. For more information, visit www.kdfo.org or call (055)755-2363-4.
[email protected]
10-23-2006 17:52
Source: The Korea Times
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/culture/20...17515811700.htm |
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2006-10-23
MC Mong, "All I ever did was move to where Bae Yong Joon used to live..."
"I experienced the popularity of a Hallyu Star, by giving up my sleep."
MC Mong revealed his story about not being able to sleep because of Hallyu top star Bae Yong Joon.
MC Mong moved to an apartment in Cheongdam-dong last 2004 and resided there until recently. However, the apartment was where Bae Yong Joon used to live. After he moved in, he had to encounter Japanese fans that came to visit several times a day.
He said to have especially a hard time when he wanted to sleep in after recording or meeting friends until late hours at night, and was woken up by the doorbell ringing.
In a recent interview, MC Mong commented, "I ran into Japanese Bae Yong Joon fans several times a day. Sometimes they wouldn't listen when I say that he moved out, and came in insisting they must touch the house Bae Yong Joon used to live in."
He then continued, "There were some Japanese fans that recognized me. In a way I can't help but feel that the Japanese fans are intruding on my privacy, but it is interesting that I am becoming known to them in such a way."
MC Mong recently moved to the 8th floor of the same apartment building and is now free from Bae Yong Joon's Japanese fans.
He is currently actively promoting his third album's title song 'Ice Cream' which has been gaining much popularity.
[Copyright © 2006 Goodday News/Goodday E&I Inc. All rights reserved.]
Source: http://www.broasia.com/lwboard/lwboard.php...pg=1&no=101 |
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Oct 24, 2006
Gisaeng Becomes Cultural Icon of 2006
The gisaeng, women who entertained guests at any feast or den of worldly pleasures with their songs, dances and other accomplishments, are emerging as the pop culture icon of 2006. It began as just a flicker at the end of last year, but now the stories of the gisaeng are turning up everywhere -- in movies, musicals, plays and comic books, just to name a few -- in a genre-spanning blaze. Every producer under the sun is trying to come up with their own spin on the gisaeng business.
At front and center of the hysteria is Hwang Jin-I, who is recognized as the queen of female entertainers during the Chosun era.
She was not just out there pouring drinks and selling her body, but was the epitome of the gisaeng ideal: competent in verse, calligraphy and painting. What's more, she was an illegitimate child which kept her from reaching the top echelons of the strict social hierarchy of the era, and her fight against the classification has made her into a symbol of resistance. The passion that lies deep under the charm only known to the gisaeng and their defiant humanity must be part of the reason for the revival of interest.
A poster for the TV drama 慔wang Jin-I.抂/b]
In the KBS 2TV history drama "Hwang Jin-I," the gisaeng is on the airwaves. Another film is slated for early next year starring Song Hye-gyo and Yoo Ji-tae. On for one month starting Nov. 25 at the Universal Art Center, a similarly-themed musical will be presented.
Actor Heo Joon-ho is simultaneously producing the Haeohwa story, also about a gisaeng, as a TV drama and a musical. The three characters that make up the name Haeohwa -- "understanding," "language" and "flower" -- sum up the gisaeng. The work follows the lives of four young women who enter a school for gisaeng called Yegiwon. Auditions for the show started on Monday, and Kim Hee-seon and Park Ji-yoon have already been cast.
The cover of the hit comic book 'Story of a
Gisaeng' by Kim Dong-hwa.
The hit comic book "Story of a Gisaeng" by Kim Dong-hwa has been picked up by A-Com International and Showtic Communications and is in the process of being transformed into a TV drama and movie.
Experts agree that the entertainers are a novel topic and have a competitive edge.
"There is love and passion, with dancing and singing naturally woven in -- it's just a charming subject matter," Showtic Communications CEO Kim Jong-heon says. "This is the cutting edge of the history drama boom that takes another look at history." He added foreigners will also be able to really enjoy these programs, "so it may become the new blue chip of the Korean Wave."
Source: [email protected]
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/new...0610240001.html |
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Oct 24, 2006
Picture Album of Choi Ji-woo to Go Mobile
Actor Choi Ji-woo, who has enjoyed rising popularity throughout Asia as well as Japan since the release of the KBS hit drama "Winter Sonata," will see her picture album serviced in Japan through i-mode, EZweb and Yahoo mobile phones starting from Nov. 6.
This is the first mobile service that will show pictures of Choi Ji-woo including those already published in her picture album "IF"--over which Japanese portal site Excite has an exclusive sales right--as well as unreleased video footage.
Containing pictures taken in eight major cities in three nations with a budget of over 3 million dollars, "IF" caused a sensation as soon as it was released. But the book was expensive for most people to easily afford; thus, the mobile service will provide an opportunity for more people to enjoy the book.
To mark the launch of the service, a free gift featuring the Korean actress' personal autograph will be offered.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/new...1674_11858.html |
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2006-10-24
Bae Yong Joon and 300 Asian stars' Photo Book on sale for Charity
Bae Yong Joon's Photo Book goes on sale for Charity along with 300 other Asian celebrities.
"Super Stars Project" is a charity event which Singaporean photographer Leslie Kee started as he was distressed by disaster of tsunami in Asia.
Nikkan Sports of Japan released an internet article on 24th, "Bae Yong Joon is releasing the photo album along with Matsutouya Yumi, Nakata Hidetoshi and many other Japanese stars and this is to help and raise charity funds for the flood victims from Sumatra Earthquake."
"ASIA IS ONE" is the main theme for the photo book "Super Stars."
About 300 stars presenting Asia participated and took one and a half year for shooting. The book will be published in November.
To commemorate the sales of "Super Stars," photo exhibit is held with 170 works which will include unseen photos. There will be unseen shots of Bae Yong Joon at the exhibit.
Actors, musicians, models and athletes who shine in Asia, each one are all "Super Stars" in each field.
Bae Yong Joon who sympathized to Mr. Leslie's idea participated in the photo book "Super Stars."
There will be sales of photo book "Super Stars" at the site.
"The Making of Super Stars by Leslie Kee," a book with photos and interviews of the stars including Bae Yong Joon will be sold at the site together with sales of original T-shirts and note books. Please drop by and enjoy it.
The book consists of 640 High quality color pages will be sold for approximately $300 US Dollars.
The commemorative ceremony of photo album release will be held on November 19th at Tokyo Omotesando Hills.
[Copyright © 2006 Goodday News/Goodday E&I Inc. All rights reserved.]
Source: http://www.broasia.com/lwboard/lwboard.php...pg=1&no=102 |
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Kisaeng Revisited in Modern Dramas, Musicals and Films
By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter
"Kisaeng," Korean female entertainers, often called "haeohwa," a flower that listens and talks, are a growing motif in Korean entertainment.
Kisaeng, renowned for sensual feminimity and intelligence, were versatile entertainers similar to the Japanese "geisha."
First appearing during the Koryo Kingdom (918-1392), kisaeng played an important role in traditional culture, especially during the Choson Kingdom (1392-1910).
In the 17th century, kisaeng legally belonged to the government and were obligated to perform various functions in the royal court. At the same time, they spread throughout the country.
Kisaeng were highly trained and excelled in the fine arts, poetry and prose. They were regarded as exceptional artists with special privileges yet, at the same time, courtesans with an inferior social status.
A renowned tale about a patriotic kisaeng named Nongae in the late 16th century suggests kisaeng were associated with the elites of the male-oriented society.
While entertaining Japanese generals at the Choksongnu Pavilion that overlooks the Nam River in South Kyongsang Province, Nongae led Japanese general Keyamura Rokusuke to a cliff, embraced him and cast herself into the river, killing them both.
Because of the depth and variety of their role in society, kisaeng as all-around entertaniers _ musicians, dancers, poets, artists and lovers _ are now emerging as television, screen and stage heroines, in part because of their dramatic appearance. They are featured in many stories and cartoons.
The recent boom in kisaeng-themed entertainment was triggered by the drama "Hwang Jin-i," starring Ha Ji-won and airing on KBS. It drew attention to the 16th century kisaeng, the "flower that understands words."
The drama is a top TV show, attracting 17 percent of viewers on average at the time it airs.
The heroine Hwang was born to a father from "yangban," or the noble class, and a mother from the lower class.
Renowned for her beauty, wit and artistic brilliance, she captivated many scholars and officials in her day.
Following the successful debut of "Hwang," other genres are vying to produce the kisaeng-themed stories in various ways.
Kisaeng will be featured on the stage, too. Actor Huh Joon-ho is planning to produce both a muscial and a drama titled "Haeohwa."
The musical, costing about 3.5 billion won, will be a large-scale production of a Korean original. It is designed to compete with an increasing number of mega-sized foreign musicals.
The story will portray the life of four Choson women who enter a kisaeng school, or "yegiwon," and develop into stellar kisaeng.
The musical, now auditioning for major roles, will open in the fall of next year. The drama with the same title is to be aired next year, starring actress Kim Hee-sun and singer-turned-actress Park Ji-yoon.
Also next year, actress Song Hye-gyo and actor Yoo Ji-tae will star in the film version of "Hwang Jin-i."
The famous cartoon "Kisaeng Iyagi," meaning a story about kisaeng, by Kim Dong-hwa will be transformed into a drama and a musical next year. A-com International, a production firm, will produce the musical.
"Kisaeng Iyagi" will shed light on the life of kisaeng in Songdo, the name of Kaesong, which is now in North Korea, during the Koryo Kingdom.
According to musical production companies, kisaeng fit well with current pop culture and the entertainment industry appreciates the arististic talents of the kisaeng.
The kisaeng theme is also in line with the recent trend in epic historical dramas."Kisaeng is an attractive theme especially appropriate for musicals, as kisaeng sing and dance with love and passion, which are necessary for musicals. It is also the best genre to express Korean traditional beauty," said an A-com official who wished to remain anonymous.
"Also, the kisaeng theme appeals to foreigners as, for example, 'The Last Empress,' the Korean musical, did because of its traditonal beauty," he said.
[email protected]
10-25-2006 16:56
Source: The Korea Times
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/culture/20...16554811690.htm |
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10-25-2006
US Hallyu
Korean-American Roles Become More Visible in Hollywood
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
As Korean dramas and movies spread like wildfire in Asia, a different form of 'hallyu' or Korean Wave seems to be taking place in the U.S.
Hollywood appears to be catching on to the so-called Korean Wave, as Korean-American and Korean characters are popping up in some top-rating U.S. TV shows and movies.
Strong-willed surgical intern Christina Yang in "Grey's Anatomy," rock band drummer Lane Kim in "Gilmore Girls" and mysterious married couple Sun and Jin in "Lost" are just some of the Korean and Korean-American characters on popular shows.
Jeff Chung, general manager and owner of TV station KBFD in Hawaii, calls this phenomenon a sort of "U.S. hallyu."
"It seems Korean (culture) is the 'in culture' among Asian cultures in the U.S. There are now a lot of Korean-American roles. Korean American actors and actresses are gaining a foothold in American TV series like Grey's Anatomy," Chung told The Korea Times.
Unlike in the past where Korean-American actors were usually limited to playing "token" Asian roles such as neighborhood grocer, dry-cleaner or someone who speaks in halting English, now Korean-Americans are playing more complex characters.
These roles are not too focused on the Korean or Asian aspects; instead they show the characters as fully integrated into American society.
In Grey's Anatomy, Sandra Oh's Dr. Yang is a surgical intern grappling with the challenges of working at a hospital and juggling her relationships with her co-interns.
In the first season, Yang is asked by a co-worker to talk to a Chinese-speaking patient, simply because she looks Asian. "I grew up in Beverly Hills. The only Chinese I know is from Mr. Chow's menu. And I'm Korean," she sharply says, before walking out.
"Sandra Oh's role definitely is breaking new ground. It is more about her character. It is more evolved. It does not have anything to do with her being Korean. Being Korean has no meaning in the storyline. That's a great thing," Chung said.
For her role in Grey's Anatony, Oh won the Screen Actor's Guild Award for outstanding performance by a female actor in a drama series last January. "I'm really proud to be on a show whose casting is a little more representative of how I think the world is," she said, in her acceptance speech.
Koreans in 'Lost'
Lost, one of the most popular TV shows in the U.S., has undoubtedly increased the visibility of Koreans in Hollywood. Most of the show's fans admit they are emotionally drawn to the characters of married couple Sun and Jin Kwon, despite or because of the language barrier.
Korean actress Kim Yun-jin and Korean-American Daniel Dae Kim have managed to create sympathetic characters, who do not need to speak English to effectively bond with American viewers.
Kim Yun-jin is now one of the hottest faces in Hollywood, appearing on several U.S. magazine covers and snagging a role in an upcoming movie with Billy Bob Thornton.
However, Daniel Dae Kim admitted he had played at least 50 roles on TV and had never had an on-screen kiss until "Lost."
"We've (Asian men) been portrayed as inscrutable villains and asexualized kind of eunuchs...Even Jackie Chan in his movies rarely gets to kiss his female lead," Kim said, in an interview with ABC Television's news show 20/20.
Chung also points to the title role played by John Cho, in "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle" as another groundbreaking role. "It's the first movie where I've seen the main Asian character kiss a non-Asian character,拻 Chung said.
On the other hand, Korean-American actor Bobby Lee is a regular member of the comedy show, MadTV. On the show, he plays various Asian characters, including North Korean leader Kim Jong-il and a Korean drama actor, for laughs.
Korean Family
Gilmore Girls, now in its seventh season, is one of the few shows with a Korean-American family on the regular cast. The lead character Rory Gilmore's best friend is Lane Kim, a rock-music loving girl whose mother is a strict Seventh-day Adventist. The character is based on the Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino's best friend and co-producer Helen Pai, who is Korean-American.
Unlike the usual stereotype of Korean kids as overachievers, Kim is an average student whose is extremely passionate about music and plays drums in a rock band.
Interestingly enough, the roles or Lane and her mother, Mrs. Kim, have gone to Japanese-American actresses Keiko Agena and Emily Kuroda.
One of the unique things about Gilmore Girls is how well integrated the Korean characters are in the community. The characters do not have Korean accents, but occasionally show aspects of Korean culture.
Sherman-Palladino is reported to have adapted some of Pai's real-life experiences and integrated them into the Gilmore Girls storyline.
More Roles Needed
Even as Korean-American characters have increased, there is a lot of work to be done to keep Korean Americans and the rest of the Asian-American community more visible in Hollywood.
The University of California-Los Angeles conducted a study for the Asian American Justice Center which showed only 2.6 percent of primetime TV roles went to Asian Americans.
The study, "Asian Pacific Americans in Prime Time: Setting the Stage," noted Asian-Americans are "invisible" on prime-time U.S. TV despite the fact that they make up five percent of the U.S. population.
The study singled out Lost and Grey's Anatomy as exemplary programs showing complex and well-developed Asian-American characters, particularly the Korean characters.
"Christina (Oh's character) repeatedly displays both her intellectual skills on the job and a range of emotions involving personal issues... Her character is simply not a token Asian in the workplace... It is no surprise that such a multifaceted character ranks second in screen time among all regular characters on her program," it noted.
However, the study noted some concern the Asian-American characters were still portrayed in high-status occupations perpetuating the |
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Need Love? No
OCTOBER 26, 2006 06:58
Reporter: How were you cast in the movie "I Don't Need Love"?
Moon: I watched the Japanese TV drama in CDs in my management firm's office when I came to Seoul after finishing the college entrance exam and found it very attractive. Maybe it's because there was an affinity between me at that time and the Ryu Min character.
Reporter: An affinity with the depressed character? You are so sunny and positive.
Moon: Well, it's distrust in the world. I had received rewards for the efforts I made, and I lost any desire to do something when I wasn't rewarded for doing my best in preparing for the exam. I felt I could express what was pressing me down inside through Min.
Reporter: The evaluation of your acting in this movie seems significant.
Moon: I'm waiting for it. I'll accept anything: reproaches, critiques, or advice. That's what I can do and must do because I抦 now in my 20s. It will be an opportunity to take one step further.
Reporter: What do you think your weaknesses are as an actor?
Moon: There are a lot. I feel I'm not good enough in doing the basics like speaking, breathing, voice tones, facial expressions, actions and delivering emotions.
Reporter: Don't you have any desire to be in the so-called "boring art movies"?
Moon: Frankly speaking, I've had it. But I also think it is the right thing to do now to show what I can do best at my age. I don't want to consume myself fast. I want to go slowly.
Reporter: Last year, you said, "An actor can become anything except oneself." It sounded a little sad.
Moon: I wished who I am in my fantasy were real me because I didn't like real me. I wished I had certain aspects of the character I抦 acting, so I tried to find them within me. I found I didn't have them and felt I'm not myself.
Reporter: What kind of books are you reading as a college student?
Moon: I read lots of novels before, but now I'm reading humanities books since I'm now a college student. The two books that occupied me for a while are E.H. Carr's "What is History" and "A Biography of Che Guevara."
Reporter: Do you have any role models?
Moon: Frankly, no. I just wanted to work steady like Jang Dong-geun. Recently, I went to the preview of "Radio Star," and it made me want to become an actor like Ahn Seong-ki. He made me want to get older fast.
Source: The Dong-A Ilbo
http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?...d=2006102624118 |
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Oct 26, 2006
Lee Jun-ki: Proof that the K-Wave Rolls On
The actor Lee Jun-ki, propelled to stardom in the surprise blockbuster "The King and the Clown," has picked up quite a following in Japan. At the 19th Tokyo International Film Festival which runs from Oct. 21 to 29, Lee was enthroned as the top star. Along with director Lee Joon-ik, Lee Jun-ki traveled to Japan at the festival抯 invitation. The fanatical welcome he received from fans showed that there is still potential for the tide to rise in another Korean Wave. The Japanese press also showered praises. The Japan Times reported that of the 10 Korean films and their stars asked to the festival it was Lee Jun-ki who received the most uproarious applause.
A Samsung Anycall commercial titled 'Lee Jun-ki: One Person, Four Colors.'
Even Japanese sports papers kept close tabs on every move of the two Lees. Lee Jun-ki is in the midst of shooting the joint Korean-Japanese film "First Snow" with Japanese actress Aoi Miyazaki in Kyoto.
But Lee Jun-ki is also at the height of popularity with domestic audiences. The mini-drama commercial he did for Samsung Electronics, called "Lee Jun-ki: One Person, Four Colors," has been explosively popular in the 10 days since their release on the Internet, already picking up 1.5 million hits. The ads are for the Samsung Anycall Fx Phone. The 50-second spot shows the actor making use of all the top-notch features of the cell phone as he visits a health club, an art museum and a library, all in an effort to win the heart of a girl he likes.
Source: [email protected]
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/new...0610260001.html |
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Thursday, October 26, 2006
Korean popster Se7en, a jack of all trades
Singing, dancing and now acting: Is there anything that Korean pop idol Se7en cannot do?
Since his debut in 2003, Se7en's vocal and choreographic talents have been celebrated across Asia. The first male solo under YG Entertainment to break into the Japanese market in 2004, Se7en won enormous popularity in Japan and Thailand with remarkable album sales and successful promotion tours.
Not satisfied with resting on his regional laurels, Se7en is planning to take his special talents across the Pacific to the United States as well as finding time to promote his upcoming album and take acting lessons for an upcoming TV drama.
l Making inroads into the U.S. music industry
Se7en's agency YG Entertainment said on its website this week that "Se7en went to Washington to record his first single, which is scheduled to be released in the spring next year in the United States."
Se7en
The agency said it signed a contract with Mark Shimmel Music to jointly produce Se7en's single and support his entertainment activities on the U.S. soil. Shimmel is famous for discovering world famous pop artist Usher and producing the records of R&B pop artists such as Tony Braxton and TLC.
Se7en's single album in the United States will be produced by Rich Harrison, the Grammy Award winner responsible for diva Beyonce Knowles' smash hit "Crazy in Love."
"In the past, it was very difficult to have an opportunity to present a Korean singer in the American music industry but fortunately, we met a good partner," said Yang Hyun-suk, the founder and owner of YG Entertainment, who wields enormous influence in the Korean pop industry working with famous pop stars like Wheesung and Gummy.
"After YG Family's New York concert, Mark Shimmel said it will work out well. I'm happy because it seems like one of the best U.S. musical business talents recognized Se7en's ability."
l Promoting a new album "Se7volution"
With preparations for his debut in the United States moving into overdrive, Se7en's local schedule will also be hectic, focusing on promotion of his new album, "Se7volution" - coined from "Se7en" and "evolution - set for a Nov. 1 release.
The title track "La La La" is a slow tempo pop number in which Se7en will refrain from dabbling in too much on-stage choreography. The dazzling dancer with the innocent face used to be a drawcard with Korea's youth audience. But now, he is looking in another direction.
"Because we have put so much emphasis on strong hip-hop beats in Se7en's previous albums, it's time for a change to good melodies and vocal sounds," said YG Entertainment.
Out of 14 tracks in the album, Se7en composed two songs and wrote lyrics for several other tracks as well. The two-part music videos for the title track "La La La" are already finished and will be released to coincide with the album's launch.
l Drama acting in "The Palace Season 2"
With his fourth album coming soon, Se7en is to take a lead role in an upcoming local TV drama "The Palace Season 2." With the drama, Se7en will also make his on-screen debut in the Asian drama market.
"The Palace Season 2" depicts a young man who works at a Chinese restaurant, not knowing he is a descendant of a royal family. Later, the extroverted guy enters into the palace to be crowned as king.
The producer of "The Palace Season 2," Hwang In-roe, said he picked Se7en for the role because the performer's personality is known to be humble and hard working.
However, some of drama fans have been vehemently opposed to the idea of casting Se7en, citing that Se7en has no acting experience and will deprive other newly recruited KBS actors of their chance to debut in dramas.
"These days TV drama producers cast only celebrity singers or comedians because they are preoccupied with TV ratings rankings. But it is irritating to see their poor acting," wrote an internet user who posted a comment on-line after reading news reports of Se7en being cast for the drama.
On the other hand, some fans of the previous drama "The Palace Season 1" are posting encouraging messages on drama's website bulletin board, saying: "The role fits well with Se7en," "I'm looking forward to his acting" and "season 2 will be as enjoyable as season 1."
Se7en once vowed he would never cross over into acting and remain focused on singing as a devoted pop artist, but his change of heart seems to stem from seeing other Korean performers become Asian megastars through the influence of "hallyu," or the Korean Wave.
"To continue the popularity of the Korean culture in Asia, drama acting is somewhat inevitable," YG Entertainment said.
Indeed, singer Rain, who recently showcased a premiere of his upcoming world tour in Seoul, is a good example of attaining global fame through acting in a drama that spread across the whole Asian region. Rain's popularity in Asia soared after acting in the 2003 drama "Sang-doo, Let's Go to School" and the 2004 drama "Full House."
Se7en will start shooting "The Palace Season 2" in early November and the drama will be aired on MBC from January next year. He is now in the United States recording his first single, which is scheduled to be released in February next year.
([email protected])
By Kim Yoon-mi
Source: The Korea Herald
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/SITE/data/htm...00610270025.asp |
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Oct 27, 2006
Eom Ji-won Rediscovered
"After I finish my vacation, I think my heart may be filled with trees." Screenplay gems seem to stick in the memory forever, and with the way actress Eom Ji-won puts her all into her role, her performance will linger in the minds of audiences for some time. The film that opened this year's Pusan International Film Festival, "Traces of Love," was the vehicle for the actress抯 rediscovery. With the fluidity that is born automatically from frank and simple acting, the actress is enchanting. Appearing with the "two greats" Yoo Ji-tae and Kim Ji-su, being entrusted with the lead role was "very intimidating."
"Ji-su is a veteran of soap opera on the small screen, and Ji-tae is veteran of the big screen. So I thought that just as long as I did well, things would turn out fine. But any little mistake seemed like it would be so noticeable, so it made me very worried." In this film, Eom Ji-won has to hold her own alongside the two giants. It wasn't easy. Since she only makes her appearance halfway into the film, one little mistake could easily give rise to antipathy.
As a survivor of a department store collapse, her character is troubled by re-emerging trauma. She did a lot of research into the role, studying news and documentaries about the 1995 Sampoong Department Store collapse and even read over psychology texts. As the fruit of her labors, she was able to create a character that expresses the sorrows of those who lived through the tragedy.
She set the atmosphere on the set. When she did the scenes buried in the rubble after the collapse, it was extremely trying for her, but she still managed to laugh about it afterwards. Finishing the 10-month shoot with no major problems is also a testament to her character.
Just like her character in "Traces of Love" Eom Ji-won loves to take trips. They "got over their post-trauma difficulties and nursed their wounds -- everything turning out well made my heart grown light again. I hope that this fall turns out the same way."
Source: [email protected]
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/new...0610270003.html |
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Shin Seung-hun抯 New Album Draws Attention Overseas
2006-10-27
Shin Seung-hun抯 recent 10th album 揟he Romanticist |
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Author
Post time 21-10-2006 05:48 PM
