|
|
July 27, 2012
Successes and Pitfalls of Star Power in Advertising
ChosunIlbo
The decision by Coreana Cosmetics to hire actress Kim Ha-neul as a poster girl is paying off handsomely thanks to the tremendous popularity of the hit SBS soap "A Gentleman's Dignity" in which she stars alongside heartthrob Jang Dong-gun. The pink lipstick Kim uses in the drama has become such a hit that 20,000 of the products have sold so far across the nation, which is faster than the company can supply them.
Coreana has had to ramp up production to meet demand. "We paid hundreds of millions of won in modeling fees, but sales of the lipstick alone more than made up for that," said a company staffer.
Businesses are very cautious about choosing models for their products. It may seem that hiring the most popular star to endorse a product would guarantee its success, but things do not always turn out that way. Advertisers must carefully consider the type of product they are selling, whether it goes well with a particular model, how well-known the model is among the target consumer group, and how to differentiate the product from rivals.
From left, Kim Ha-neul, Jeon Ji-hyun and Kim Yu-na
One example of a successful pairing of product and model is actress Jeon Ji-hyun and Elastine shampoo, by LG Household and Health Care. Jeon was the poster girl for Elastine from 2001, when the product was introduced, until 2011. Although relatively unknown back then, her fresh appearance and long hair was a perfect match with the product and turned it into an instant hit. Elastine has been the best-selling shampoo since its debut and still holds that position with consumers associating that product with the actress. In turn, Jeon was able to consolidate her fresh image.
But relying too much on star power can lead to the merchandise becoming overshadowed by the celebrity. An example is actor Kim Soo-hyun, who suddenly became a star with the lead role in the MBC costume drama "The Moon that Embraces the Sun." During the first six months of this year, Kim appeared in ads for more than 10 products ranging from coffee, sportswear, jewelry, beer and electronic products. Because he spreads himself so thinly, consumers are often confused.
Now many businesses are trying to avoid this pitfall by turning to popular athletes. They are not only fresh faces but also felt to embody trustworthiness, the spirit of challenge and strapping health. Daewoong Pharmaceutical hired soccer legend Cha Bum-kun, his son and star soccer player Cha Du-ri and his brother to advertise its health supplements, and the ads proved successful.
Figure skating star Kim Yu-na appeared in 136 ads until June this year and raised the brand image of every product she has endorsed.
"Sports stars have a stronger image of trustworthiness than other models, and their personal stories of challenge and success have a positive impact on the product they endorse," said Park Jae-hang of advertising company Innocean Worldwide. "Rather than hiring them for a single ad, it could be more beneficial to form long-term sponsorship deals with them in order to boost the corporate image by giving an impression that the company endeavors to foster sports." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 27, 2012
Kim Ki-duk's new film up for competition in Venice fest
YonhapNews
SEOUL, July 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korean director Kim Ki-duk's latest film "Pieta" has been invited to a competitive section of this year's Venice International Film Festival, the movie's local distributor said.
"Pieta" was among the 18 films chosen to compete for the prestigious Golden Lion award at the 69th Venice film festival, which runs from Aug. 29 to Sept. 8, NEW, the distributor, said in a release Thursday.
It is the first time that a Korean film will vie for the top prize in the Venice film festival, one of the world's three most authoritative events, since Park Chan-wook's "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" in 2005.
"Pieta" marks Kim's fourth film to go to Venice since "The Isle" (2000), "Address Unknown" (2001) and "3-Iron" (2004).
The movie, Kim's 18th in total and named after a masterpiece sculpture by Michelangelo, depicts the confusion suffered by an evil man who is visited by a mysterious woman claiming to be his birth mother and concealing a tragic secret.
Debuting in 1996 with "Crocodile," Kim won prizes at Venice and Berlin for "3-Iron" and "Samaritan Girl" both in 2004. He is also known for his 2003 film, "Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring," which depicted the life of a Buddhist monk and his young protege while encapsulating features of Buddhist philosophy.
"Pieta" is scheduled to open at local theaters on Sept. 6.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 27, 2012
Kim Ki-duk Invited to Venice for 4th Time with 'Pieta'
ChosunIlbo
Director Kim Ki-duk's latest film "Pieta" has been included in the official competition category at the 69th Venice Film Festival, which will open on Aug. 29.
This is the first time in seven years a Korean movie has entered the competition section of the festival since Park Chan-wook's "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" in 2005.
It also marks Kim's fourth time to participate in the acclaimed festival. He entered the competition section with "The Isle" in 2000, and four years later won four different awards for "3-Iron," including Best Director and Little Golden Lion.
Also included in the competition section of this year's festival were "To The Wonder" by Terrence Malick, who won the Palme d'Or at Cannes last year for "The Tree of Life," and Frenchman Olivier Assayas' "Something in the Air," "Outrage: Beyond" by Japan's Takeshi Kitano, and "Passion" by Brian De Palma.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 29, 2012
'Bungee Jump' tells of watercolor love story
Popular 2001 film starring Lee Byung-hun transformed for musical
By Kwon Mee-yoo The Korea Times
Will Aronson, left, and Hue Park wrote the music and lyrics, respectively, for the new show
"Bungee Jump" based on the 2001 movie "Bungee Jumping of Their Own." / Courtesy of Lee Soo-jin
“Bungee Jump,” a new musical that opened at Samsung Card Hall of Blue Square in Hannam-dong mid-July, depicts a love transcending time and space with dramatic music and delicate lyrics.
Composer Will Aronson and lyricist Hue Park told The Korea Times about their work, collaboration and friendship.
Aronson, who studied classical music at Harvard University and the Universitat der Kunste in Berlin and holds a master’s degree from New York University (NYU) Tisch School’s musical theater program, previously worked with Musical Heaven, the production company of “Bungee Jump,” on the New York Musical Theatre Festival-winning “My Scary Girl” in 2009.
The musical “Bungee Jump” originated from the 2001 movie “Bungee Jumping of Their Own,” featuring Lee Byung-hun as In-woo and the late Lee Eun-ju as Tae-hee. University student In-woo fell in love with Tae-hee when she asked to borrow his umbrella. The two start dating but Tae-hee dies suddenly in a car accident. Seventeen years later, In-woo, who became a high school Korean teacher, has an extraordinary feeling creeping over him toward one of his students Hyeon-bin. In-woo realizes that Hyeon-bin is the reincarnation of Tae-hee, but he is condemned for being a homosexual by his family, friends and students.
The show had a try out during the Daegu International Musical Festival in 2010 with a different composer and Aronson and Park jumped into the ongoing project last year with brand-new music. “When I first saw the movie, I thought it has a great story, but I didn’t know I would write songs for it,” Aronson said.
When the company asked Aronson to write the music, he recommended Park for the lyrics. Park, who studied creative writing at Dongguk University, pursued visual art at NYU. He was a K-pop lyricist in Korea and kept it up as a hobby in the States. “Will and I have a lot in common, especially a taste for culture — we like John Brion and Bernard Herrmann’s music and Miranda July’s books and movies. We both are artists and inspired each other,” Park said.
Aronson said the movie has a wide range of feelings and it left a big impression on him. “I loved how the movie has so many different feelings and changed as it went on. It started as a sweet romantic comedy, then became very mysterious and got very dark. But ultimately, it was sad, but uplifting,” Aronson said. Figuring out how to keep the sentiment and melancholy atmosphere from the original movie was the key to writing the music for the stage version of “Bungee Jump.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In-woo and Tae-hee waltzing to Dmitri Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2 from Jazz Suite on a beach is one of the most picturesque scenes in the movie and many wondered how it would be staged. Instead of using Shostakovich’s waltz, Aronson brought his own interpretation and wrote a new waltz for the musical, which opens the show and is reprised throughout including the scene in which the two lovebirds are dancing together.
“The waltz was the first entrance point to make our ways into the love story that is not just simple and beautiful, but complicated and often sad,” the composer said. “I know it would be controversial to write our own waltz in the musical, but I love how the waltz functions in the piece — it is a piece that involves memory. Musically, it is very exciting to take a theme and play it with variations or bring it back.”
The music gets meaning when it has lyrics — for the waltz in “Bungee Jump,” is this love going to end or not? “The lyrics give music meaning and when the music comes back, audiences can relate to the feelings,” Aronson added.
Since the coherence between the music and the lyrics is imperative, some composers prefer to write music and lyrics single-handedly. But Aronson favors working with lyricists. “Everybody has totally personal taste and I always find new ideas and surprises in the process of two people discussing and debating. I love not knowing how the show is going to develop,” Aronson said. “In this case, I had to collaborate because I don’t speak Korean.”
Park added that Aronson has an enormous energy in the collaborating process. “He uses the dynamics between us as power to push through. It was lucky for me to work with him,” he said. For “Bungee Jump,” the two talked a lot before actually composing the music and lyrics. Sometimes words came first, while music came first at other times during the process.“Usually, I have some lyrics to start with and then write melodies and when I had to write music first, it was exciting but kind of scary,” Aronson said.
Park said writing lyrics for a musical is like telling a story through music. “I tried to fulfill literary and musical achievements as well as emotions in the lyrics. It should be simple but meaningful,” Park said. “In Korean lyrics, rhyming is less important than in English, but I tried to balance the strength of both languages by paying attention to make it sound beautiful.”
The musical is based on a Korean movie, produced by a Korean company, helmed by a Scottish director Adrian Osmond, who directed “Sweeney Todd” here in 2007, and scored by an American. In this global production, Park was like a bridge between them as he had a good understanding of both Korean and American culture.
“The show was for Korean audiences and we thought this project was more like an artists’ interpretation of the movie in a synergetic way,” Park said. “We were in different places and Skyped for almost a year before actually seeing each other in Korea about two months ago. Collaborating with such mix of visions was interesting,” Aronson added.
The musical is like a watercolor and it might not touch the viewers immediately, but its music, lyrics, mise-en-scene and the heart-rending love story will seep into audiences’ minds. “There are many musical spectacles filled with glamorous sets and costumes, but ‘Bungee Jump’ is a musical of sensibility. I hope calm, stable ‘Bungee Jump’ will break the fixed idea on musicals and give people something to think about,” Park said.
After the interview, Aronson left for Plao Alto, Calif., to stage another show “The Trouble with Doug” at TheatreWorks’ New Works Festival and Park returned to New York to continue his experiments as a foreign artist in New York. But the music and lyrics of the two resonating with the undying love of In-woo and Tae-hee are available through “Bungee Jump,” which runs till Sept 2.
The musical stars Kang Pil-suk and Kim Woo-hyung as In-woo; Jeun Mi-do and Choi Yu-ha as Tae-hee; and Yun So-ho and Lee Jae-kyun as Hyeon-bin. For more information, visit www.musicalbungeejump.co.kr or call (02) 744-4337.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 29, 2012
'26 Years' Finally Starts Up with Help from Ordinary People
CJ E&M enewsWorld Lee, InKyung Translation Credit: Erika Kim
The film 26 Years finally started filming on July 19.
26 Years was able to start filming with the help of 4,000 small investors who came together to invest a total of 250 million won, making the film a project produced ‘by the civilians’.
Because the film is based on a webtoon that talks of what happens to a gangster, an archer in the national team, a police officer, the head of a large company and the chief of a private bodyguard business 26 years after the May 1980 democracy movements, it met with rumors that it was continuously being hindered by ‘outside forces’.
It grinded to a halt a total of four times and had to replace many members of its cast since it first started up in 2008, but the production company has finally been able to take a step forward with the help of civilians, and is aiming for a release this year.
26 Years is about a secret project to punish ‘the man’ behind the massacre that occurred 26 years ago, and will be directed by Jo Geun Hyun, the art director behind The King’s Concubine and My Way.
Jin Goo and Han Hye Jin have been cast as the leads, and Lee Kyeong Yeong, Bae Soo Bin, Lim Seulong and Jang Gwang will also help the film wrap up filming by September.
In the stills released through the film’s official Facebook page on July 25, Han Hye Jin flaunted her beauty even while clad in a blue training suit. Her clear skin and shining eyes especially turned heads with the emotion they contained.
The producers of 26 Years will continue to report on the progression of the film through its official webpage, Twitter account and Facebook page.
A rep from the production company said, “Thanks to our future audience that participated as investors, we were able to contract a total of approximately 250 million won. Even though filming has started, people can still participate in the cooperative effort to produce 26 Years. Those who participate will be given [special benefits based on the amount they invest]. A 20,000 investment will provide two tickets to the preview that will take place in six cities across the country, a special poster and special production information; the 50,000 ticket will provide a DVD and a spot in the ending credits while the 290,000 ticket holds a special meaning. Anyone can join through the official webpage for the film.”
Photo credit: Chungeoram
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 29, 2012
'I'm more motivated than ever'
Actor Lee Jung-jae talks about his acting career, being single
By Claire Lee The Korea Herald
Actor Lee Jung-jae was not used to playing “unattractive” characters, until he was given the role of a jealous thief in his latest film “The Thieves.”
“Director Choi Dong-hun asked me to be as unattractive and foolish as possible for the role,” Lee told the Korea Herald in an interview on Thursday.
“So I asked him: if you want this guy to be so unattractive, why did you cast an (attractive) actor like me? But as I got to know more about the character, I developed a lot of attachment to him. I don’t think the audience would hate the guy although he is a villain. It’s his flaws that really humanize him.”
Actor Lee Jung-jae poses for a photo prior to an interview with
The Korea Herald on Thursday. (Chung Hee-cho/The Korea Herald)
The star-studded heist film directed by Choi Dong-hun has been a sensational hit since its release last week. It topped the box office chart on the day of its opening, beating Christopher Nolan’s Hollywood blockbuster “The Dark Knight Rises.” The film also drew more than two million viewers in just four days after the release, becoming the third Korean film to have done so after Bong Joon-ho’s 2006 disaster flick “The Host” and Shim Hyung-rae’s 2007 fantasy action film “D-War.”
In the movie, Lee plays Popeye, a base, jealous thief who gets involved in a project to steal a diamond worth $20 million in Macau ― along with nine other Chinese and Korean professional criminals. Among the 10 characters in the film ― played by some of the most celebrated stars including Kim Hye-soo, Jun Ji-hyun, and Kim Yun-suk ― Lee’s is perhaps the most unlikable; the thief who betrays his own colleague using low tricks and lies. The villain, however, lacks intelligence and tact, which ironically drew him to the character, says Lee.
“I can’t say I’ve always enjoyed acting,” says the actor.
“But nowadays I’ve really become interested in giving more nuanced and realistic portrayals of my characters, including Popeye. I would like to star in as many movies as possible. I’m more motivated than ever.”
The 39-year-old made his debut in 1993, after working as a fashion model for a number of years. He has starred in films of various genres. Some of his more successful works include his 1998 romance “An Affair”; 1999 drama “City of the Rising Sun”; and 2005 action “Typhoon.”
Yet the actor chose his 2008 period comedy “The Accidental Gangster and the Mistaken Courtesan,” which did not do well at the box office, as one of the most memorable films.
“A lot of people asked me why I even chose to star in the film,” says the actor.
“But no actor actually chooses a film thinking this one will not succeed. I had a lot of faith in the script, and everyone in the crew worked very hard. But things did not work out very well, starting from the pre-production period. And it really affected the final product. I’m still fond of the film because I know it could’ve been better and I am still convinced that the script is great.”
Lee is currently shooting a noir thriller titled “A New World,” with heavyweight actors Hwang Jeong-min (The Unjust, You Are My Sunshine) and Choi Min-sik (Old Boy, I Saw the Devil).
“It’s been really busy working with the two biggies on the scene,” Lee says.
“But I don’t think of it as a competition. It’s more important to have a good work chemistry with them and, ultimately, make a good film.”
Lee says a recent encounter with one of his fans in a restaurant inspired him to play as many roles as he can.
“She was a middle-aged server in a restaurant,” Lee says. “She told me, ‘I spend so much time watching TV while working. But I hardly get to see your face. You need to get out there and do more work.’ What she told me really hit me. It definitely motivated me more.”
The actor, who openly dated actress Kim Min-hee from 2003 to 2006 and has been rumored to be romantically linked with Lim Sae-ryung, the ex-wife of Samsung Group heir apparent Lee Jae-yong, has been telling the media that he is happy being single.
The actor says he enjoys art exhibitions, ballet performances and music concerts when he’s off work, and often hangs out with his best friend, actor Jung Woo-sung ― who is also single.
Asked to comment on the famous line from the much-talked about TV show “A Gentleman’s Dignity,” which tells the life and friendship of four successful single men in their 40s, Lee gives an honest answer. In the show, one of the characters at one point says he isn’t interested in getting married mainly because “he does not want to share his hard-earned money with his wife and children.”
“Yes, I’ve certainly thought of it that way (about marriage),” says Lee.
“But doesn’t every man think that way at some point in their lives? I’m sure they do!” |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 29, 2012
John Park named goodwill ambassador for poverty reduction
By Lee Woo-young The Korea Herald
Singer John Park has been appointed a goodwill ambassador to help promote the Foreign Ministry’s campaign for poverty reduction by raising funds from airline taxes.
Since 2007, airline passengers have been levied a 1,000 won tax on each international flight ticket purchase, which is used to help fund the government’s contribution to global poverty eradication.
The 15 billion won collected annually goes to non-profit organizations and the Korea International Cooperation Agency, a state-run aid organization, which uses the fund to help fight poverty and disease in African countries.
John Park (Music Farm)
“Not many people know they are donating 1,000 won to African countries when they fly to foreign countries,” said a Foreign Ministry official. “We selected John Park, who’s known for his good image, to promote the air ticket solidarity levy that offers hope to the least developed countries in Africa.”
Pledging active participation in promoting the anti-poverty effort, Park’s agency said the appointment is meaningful in that Park can contribute to helping underprivileged people in Africa.
Park will begin by participating in the “Happy Flight for Global Poverty Eradication” campaign, scheduled to be held at the Incheon International Airport on Tuesday. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 30, 2012
'Thieves' breaks record with 2.9 million
By Kwaak Je-yup The Korea Times
The crime drama “The Thieves” has posted the best opening in Korean cinema history, its studio Showbox Mediaplex announced on Monday.
Opened Wednesday, director Choi Dong-hoon’s latest film attracted close to 2.9 million moviegoers over five days, equivalent to more than 20.7 billion won in ticket sales.
This bests the previous week’s opening of “The Dark Knight Rises,” the final installment of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, which lured 2.4 million people, or 17.9 billion won in revenue, in four days.
The latest trend in the Korean cinema industry is to pull up the opening day to at least Thursday, with more studios moving the date even further up for blockbusters.
Comparing just the three-day weekend figures, Korea Film Council’s official tally shows that “The Dark Knight Rises” actually beat “The Thieves” in sales by about 100 million won (14.8 billion to 14.7 billion).
But given that the homegrown feature managed to beat the American hero flick in headcount — the latter narrowly missed the 2 million mark while the former edged slightly past it — the higher sales figure for the latest Batman franchise reflects the more expensive ticket price for IMAX cinemas. The seats for the special-format screen are reported to have sold out in advance for three weeks since the July 19 opening.
Projections for this week are mixed, given that “The Dark Knight Rises” has garnered more favorable reviews among critics and Netizens. With millions of students and workers on vacation and no major release slated for this week, the battle for the box office throne may come as a surprise.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 30, 2012
Han Hye-jin to narrate SBS coverage of the Olympic Games
Korea JoongAng Daily
Actress Han Hye-jin will narrate various captures from the Olympic Games for SBS.
According to her agency on July 28, Han will make the introductory commentaries for 13 sports in which Korea is forecasted to do well in including weightlifting, shooting, taekwondo, badminton, swimming, boxing, etc.
For the airing of these segments, Han has participated in recording profiles on the athletes taking part.
“As a proud citizen, I’ll give it my best to cheer them on,” said Han.
Han has been stationed in London from July 25. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 30, 2012
Lee Hong-gi to star in a movie
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
FT Island’s front man Lee Hong-gi will star in a film tentatively titled “Our Heaven.”
The film is about a superstar who is sent to a hospice to volunteer. While there, the spoiled celebrity character played by Hong has an epiphany about the meaning of life.
The film will go into production from September and will be released in Korea and Japan early next year.
Although this will be Lee’s first major movie role, he has starred in various dramas to date from “You’re Beautiful” (2009) to “Noriko Goes to Seoul” (2011).
“I wanted to take my time in selecting the right work,” Lee said.
“When I read the script for the first time, I was so touched and decided to get involved.” |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 30, 2012
Ha Ji-won's brother did not commit suicide
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
On July 28, the internet was buzzing with scandal that actor Jun Tae-su, brother of actress Ha Ji-won, would commit suicide.
The fiasco was unleashed when someone had hacked into Jun’s Twitter account and declared, “I’m sorry that I haven’t been able to shine as an actor, especially sorry toward my managers.”
The hacker added, “It’s okay to go and write about this, I’ll just be dead.”
Jun’s agency said that the actor had misplaced his phone a few days ago and that it had alerted the cyber crime investigation police to find the perpetrator.
Meanwhile, Jun had been filming a Chinese drama and returned to Korea on July 5. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 30, 2012
Yoon Sang-hyun, Park Ha-sun wraps up shooting comedy flick
Reporter: Lucia Hong Editor: Monica Suk KStar10
Actor Yoon Sang-hyun (left), actress Park Ha-sun (center) and director
Kim Jin-yeong (right) on the set of "Tone-deaf Clinic" (translated title). [Lotte Entertainment]
Hallyu star Yoon Sang-hyun and actress Park Ha-sun have finished shooting a comedy movie, according to the film's promoter Lotte Entertainment Monday.
Lotte said in a press release that Yoon and Park shot the final scene for their big screen feature "Tone-deaf Clinic" (translated title) on July 26.
In ""Tone-deaf Clinic," Yoon plays a vocal trainer named Shin Hong who trains a clumsy woman named Dong-ju (played by Park). Dong-ju takes vocal lessons from Shin Hong to look good by singing well in front of her secret crush.
The romantic comedy film is Yoon's silver screen debut project that comes in seven years after he debuted as an actor in 2005. "Tone-deaf Clinic" is also a meaningful feature for Park, as this is her first time to play a main character in a movie.
"It felt great singing before a large crowd and colorful spotlights during the last shooting. I've never had the opportunity to stand on such a big stage in my past TV series," Yoon was quoted as saying.
"At first I was worried about starring in a movie for the first time but I enjoyed working with other actors and staffs who helped me a lot. I can't wait to watch the movie."
Park also expressed her thoughts on finishing the filming by saying, "I felt comfortable and warm on the set [thanks to the colleagues and staffs]. I had a lot to prepare such as taking vocal lessons and learning Nanta and piano but I believe it is all worth it."
Helmed by director Kim Jin-yeong of Jang Keun-suk's "Baby and Me" (2008), the movie is scheduled to hit local theaters in the latter half of 2012. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 30, 2012
Ku Hye-sun to screen her 3-D short
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Actress Ku Hye-sun will launch her new movie at a special screening event at the 8th Jechon International Music & Film Festival from Aug. 10 to 12.
While Ku is used to being the center of attention for her performances on television, she’ll now be watched for her work as the director of a 3-D short film, “Fragments of Sweet Memories.”
Ku’s work is only nine minutes long and features the protagonist, played by Yoo Seung-ho, reminiscing about precious moments in his life.
She was not only the director but also the short feature’s screenwriter as well as the singer of the theme song.
During the screening of her film, Ku said that she wants to take the time to discuss her work in depth with the audience.
In the Feature section, Ku’s film from last year, “The Peach Tree,” will be shown. She spoke about what it was like crossing over to behind the lens.
“It’s tiring and grueling,” she said. “At times you ask yourself, ‘Why am I doing this?’ But movies have the ability to make you feel alive.” |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 31, 2012
T-ara Member's Firing Reveals Culture of Catfights
ChosunIlbo
A member of popular girl band T-ara was fired by her management company on Monday after a campaign of bullying by other members of the manufactured combo.
Five members of the eight-member band last week sent controversial tweets directed at Hwa-young (19), the group's rapper, who was in a wheelchair after falling on stage and was unable to perform at a recent concert in Japan and on TV in Korea. The five accused Hwa-young of being spoiled, lacking the will to push ahead and being a drag on the other group members. Some fans retweeted the messages and said it was clear Hwa-young was being bullied.
After a barrage of criticism on the Internet, the head of the band's management agency Core Contents Media in a statement on Monday afternoon announced the termination of its contract with Hwa-young.
"We took into account the opinions of 19 staff members" that Hwa-young's behavior was hurting teamwork, CEO Kim Kwang-soo said. "I'd like to add once more that there has never been any discord between the T-ara members and Hwa-young, nor any attempt to ostracize a member."
Kim appeared to be saying that Hwa-young was not the victim but rather the instigator of discord in the group. "Since T-ara's debut there has been talk of Eun-jung being ostracized, So-yeon being ostracized, Bo-ram being ostracized and others, but all that stemmed from youthful jealousy," Kim said, admitting that friction is commonplace in the band.
Core Contents Media later issued another statement accusing Hwa-young
of refusing to appear on a live music program at the last minute. Hwa-young denied the charge in a tweet.
After news of Hwa-young's firing broke, more than 20,000 people joined an online fan forum set up Sunday to find out the truth behind the incident. A petition drive on a popular Internet portal pushing for T-ara to be dismantled attracted 23,000 signatures.
Showbiz insiders say bullying and animosities are nothing new in manufactured band and that the T-ara kerfuffle is just the tip of the iceberg. "It's quite common among manufactured bands who have to stick together almost around the clock to ostracize members who become more popular than the others and even force them to do hard work," said a staffer with a talent agency. "It is also common to see factions form within groups led by different members seeking to become the leader."
Another insider admitted fights break out all the time between these youngsters who live together in a place their companies pick for them. "Some of them resolve the bullying by themselves, or the agency makes them deal with the issue through dialogue if the problem becomes serious," the insider added.
"It's impossible to control how people treat each other," pop culture critic Lee Moon-won said. "But entertainers are always in the public eye and must be careful that their internal conflicts do not surface." One K-pop watcher said, "If the bullying allegations turn out to be true, this will become a big issue overseas as well and fans will become disappointed, dampening the popularity of the Korean Wave." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 31, 2012
JYJ's Park Yoo-chun to Hold Fan Meet in China, Taiwan & Thailand
KBS Global
Popular boy-group JYJ’s Park Yoo-chun will hold fan meets in various Asian countries starting in China next month. According to his management company on July 27th, Park’s fan meets have been confirmed for China, Taiwan and Thailand and one or two other destinations may be added in the future.
The first event will be will be held in Shanghai on August 25th. Park said the fan meet will be a fun way to show his fans in Asia what he has been up to personally, adding he was excited for the upcoming events. [Yonhap] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 31, 2012
History, comedy, icy chill meet in 'Heist'
By Kwaak Je-yup The Korea Times
Cha Tae-hyun, left, and Go Chang-seok play thieves of royal ice blocks
in a period action/comedy “The Grand Heist.” The feature debut by Kim Joo-ho
opens on Aug. 8 in theaters nationwide. / Courtesy of Next Entertainment World (NEW)
So far, this summer’s blockbusters have been rather heavyweight — both in scale and content. From “The Amazing Spider-Man” and “Yeongasi” to “The Dark Knight Rises” and “The Thieves,” moviegoers have been drenched in gloom and doom, as if in reflection of the world’s sorry state today.
“The Grand Heist,” opening on Aug. 8, breaks away from this trend and does it in style. This feature debut by Kim Joo-ho will provide an excellent solution for those looking to escape from socio-economic problems and the blazing heat.
Titled “Gone With the Wind” in Korean, the comedy takes place in the late 18th century of Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910), during the last years of King Yeongjo’s reign. Ice is a commodity more valuable than gold. Blocks of it are harvested from frozen rivers in winter, put in royal storage and distributed or sold throughout the year for general consumption. When corrupt officials conspire to form a monopoly and fix its price, a gang of 11 professionals is formed to stop the scheme — and to do that they must make all the royal ice blocks in five storage rooms disappear for a night.
In spite of the plot’s political color, newcomer Kim creates a feel-good family-oriented comedy feature with mastery. With just the right amount of plot twists and surprises in all the right places, the film’s pacing is one of the best seen in a two-hour commercial Korean feature.
While none of the 11 characters is well-developed by any standard of complexity, the near-perfect casting and actors’ ample charms — especially from Cha Tae-hyun as an aristocrat’s custard son and Sin Jeong-geun as the explosives maker Dae-hyeon — carry the movie forward swimmingly.
Summer moviegoers will revel, often unconsciously, in the ubiquity of ice on screen. The computer-generated ice blocks and frozen rivers are realistic enough to send a chill up the spine. (The only exception is in the opening credit sequence, where the CGI looks a bit unrefined, yet once the action begins the mishap is soon forgotten.)
The real core of “Heist,” however, is the actors. Cha, an expert in playing cowardly but lovable characters — most memorably in “Scandal Makers” (2008) and “My Sassy Girl” (2001) — in some way reprises a similar character here, as the custard son of the court’s only clean official initially chasing pretty girls and rare exotic books. Even though his life goals change somewhat during the two-hour running time, he does not veer far from the stereotypical Cha Tae-hyun character.
But he does it so beautifully that one cannot hate him. Cha has an uncanny ability to lower the viewers’ guard, and this film showcases his most valuable skill as much as possible.
Others, including this year’s busiest supporting actors Go Chang-seok (as shovel-digging specialist Seok-chang) and Seong Dong-il (as Soo-gyun, the chief financial backer of the gang), closely follow Cha’s path, only disadvantaged by shorter time on screen.
Lee Chae-young’s turn as spy-cum-gisaeng Seol-hwa packs charisma, and serves as an effective balance to the unruly male thieves she works with. Even child actors Cheon Bo-geun (as Jeong-gun) and Kim Hyang-gi (Nan-i) are impeccable.
In the midst of these talented craftsmen and women, Sin manages to edge ahead a little further and steals almost every scene as a near-deaf explosives maker. The acclaimed theater actor is the one to watch, even in a supporting capacity.
Heartthrob Oh Ji-ho, playing a trained soldier and ousted chief guard of the royal ice storage, comes up a little short compared to his co-stars, yet that is more due to the stoicism of his character Dong-soo.
“The Grand Heist” opens on Aug. 8 in theaters nationwide. Runs for 121 minutes. Rated 12 and over. Distributed by Next Entertainment World (NEW). Last edited by katt on 31-7-2012 10:48 PM \n\n |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Author
