|
|
July 25, 2012
Korean film invited to Venice’s independent section
By Claire Lee The Korea Herald
A scene from director Jeon Kyu-hwan’s film “The Weight,” which will compete
in a sidebar section of the Venice Film Festival. (NEW)
Director Jeon Kyu-hwan’s feature-length film “The Weight” has been included in the line-up of the Venice Film Festival’s autonomous sidebar section, the movie’s distributor Fine Cut said.
Jeon, whose previous works include Berlinale-featured “Varanasi” and “Dance Town,” has become the first Korean director to be invited to the “Venice Days” competition program. The sidebar is widely considered to be the equivalent of Cannes Director’s Fortnight.
Starring “Beyond the Years” and “Bad Guy” actor Cho Jae-hyun, Jeon’s film tells the story of a mortician who accepts corpses of those who died without family members to pay for the funeral. The film is slated to open in theaters in Korea by the end of the year.
Also included in the 10-film competition program at the Venice Film Festival are Swedish director Jesper Ganslandt’s “Blondie”; Israeli director Amir Manor’s “Epiloque”; and Canadian director Sarah Polley’s film “Stories We Tell.”
The Venice Film Festival runs from Aug. 20 to Sept. 8. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2012
Namgoong Min to narrate pro-environment program
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Actor Namgoong Min has jump on board a worthy cause by narrating a pro-environmental change program on SBS radio.
The “Green Hope” project will see Namgoong take part as the voice of the project for one month starting July 30.
“The program is geared toward bringing about green changes and to increase awareness on environmental issues,” said a spokesperson for Namgoong.
Meanwhile, the 34-year-old actor is said to be stoked about championing an honorable cause.
“By taking part in the program, I’ve come to know a lot more about the issues,” said Namgoong.
“I hope to do my part in increasing awareness among the listeners, too.” |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2012
Cha Tae-hyun says he only had one girlfriend
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Actor Cha Tae-hyun announced on KBS 2TV’s talk show program “Win Win,” that he had only dated one girl, who is now his wife.
On the show that aired on July 24, Cha said that he met his wife when he was in second year of high school.
“I’m sure that she’s dated other guys,” said Cha, “but not me. She’s the only girl I’ve ever dated.”
Cha said that his wife was his first love, but after dating in high school, they broke up, a gap period which Cha’s wife used diligently, while Cha didn’t.
“After we broke up, I think she dated about three or four other guys,” guessed Cha.
To confirm the details of his wife’s past loves, the hosts of the show called up Cha’s wife Choi Suk-eun who said that she did indeed date other guys, “but it wasn’t serious.”
“If I had the choice to go back in time, I’d still marry him,” said Choi, reaffirming her love for her husband.
“You know people see me as this romantic guy because I married my high school sweetheart,” Cha explained, “but the thing is I really had no other options.” |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2012
Han Hye-jin heads to London for Olympic-themed "Healing Camp"
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Actress Han Hye-jin headed toward London on July 25 to host the talk show “Healing Camp” over there during the Olympic Games.
The 30-year-old actress who is one of the hosts of the famed talk show that digs up past pains of celebrities, will cheer on the Korean athletes and have them appear on the show.
Although the show is usually aired on Monday nights, during the Games, it will air over the weekends on Aug. 4 and Aug. 12.
As well as hosting the popular SBS show, this year, Han has also appeared on JTBC’s drama “Syndrome.” |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2012
Korean film invited to Venice film fest
Nate l YonhapNews
SEOUL, July 25 (Yonhap) -- "The Weight," a new South Korean film starring veteran actor Jo Jae-hyun, has been invited to a non-competitive section of this year's Venice International Film Festival, its local distributor said Wednesday.
The movie will be presented in the "Venice Days" section of the 69th film festival set to open on Aug. 29, New said.
The drama portrays joys and sorrows of human life through a man (played by Jo) with a painful personal history.
Its director Jeon Kyu-hwan has been invited to more than 30 overseas film festivals with "Varanasi," his "town series" -- "Mozart Town," "Animal Town," and "Dance Town" -- and other films.
"The Weight" is set to open in local theaters in the second half of this year. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2012
4Men's member releases debut solo album
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Shin Yong-jae, the youngest member of the trio 4men, is set to release his first solo album on July 27.
Shin’s solo attempt follows in the stead of fellow member Kim Won-joo, who released his album in December last year.
Ahead of his debut project, Shin talked to Yonhap to explain the significance of his album, entitled “24.”
Shin, who is 24 years old by Korean age reckoning, said that he tried to capture the essence of youth and love in the album.
“Up until now I’ve projected this dark image,” Shin explained, “so now I have decided to try acting my age.”
“The album is bright and tells the tale of love from a 24-year-old’s perspective,” said the boy band member.
“Everyone tells me that I’m in my prime and I think they’re right. All I am doing with this album is telling it as it is from my point of view,” said Shin. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2012
G-Dragon to release album on b-day
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Big Bang’s G-Dragon is set to release his second solo album on his 24th birthday, which falls on Aug. 18.
G-Dragon’s second solo album comes three years after his debut record “Heartbreaker.” The first album was also launched on his birthday, making his 21st a very special occasion; more than 200,000 copies of the album were sold.
While his debut album featured various K-pop artists, the upcoming album will feature a collaborative tune with U.S. rapper Ludacris.
Meanwhile, the fashion icon of the quintet idol group has been busy touring with his band. Big Bang held a sold-out performance at the 10,000-seat Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai last Saturday.
It was the Korean boy band’s first performance in China since its debut in 2006.
Their next concert in China will be at the International Sports Arena in Guangzhou on Saturday, with a final show to be held at the Master Card Center in Beijing on Aug. 4. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2012
Actor Jo Jae-yun is single no more
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Jo Jae-yun from the hit-drama “The Chaser” has revealed that he has been “seeing someone” as the show comes to an end.
The 37-year-old actor appeared on an episode of “Good Morning” on Tuesday and opened up about his love life and views on marriage.
“When I started out in the industry doing plays, I went through a lot of financial hardship and marriage was the last thing on my mind,” Jo said.
Things have changed since then and Jo said that he wanted nothing more than to get married.
“Now I see marriage differently, I want to get married for my parents as well as for me.”
Fans were quick to congratulate Jo online.
“I hope it works out,” said one netizen while another added, “We will be anticipating some good news to follow!”
Jo made his debut in 2003 through the movie “Please Teach Me English.” Since then, he has appeared in various hit movies and dramas such as “The Man From Nowhere” (2010) and “Hero.” |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2012
Venice film fest to screen 'The Weight'
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
The film “The Weight” starring Cho Jae-hyun will be screened at the 69th Venice International Film Festival, which runs from Aug. 29 to Sept. 8.
The Korean movie’s distributor announced yesterday that the film festival asked to screen the movie in the non-competing segment “Venice Days.”
This will be the first time that a Korean film has been included at the famed Italian movie awards event.
“The Weight” is a drama that dives into the pains and tragedies of life. Cho plays the role of a man who faces one tragedy after another. The film makes its Korean debut later this year.
Director Jeon Kyu-hwan has been invited to some 30 film festivals and awards ceremonies for his works.
“Mozart Town,” “Dance Town,” “Animal Town” and “From Seoul to Varnasi” have all won Jeon awards at the Grenada Film Festival and the Dallas International Film Festival.
Cho made his television debut back in 1989. Since then, the 47-year-old actor has acted in numerous movies and this year’s JTBC drama “Syndrome.” |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2012
Korea Broadcasting Awards Winners Include Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Jun-hyun
KBS Global
Actor Kim Soo-hyun and comedian Kim Jun-hyun were both honored this year for the 39th Korea Broadcasting Awards.
The chairman of the Korea Broadcasters Association, Kim In-kyu, announced that after the round of preliminary decisions and deliberation on July 10-20th, KBS's Hong Sa-hoon was chosen to receive the news Writer Award, and EBS's Kim Hyung-jun for the Producer Award.
Actor Kim Soo Hyun and comedian Kim Jun Hyun both received awards on July 24th from ‘The 39th Korea Broadcasting Awards‘.
Kim Jun-hyun was honored with the Comedian Award for his roles in KBS's "Gag Concert". Kim Soo-hyun won the Talent Award, following his success in the drama "The Moon That Embraces The Sun". Singer Park Wan-gyu was honored with the Singer Award.
This was in addition to 24 other recipients in 24 other categories.
From this pool of people will come the winner of the ultimate Daesang Award, which will be announced on September 3rd at the Awards Ceremony at KBS Hall. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 26, 2012
Business Selling Top Idol Stars' Phone Numbers
KBS Global
Imagine being the top idol group in Korea, and having your phone number up for sale.
According to a recent broadcast of "One Night of TV Entertainment" on July 25th, there's reportedly a source selling some of the top stars' personal phone numbers. The show's production team was able to narrow in on this situation, where these phone numbers are being circulated over the web. Depending on the stars' popularity, the cost for their personal digits will range from 5,000 won to 10,000 won.
When a rep of this source was asked whether they had the numbers of Girls Generation, the rep answered, " We have them all. It's 5,000 won for each member. If you buy a lot [of numbers], we'll give you discount or even throw in a few [other numbers] for free."
He continued, "If you buy the numbers of all the Girls Generation members, we'll even give you 2PM's Taecyeon and Chansung's numbers for free."
When asked how they got a hold of these numbers, he responded, "We have a few connections in broadcasting stations that sold them to us, or we got them from 'sa-saeng fan' internet cafe postings." "Sa-saeng" refers to the stalker type of fans that make it difficult for
celebrities to live out their lives in a safe, private, and even human manner.
For the record, this kind of behavior or business activities can result in up to five years in prison with a 50 million won fine. Even if the celebrities affected don't take legal measures against such business operators, such activities can still be investigated by judicial authorities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 26, 2012
Nichkhun apologizes for drunken driving
YonhapNews
SEOUL, July 26 (Yonhap) -- The Thai-American member of South Korean boy band 2PM apologized for his "irresponsible" behavior on Thursday after being involved in an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol
Nichkhun Buck Horvejkul, better known here as Nichkhun, was charged Tuesday with drunk driving after getting into a fender-bender with a motorcycle in southern Seoul.
"I would like to write this letter of apology for such an irresponsible act. To the injured person, his family, the people of Korea, my fans, JYPE family and staffs, 2PM members, and all the people this situation has affected," the 23-year-old singer wrote in English on his personal Twitter account.
"I have betrayed the ones who have given me their love and support, the love and support I don't deserve with such behavior."
Nichkhun said he will take some time off to rethink his action and himself and would never repeat the same mistake.
Police said on Tuesday the singer was tested at the scene and found to have a blood alcohol content of 0.056 percent, a level that could lead to the suspension of his driver's license.
Nichkhun's agency, JYP Entertainment Corp., was quick to release a public apology on behalf of the star Tuesday but he had stayed silent on the incident until his tweets.
On Thursday, JYP Entertainment said on its Web site it would respect Nichkhun's decision not to attend the group's joint performances in South Korea and Japan with other JYP artists and a "Fan's Day" event, all scheduled for next month.
Since his debut on 2PM's first album in 2008, Nichkhun has become one of the most popular entertainers in the country and recently appeared in a Thai film, "Seven Something." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 26, 2012
Han Hye-jin, Jin Goo's "26 Years" kickstarts with social funding
Reporter : Lee Hye JiEditor : Monica Suk KStar10
Actress Han Hye-jin (top) and actor Jin Goo (bottom) during the shooting of "26 Years" [Chungeorahm]
Supported by two-million-dollar online crowd-funding, KangFull’s political film “26 Years” has finally kicked off its shooting.
The political film, which is expected to become one of the hottest features based on true political events here, finally began its shooting on July 19, according to Chungeorahm’s press release Wednesday.
It took nearly four years for the film to go into shooting, as investors initially shun the project saying it was deemed 'too political.'
With the help of around four thousand donators, however, the collected investment budget now amounts over 250 million Korean won [around 217,959 U.S. dollars].
"26 Years," based on famous web-based comic by KangFull, goes around the story of five people who has been suffering from severe physical and mental damages caused by Gwangju Democratization Movement. The incident is considered to be one of the major pro-democratic movements in the history of Korea.
Chungeorahm also revealed still shots of the actors taken during the shooting, which show Han Hye-jin donned in a blue athlete uniform, and Jin Goo with a big scar on his face.
Han plays a professional shooter from the national shooting team while Jin Goo portrays a gangster from an organized criminal group. 2AM’s Seulong plays a young policeman whose life turns upside down by the historical event.
The film is scheduled to crank up in September and is to open in the second half of 2012.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 26, 2012
The weight of Korean films capture the heart of Venice
KOBIZ
The Weight starring Cho Jae Hyun is set to be screened as part of the ‘Venice Days’ section during the 69 th Venice Film Festival, firstever in Korean Film history. Tree Film, the producer of the film, officially made an announce mention July 24th that its film The Weight has been invited to be screened a spart of the ‘Venice Days’ section, first time ever for a Korean film. The main character in The Weight is played by an actor Cho Jae Hyun, famous for being a ‘Kim Ki Duk Persona’ whose former movies include The Isle, Bad Guy, Address Unknown, Wild Animals, and Crocodile.
Finecut, the film’s international distributor has said “the Venice Days section makes no difference to Director’s Fortnight in Cannes International Film Festival which is a dream for every director to make their appearances at. And this makes it even more meaningful for our film.” Incendies by Denis Villeneuve and Sherry Hormann’s <Desert Flower> are from this section.
The international film critics have said the Director JEON Kyu-hwan , The Weight being his fifth production, have picturized the modern society extraordinarily and has the greatest potential to be the leading figure and this bring up even more expectations from the Korean film industry on the film. The Weight exquisitely captures the joys and sorrows of life with unique visual and art.
Director JEON Kyu-hwan who has made series of Town productions including Mozart Town, Animal Town, Dance Town, has once again given the keen insights of the society through The Weight, saying he tried to express the stories of the social minorities by some what grotesque but beautiful dances, music and visual.
Director JEON Kyu-hwan’s film has not only been invited to Pusan Film Festival but to Berlin Film Festival, San Sebastian International Film Festival, Torino Film Festival, Rome Asian Film Festival, Vesoul Asia Film Fesitval, Black Movie Geneva Film Festival, Ireland Cork Film Festival, Russia Vladivostok Film Festival, Croatia Split Film Festival, Cinematek the Belgium Royal Film Archives, Dallas Film Festival, Tokyo Film Festival, Hong Kong Film Festival, and Cinefan Film Festival plus a screening at The Museum of Modern Art in New York which have enormously raised the status of Korean Films. The Weight is planned to be released in the latter half of the year in Korea.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 26, 2012
Park Sang-min loses final trial, to pay fine for beating wife
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Actor Park Sang-min lost his final appeal on July 26, which means Park will have to pay a fine of 200,000 won ($174), as imposed on him at the second trial for beating his former wife.
Back in May, at the second hearing Seoul Eastern District Court found the actor guilty on assault charges and issued the fine.
At the third trial, the court said that it stood by its previous decision despite having thought the entertainer to be innocent at the initial trial.
The crime took place back in 2010 when the couple was married and resided in Gang-dong, southeastern Seoul. During an argument, Park swore at and pushed his wife toward a shoe rack, resulting in her hitting her head against the piece of furniture.
Many are outraged at the low fine imposed on the actor. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 26, 2012
Knockout actress wins boxing tourney
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Actress Lee Si-young has claimed first place at the 33rd annual amateur boxing contest, which took place in Yeongju, North Gyeonsang, yesterday morning.
Lee, who boxes in her spare time, took out her opponent in the women’s 48-kilogram (105-pound) segment with a score of 10 to 7.
Lee’s agency said that the actress complained of shoulder pain during the match, but she fought through it to win. Lee’s opponent Ji Yoo-jin was last year’s winner of the national women’s boxing competition.
From early this month, all eyes had been on Lee as she won one match after another beginning with the Seoul City Amateur Boxing Competition held at Korea National Sport University on July 6.
While filming the various, Lee trained professionally and has pursued the sport. In 2010, Lee won the Seventh Annual Women’s Amateur Boxing Competition.
With one more feat under her belt, Lee said that she’ll be taking time off from boxing to focus on her acting career. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 26, 2012
Kim Soo-hyun's lighter a hot item
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
A really big fan of actor Kim Soo-hyun has forked more than 1 million won ($871) for a lighter available on Amazon.com for $120.
Kim’s lighter from “The Thieves,” which opened Wednesday, was offered on Auction.co.kr from July 1 to Sunday.
The S.T. Dupont Maxijet Lighter in Midnight Blue managed to attract 77 bids; with the highest bidder taking the lighter used by Kim in his latest blockbuster movie.
A dress worn by Jeon Ji-hyun sold for 610,000 won.
All proceeds from the sale of 10 movie items - a total of 2.5 million won -will go to a charity for children with leukemia.
According to the movie’s distributor, more than 436,628 people came to see the film about a group of jewelry thieves that set out to steal a one-of-a-kind diamond from a casino in Macau.
The movie is being described as Korean rendition of Hollywood blockbuster “Ocean’s Eleven” by critics and was produced on a budget of 14 billion won. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 26, 2012
Suzy to work with Kim Soo-hyun again
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Suzy from Miss A has become a lucky girl yet again, as she is set to model for the clothing brand Beanpole’s sports line alongside Kim Soo-hyun.
A spokesperson from the brand said on July 26 that Suzy will be active as the brand’s model for its autumn and winter promotions.
“From the silver screen, brown screen and on the stage, Suzy has shown us what an exceptional talent she is,” said the spokesperson.
“In particular, her image as a vibrant and healthy female star was attractive and thus resulted in us asking her to get on board with the brand.”
Meanwhile, Suzy starred in last year’s teen drama “Dream High,” playing the love interest of buzzworthy actor Kim Soo-hyun. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 26, 2012
"The Thieves" records 2nd biggest opening of all-time in Korea
Reporter: Lee Hye Ji Editor: Monica Suk 10Kstar
“The Thieves,” one of the most-anticipated films this year, has recorded the second best opening in Korean film history.
“The Thieves” attracted 436,622 moviegoers on the day of its release on Wednesday, stealing the top seed from five-day-reigning “Dark Night Rise” at local box office's daily chart, according to Korea Box office Information System (KOBIS)'s website Thursday.
This is the second highest single day opening of all-time after “The Host” opened with 449,500 tickets sold in 2006.
The former No. 2 was “D-War," 2007 Korean fantasy film produced by Shim Hyung-rae, slid down to the third place, putting an end to its five-years honor.
“Deranged,” which had the best opening record of the year until Tuesday, stopped at pulling in 190,952 audiences on its release date.
The action drama pic “The Thieves” tells the story about a group of ten thieves from different backgrounds who have teamed up to steal a diamond hidden inside a casino located in Macao.
Helmed by famed director Choi Dong-hoon, top Korean actors joined the Korean version of “Ocean's Eleven,” such as Kim Yoon-seok, Kim Hye-soo, Lee Jung-jae, Jun Ji-hyun, and Kim Soo-hyun.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Author
