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01-01-2007
Broadcasters Award Top-Rated Dramas
The MBC, KBS and SBS Awards' results & photos (courtesy of CindyW88 at soompi.com) posted at page Page 23 
By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter
Major broadcasters wrapped up the year with awards ceremonies.
Veteran actress Han Hye-sook, who starred in the SBS drama "To Heaven," grabbed the top prize for acting at the network's ceremony Sunday.
The popular soap opera invited both criticism and high ratings for its twisted story.
The story revolved around a middle-aged woman who introduces her handsome news anchor son to her abandoned daughter, who had led a miserable life because of a cruel stepmother.
It triggered controversy when the woman was revealed as the girl's biological mother.
After receiving the prize, Han said, "Old soldiers never die." Han has been acting for 36 years.
On Sunday, the KBS best acting award went to actress Ha Ji-won, who performed in "Hwangjini."
The recent boom of kisaeng-themed entertainment _ musicals, dramas, films, even cartoons _ has been attributed to the show. Kisaeng are female entertainers similar to Japan's geisha.
The drama focuses on the life of a renowned kisaeng, Hwang Jin-i, during the Choson Kingdom (1392-1910). It traces the hardships associated with her social status in the social hierarchy.
The drama drew attention for the flamboyant and sensual traditional costumes, dances and music.
"I cannot believe this is happening. Actually, I feel ashamed of receiving the award because there are many wonderful veteran actors and actresses better than me in the drama. I think this prize is for all the staff and actors and actresses who lived a 24-hour day as if it were a 48-hour day for the last 100 days, not just me," she said.
Ha acted with veteran actresses Kim Young-ae and Kim Bo-yon in the show, and the shooting schedule was difficult, sometimes continuing for seven consecutive days.
MBC honored actor Song Il-guk, who acted in the 60-episode drama "Chumong," in the awards ceremony held Saturday.
The popular show depicts the founding myth of the Koguryo Kingdom (37 B.C. - A.D. 668).
"It is very good that the drama has given many viewers interest in Korean ancient history," he said.
[email protected]
Source: The Korea Times
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/ ... 010119430011700.htm
[ Last edited by katt at 1-1-2007 11:57 PM ] |
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Sometimes, it's good to be proved wrong
January 02, 2007 ㅡ There are times when I feel glad to learn that I was wrong. I used to guess that my 30s would be an end to my fun because of my favorite poem, "Hitting Your 30s and the Party Is Over." However, I'm glad that I was wrong, because, voila, I'm officially a 30-something now and the party has just begun. Also, I used to jeer at made-in-Korea TV dramas for their love of such cliches as a lead character suffering amnesia or some kind of an incurable disease. However, I found myself proved wrong again last year, especially with a bundle of well-made TV dramas by A-1 scriptwriters like Noh Hee-gyeong of "Good-bye Solo" and "A Miracle" and Kim Do-u of "What Are You Doing, Fox?"
Speaking of Noh Hee-gyeong, whom I have called "Mr." in my past few columns, I have to correct myself as she is Ms. Noh. And I, who love being a woman, am immensely glad to say that we have another talented woman on the TV scene. After wrongly changing the gender of Ms. Noh, I had a call to correct me from a reader. Allow me to express my gratitude for her kindness to take the trouble to find my cell phone number and give me the right information. I have no excuse but to say I'm sorry about my mistake.
I was recently glad again to see my prejudices proved wrong by the TV history drama "Hwang Jin-yi," which ended last week on KBS-TV. It told the story of Hwang Jin-yi, who was a legendary gisaeng of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910). The gisaeng were a class of women who were allowed to learn arts including literature, dance, music and conversation, in order to entertain noble men during drinking parties. In the strictly Confucian society of the time, becoming a gisaeng was the only way for a woman to be allowed to study and display such talents.
The first few episodes appeared to be nothing more than picture-perfect "Welcome to Korea" style publicity material to promote tourism to Korea, as the drama showed picturesque scenes of the country with a group of beautiful women dressed in spectacular traditional clothes. However, as the story developed, the drama earned kudos for depicting the life of Hwang Jin-yi from a feminist perspective.
Based on bits and pieces of stories about the character, the drama built up the story of Hwang Jin-yi and her rivalry with her mentor and her contemporary gisaeng. In describing the rivalry, this drama did not rely on the cheap sure-fire strategy of a catfight, but instead, brought a spirit of professionalism to the gisaeng characters, as they refused to be called mere courtesans but artists. The rivalry between the characters was dramatic enough to catch viewers' eyes, as the characters fought to compete in terms of talent, which they cultivated through harsh training.
The lead character Hwang's mentor, Baekmu, had an icy cold attitude to her pupil yet still fostered her talent and professionalism. When Hwang Jin-yi faced a crisis, her rival, Buyong, asked around for help to save her life, with due respect for their rivalry-turned-friendship. Then they fight elegantly to pit their artistic talents against each other. There is a certain beauty to a catfight when the fighters are not mere kittens but fully-grown tigresses with both respect for each other and professionalism.
Another point of the drama was that the male characters played only minor roles. One symbolic scene in this sense came in the second-to-last episode, when Hwang Jin-yi told the love of her life, a noble man, to give her up, saying, "It's better to shine in our own lives, instead of withering away slowly for each other and giving up our dreams and passions." This was just one of many punch lines in the drama, which is now sorely missed on KBS-TV. However, now that we have a whole new year ahead of us, I'm keeping my fingers crossed to be able to see better-made dramas from now on.
Happy New Year!
by chun su jin <[email protected]>
Source: INSIDE JoongAng Daily
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/2 ... 39900091009101.html
Funny women break through with a string of hit comedies
January 02, 2007 ㅡ Women are enjoying remarkable success on the silver screen thanks to comedy. The movie "200 Pound Beauty," which stars the actress Kim Ah-joong as an obese pop singer, has drawn more than 2.5 million people since its release on Dec. 14. This is the best box-office performance by a single movie since the release of "The War of Flower" in September.
Although it does not measure up to "200 Pound Beauty," the movie "Old Miss Diary," which opened on Dec. 1, has been enjoying support from a steady stream of moviegoers. The movie is a comedy centered on single women in their 20s and 30s. "Go Go Sister," which stars the famous actress Ko So-young, is scheduled to be released in a couple of days, and it is also a comedy.
Movie critic Shim Young-seop says "200 Pound Beauty" was successful because it resonated with a Korean female audience that is obsessed with being thin. The movie is about a young woman who, as the film opens, is extremely obese. She is then transformed into a perfect woman that men find hard to resist. Mr. Shim says the transformation itself is funny to watch because, at first, Kim is treated badly because she is heavy and suddenly all the men she meets start to drool because she has become slim and beautiful. This idea has struck a chord with both male and female audiences.
"Old Miss Diary" has succeeded in making a strong connection with the 30-something generation. In the film, 30-something Mee-ja is played by the actress Ye Ji-won, and she is attracted to a younger man. The women in the audience who are in the same age group find themselves empathizing with Mee-ja when she complains about being criticized by her family and relatives for being too old and failing to grab a young husband.
In "Go-go Sister," Jeong-joo, played by Ms. Ko, goes back in time to change the circumstances of her current life, which is on the verge of disintegration. She believes the first boyfriend she had back in high school, who liked to play the field, has screwed up her life. So, back in time, she tries to fix up her younger self with a geek, who later becomes a very successful businessman.
"200 Pound Beauty" is based on a best-selling Japanese comic book by Yumiko Suzuki, while "Old Miss Diary" is the movie version of a television sitcom that had the same title. "Go-go Sister" was filmed from an original script, while "200 Pound Beauty" and "Old Miss Diary" are both quite different from the original material on which they were based.
"There were 15 different scripts written for |
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Jan 2, 2007
Rain Voted Most Likely to Dominate 2007
The singer-actor Rain has been named the male celebrity most likely to make 2007 his year. In an online poll by the Sports Chosun, a sister publication of the Chosun Ilbo, between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 asking which male celebrity will make the year his own, Rain came top with 32 percent. In 2006, he rose to stardom on the global stage beyond Asia, making it onto the list of TIME Magazine's 100 most influential people as the first Korean entertainer, and performing at Madison Square Garden in New York in February, a first for an Asian singer. His popularity is to continue this year, too, as he has embarked on world tour he named "Rain's Coming" to coincide with the release of his fourth album.
The nos. 2 and 3 were Song Seung-hun with 24.1 percent and Yoon Kye-sang with 17.2 percent; both just completed their military service. Song started his schedule officially when he visited Japan in December and is currently looking at screeplays. He is expected to stage his comeback either in a drama or a movie soon. Yoon already decided on his first show after his discharge. He is to co-star with Lee Mi-yeon in the SBS drama "Crazy for You", which starts airing in February. Seven, another singer who has taken up acting, was ranked fourth with 12.5 percent. He will star in the MBC drama "Palace S-Prince House", to be aired in October this year, alongside Heo I-jae and Park Shin-hye.
Source: [email protected]
http://english.chosun.com/w21dat ... 1/200701020035.html |
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[Jang Woo Hyuk No.1 At "Inkigayo", "Magic Dance Is A Secret"]
Jang Woo Hyuk won the "Mutizen Song" award for "Sunny (one way) in today's SBS "Ingigayo".
"I truly thank you. Thank you to the staff, fanclub fans. I love you", Jang Woo Hyuk said as he received his award.
Jang Woo Hyuk was also requested to share the secret behind his magic dance but he declined saying that it is a secret.
Credits ~ Newsen.com + Kpopper.com + noV@Kpop Kingdom
-----
[Park Jin Young, Announces "2nd BoA" MIN's Debut]
Singer MIN (Lee Min Young), the 15 years old Korean who is studying in the US, announced her debut in Las Vegas.
MIN's producer Park Jin Young and Lil Jon announced the official debut of MIN in a press interview on December 24 (Korean Time) at the Las Vegas Caesars Palace Hotel.
She was recognized for her talent in dancing and singing at the age of 12 years old. She is taking dance lessons from HUGO, who in 2005, was considered the best in Los Angeles for popping and hip hop dance and voice lessons from the best voice trainers.
Lil Jon, who produced songs like Usher's "Yeah" and Ciara's "Goodies", will take part in MIN's album.
"We won't stop until MIN rises the Billboard Chart", said Lil Jon.
MIN's single album, which will be produced by Park Jin Young and Lil Jon, will come out in the first half of next year in the US.
Credits ~ Mydaily + Kpopper.com + noV@Kpop Kingdom |
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January 2, 2007
South Korean actor Jung Woo-sung approached about role in John Woo's new epic
HONG KONG -- John Woo's producer partner says he has approached South Korean actor Jung Woo-sung about a role in the director's upcoming epic "Battle of Red Cliff," which stars Chow Yun-fat and Tony Leung Chiu-wai.
The producer, Terence Chang, however, said Jung hasn't signed on.
"I am still talking to Jung Woo-sung. He hasn't read the script and nothing is confirmed," Chang said in an e-mail to The Associated Press seen Tuesday.
Chang did not give details of the role offered to Jung, whose credits include "Daisy" and "Musa."
"Battle of Red Cliff" is based on a war of the same name in 208 A.D. that determined the geography of the Three Kingdoms period, when China had three separate rulers.
Chang also denied reports that Japanese actor Ken Watanabe, who appeared in "The Last Samurai" with Tom Cruise, has been cast in the movie, which Chang said earlier will start shooting in March.
"Ken Watanabe is not in the film. He never was," he said. (AP)
Source: MAINICHI Daily News
http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/en ... a00m0et008000c.html |
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Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Violence ends short marriage of star couple
The former couple, stars Lee Min-young and Lee Chan, yesterday both refuted claims involving the actress' miscarriage, allegedly caused by her husband's violence.
Ten days ago, the star couple cancelled plans to register their marriage, only 12 days after they got married in a ceremony on Dec. 10.
Soon after the couple announced the cancellation of the marriage, Lee Min-young disclosed that she was beaten badly by her former husband and was informed that she lost her baby a day later. The TV actress said she also underwent surgery because her nose was broken due to her husband's violence.
Lee Chan, however, denied Lee's claim.
In a 6-page statement delivered to Yonhap News, Lee said it was his wife who decided to have an abortion on Dec. 21.
Lee said he was informed of her decision in a phone call the day before Lee had the surgery. Lee, however, admitted that they had a big fight which ended with several face-slaps.
"Her parents continuously complained that she was not able to get TV commercials because of her premarital pregnancy. They even blamed the size of their house saying it was too small," said Lee through statement.
The legal representative of the 30-year-old actress told reporters yesterday that she has evidence to prove her miscarriage was caused by Lee's violence. Lee Chan also said he will prepare a legal defense against any claims.
([email protected])
Source: The Korea Herald
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/SIT ... 03/200701030014.asp
Jan 2, 2007
Stars' Marriage Ends in Tears After 12 Days
Another celebrity couple have broken up amid mutual accusations. The actress Lee Min-young says her separation from Lee Chan a mere 12 days after they tied the knot was due to his violent behavior, but the husband denies this.
Lee Min-young抯 lawyer Kim Jae-cheol on Monday said Lee Chan hit the actress in the stomach and nose during a quarrel in their car about the makeover of their new home on Dec. 19, two days after they returned from their honeymoon. The actress was 15 weeks pregnant at the time. Lee Min-young stared bleeding in the womb. She saw a doctor next day but miscarried and underwent surgery on Dec. 21, the lawyer said.
The lawyer says the actress sustained multiple injuries including bruises on her left eye. He said she had been beaten by her husband several times before they married, adding he was collecting evidence of habitual violence.
Lee Chan, who is also an actor, in a press release Monday said he and his wife slapped each other on the cheek during an argument. But he said the allegation that he kicked her stomach was "a complete lie."
Source: [email protected]
http://english.chosun.com/w21dat ... 1/200701020020.html |
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[SeeYa's Nam Gyu Ri, Breast Exposure Accident]
SeeYa's Nam Gyu Ri experienced an accident which left her breast exposed while performing.
Afternoon of December 23, "The 2nd BIG4 Concert" was held at the COEX hall in Samseongdong, Seoul. It was during the group's performance of "Crazy Love" when her clothes slipped which exposed her breast.
According to witnesses, because of Nam's powerful dance, the right strap of her dress got detached, resulting to an exposure accident.
After the accident, Nam Gyu Ri panicked for a short time then immediately seized the strap and continued on her singing, showing her professionalism.
SG Wanna Be, Wheesung and VIBE were also present in the concert. Sexy singer Lee Hyo Ri and new 6-male group called Bad Boys were there as guests.
Credtis ~ Newsen.com + Kpopper.com + noV@Kpop Kingdom
-----
[New K-Pop Groups Battle for Position]
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
New boy band Battle / Courtesy of Good EMG
The K-pop scene is already overcrowded with boy bands and girl groups such as TVXQ, Super Junior, SS501 and Jewelry. Is there really room for another group of pretty boys and girls who can sing and dance their way into the hearts of Korean fans?
New pop groups, such as boy band Battle and girl group BABYVOX Re.v, certainly hope fans will take a liking to their music.
Ready for Battle
Groomed to follow in the footsteps of popular boy band Shinhwa, Battle is composed of six members namely, Shin Ki-hyun, Jin Tae-hwa, Hwi-chan, Ryu, Lio and Chris.
Battle was formed after the six young men won over hundreds of hopeful contestants in cable music channel Mnet抯 talent search program last year. The program ``Let's CokePLAY Battle Shinhwa, |
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Jan 3, 2007
Allegations Fly in Star Couple抯 Ugly Breakup
The very public breakup of the actor couple Lee Min-young and Lee Chan continues to make headlines as both sides revealed more grubby detail of their 12-day marriage in press conferences on Monday and Tuesday. On the Internet, discussion boards are brimful with demands for police to investigate the accusations of domestic violence and other helpful comments.
On Tuesday, Lee Min-young spoke to reporters from her hospital bed for 20 minutes, having undergone reconstructive surgery on her nose. The actress alleged she miscarried after being kicked in the stomach by Lee Chan, who had beaten her several times even before their marriage. Lee said she believed he would become a different man after marriage but was bitterly disappointed. At his own press conference the same evening, Lee Chan denied the accusations. He admitted he and his wife slapped each other抯 faces several times. But he said he had never beaten or kicked her unprovoked. Lee Min-young plans to bring charges against her ex-husband.
The two actors |
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2007-01-02
Jung Woo Sung is offered for his appearance for a Hollywood film
Korean Top celebrity Jung Woo Sung may appear on Hollywood film, said the Associated Press on January 2nd of 2007 from Hong Kong.
The Associated Press revealed the news in the interview with the producer of this movie, Terence Chang. The news said this famous Korean movie star Jung Woo Sung may appear on Hollywood film titled 'The Battle of Red Cliff'.
"I wanted Jung Woo Sung to be on this movie and asked him for a consideration to be appeared in director John Woo¡¯s new film 'The Battle of Red Cliff'", said the producer Terence Chang.
In the movie 'The Battle of Red Cliff', Chow Yun Fat and Tony Leung Chiu Wai have been already chosen to be appeared.
Terence Chang also added that he's still negotiating with Jung Woo Sung. "I don't think he's read the script yet and nothing has been decided as of now" said Terence.
Chang also avoided all questions in details regarding Jung's role.
John Woo and Terence Chang will start filming the movie 'The Battle of Red Cliff' in the beginning of March, this year.
[Copyright © 2006 Yonhap News. All rights reserved]
Source: http://www.broasia.com/lwboard/lwboard.php...pg=1&no=141
Jan 3, 2007
Actor Jeong Offered Hollywood Film Role
Actor Jeong Woo-seong has reportedly been offered to appear in the Hollywood blockbuster "Battle of Red Cliff."
In an interview with the Associate Press, the movie's producer Terence Chang said they conveyed the offer to the Korean actor. 'Battle' is Hong Kong filmmaker John Woo's latest motion picture.
Chow Yun-Fat is set to play the role of Liu Bei and Tony Leung Chiu Wai will play Zhuge Liang.
Chang said they are discussing the matter with Jeong but nothing is decided as Jeong hasn't read the script yet.
Chang did not elaborate on Jeong's role while he denied reports that "Last Samurai" star Ken Watanabe was also cast.
The Battle of Red Cliff is one of the highlights from the Chinese classic novel, Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Filming will start early March.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/new...3302_11858.html |
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Jan 03, 2007
Hallyu Heroine Returns With New Drama
By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter
Actress Choi Ji-woo, popular in Japan where she is affectionately called "Ji-woo Hime," (Princess Ji-woo), is coming back to her Korean fans.
She will perform in the MBC drama, "Air City" that will air in May and June, breaking a three-year hiatus.
Her last performance on television was in the SBS drama, "Stairway to Heaven" three years ago, in which she starred with actor Kwon Sang-woo.
She will play a heroine, "Han Do-kyong," an aspiring executive at an airport corporation who speaks five foreign languages. The heroine suffers a trauma involving her family.
"We've decided that Choi is appropriate for the role," said HB Entertainment, which is involved in the production.
The story revolves around various incidents at the airport such as drug smuggling and passport counterfeiting.
Actor Lee Jung-jae is a strong candidate to be Choi's counterpart, according to HB Entertainment. Shooting will begin early this year and will be broadcast on weekends on MBC in May and June.
Choi has a large fanbase in Southeast Asia including Japan because she co-starred with actor Bae Yong-joon, better known as "Yonsama" to Japanese fans, in "Winter Sonata" in 2002, which was a smash hit in Asian countries.
Choi also starred in "Everybody Has Secrets," acting with Lee Byung-hun. Her roles in "Beautiful Days" (2001), "Winter Sonata" (2002) and "Stairway to Heaven" (2003) boosted her popularity throughout Asia.
[email protected]
Source: The Korea Times
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/culture/20...19551411710.htm |
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Jan 4, 2007
Can the Korean Wave Crash Hollywood?
The Korean pop-culture wave has swept Asia. Now what? The challenges to Korean stars continue, and their next target is the heart of the international movie market, Hollywood. Park Joong-hoon, ]Lee Byung-heon and Jung Jun-ho already have their engines revving. With their dreams seeming to come into focus, the group of top stars may even be seen in Hollywood this year.
Park Joong-hoon, the first to break into Hollywood with the film 揟he Truth About Charlie |
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Dr. Drama
JANUARY 04, 2007
"Does my hair style look a bit strange? I wanted to look like a doctor."
Lee Yo-won, 27, had her hair short and permed and was wearing a medical gown. I interviewed her at an examining room furnished with nothing but one bed. Lee is going to play the main character of an SBS drama titled 揝urgeon Bong Dal-hee |
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Jan 4, 2007
"Dalja's Spring" Off to Good Start
KBS 2TV's new drama "Dalja's Spring" has been receiving positive responses since its first episode was aired on Wednesday. The comic melodrama revolves around the life of a 33-year-old single woman, Oh Dal-ja, to show the reality she faces as an "old maid" and the love she still dreams of one day having.
Chae Lim plays the female lead, with Lee Min-ki playing opposite her as Tae-bong, a man younger than her who has a crush on her. Singer and actor Lee Hyun-woo plays Uhm Jung-ki, whose goal is to find a perfect and rational love. Other cast members include Gong Hyung-jin and Lee Hye-young.
In the first episode, Dal-ja, naive and clumsy, falls in love with Shin Se-do (Gong Hyun-jin), but to her disappointment soon finds that he is a playboy. She also encounters Tae-bong, whose job is to pose as a woman's boyfriend under contract. He will sign a contract with Dal-ja in later episodes.
Viewers praised the drama for interesting characters and funny situations they can identify with. "I like the story development that I can sympathize with, and I think the characters are interesting and the cast is very good," a viewer said. "I like the straightforward lines, too."
Other responses included, "It was so engaging that I never took my eyes off it," "I liked that it showed reality in cartoon-like situations," and "It was better than I expected." Many viewers also praised Chae Lim for her portrayal of the naive single woman.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/new...3573_11858.html |
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THE STAR 4 Jan 2007
http://www.star-ecentral.com/new ... 42055&sec=music
Do the Rain dance
Is two years a worthy wait? Rain (pic), who released his last album a couple of years ago, is certainly hoping so, what with his new offering Rain抯 World. The new album is a collection of songs that promises to be the most significant of his career.
Rain抯 World features the energetic R&B flavoured first single, I抦 Coming, which was produced by long-time collaborator JYP and highlights the rapping of fellow Korean artiste Tablo.
Since the release of I抦 Coming in October, the single has been taking the world抯 charts by storm.
Rain will be embarking on his Rain Is Coming world tour to promote the album and stops include the United States, Japan, China, Malaysia and many more for a total of 35 concerts in 12 countries, but not before the first show in Seoul. It抯 his concert in Las Vegas, which promises to be the most intriguing, though, given that it抣l be his first there.
In conjunction with the successful album and concert tour, Warner Music Malaysia is letting a Malaysian be up close and personal with the singer. To win that chance, you have to prove that you either have the looks, moves or the voice. Submit a picture of yourself with details |
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[Unique Album Jackets]
The album jacket is an investment. In the past, when the music market was booming, album jackets were utilized to attract buyers.
S.E.S and Shinhwa's album jackets always had new concepts, designs and special greetings. They also took fans on sneak peeks of their private lives.
But since the music market is not doing well, offline albums are divided into 2 forms. In order to minimize costs, manufacturing companies ended up with simple jackets to provide something that is different from the usual. They also used transparent plastic cases that are 14cm in width and 12.5 cm in length to cut production costs.
The album cover can also attract people to buy the album. In fact, this year, the albums that sold well were eye-catching.
YG Family's BIG BANG made a statement with their album jackets which were made from transparent plastic cases with the members' pictures printed in black and white. The cases for their single albums were in neon orange, neon green and neon pink. The album also added another feature which will attract buyers. The single albums include picture slides of the members.
Another album which attracted attention this year was rapper H-Eugene's debut album. The album cover looks like a mini magazine with an image of H-Eugene. Se7en's new album even caught the eye of people. His album cover has a 7-shape and includes pictures different from his usual ones, showing a new charm from the singer.
There were also singers who became a hot topic because of their photographs printed on their album jackets. Star's 3rd album "Lachrymal Glands", which was sold in May, got a lot of criticisms because of her breasts. Park Sang Min, who released his 11th album, finally removed his sunglasses after 12 years since his debut. He exclusively showed his eyes in his photographs in the album jacket.
Credits ~ Mydaily + Kpopper.com + noV@Kpop Kingdom |
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Jan 5, 2007
Won Bin Getting Back in Shape
Korean star actor Won Bin, who was discharged from military service last June, is undergoing an intense physical rehabilitation program to return to work.
His agent said Thursday that Won Bin is investing most of his time in rehabilitation therapy and exercise.
Won Bin started his military service in December 2005 and was stationed at a forward base, but was discharged in June 2006 when a knee injury worsened. His Korean and overseas fans have been eagerly waiting for his return to the screen, but he has kept a low profile and devoted himself to rehabilitation.
Despite the hiatus, Won Bin is still a favorite leading actor, and drama producers have been particularly interested in his comeback. His agent explained that although his knee condition has improved, it抯 still hard for him to make sudden moves or walk for a long time.
Won Bin plans to return to acting as soon as he completes his physical therapy program.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1433692_11858.html |
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[Big Bang Will Be Going To Las Vegas For Justin Timberlake's Concert]
New group Big Bang has received a very big gift fromtheirmanagement company. After their manager saw them practicing theirdances and sweating hard on Christmas day, he arrived to give them apresent. The gift is VIP tickets to Justin Timberlake's Las Vegasconcert on January 19th.
Not only do they extremely like Justin Timberlake, they also admireproducer Timberland. Moreover, Justin's choreographer Marty was adancer for Se7en during his 3rd album.
On the other hand, tickets for their first indepedant concert on the30th has been sold out. Their newly released album has been in thenumber 1 spot for 5 consecutive days. After their concert, they will begoing to America to see Justin's concert and have a great vacation!
Credits ~ Asianfanatics + Innolife + Soompi + Kpopper.com + noV@Kpop Kingdom
[ Last edited by adikkeluangman_ at 7-1-2007 03:04 PM ] |
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01-07-2007
Epic Drama Boom to Continue This Year
By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter
The boom in Korean epic dramas that captured viewers' hearts last year is not likely to let up.
Major broadcasters have casted big-name stars, including hallyu star Bae Yong-joon, known in Japan as Yonsama, Kim Hee-sun and film actress Moon So-ri.
The new epic dramas explore more diverse themes than in the past and are set in a variety of eras, ranging from Kojoson (2333 B.C. - 108 B.C.) to the Koguryo Kingdom (37 B.C. - A.D. 668) and the Choson Kingdom (1392-1910).
KBS is expected to air its flagship epic drama, "Sejong the Great," in July. The story is written by Yoon Son-joo, who also wrote "Hwang Jin-i," the recent hit epic drama about "kisaeng," courtesans often likened to Japanese geisha.
The drama will shed new light on King Sejong, who devised the Korean writing system, hangul, and ruled Choson from 1418 to1450 as its fourth king.
The drama will portray the king as a man who struggles, through self-reflection and soul-searching, to become a leader, rather than the born-to-be sage figure portrayed in history textbooks.
"Sejong put more emphasis on science and culture than political power struggles. We抣l show the agonies of Sejong, who struggled to make a powerful and proud kingdom by developing science and culture," said Kim Hyun-jun, a senior official at the KBS drama bureau.
Kim said that the drama might help viewers think about what makes a good leader ahead of the presidential election later this year.
"Taewangsasingi" (The Four Guardian Gods of the King), expected to air on MBC in May, has already attracted attention for its co-stars, Bae Yong-joon and Moon So-ri.
The fantasy epic drama revolves around the life of King Kwanggaeto, the 19th king of the Koguryo Kingdom.
The drama is expected to air on Japanese broadcaster NHK because of Yonsama抯 strong fan base in Japan.
Also, epic drama veteran producer Lee Byung-hun, who produced "Taejanggum" (Jewel in the Palace) and "Huh Joon," will come back to MBC with the new epic "Lee San-chongjo, the Great."
The 50-episode soap opera to be aired in September will focus on the life of the Choson Kingdom's 22nd king, Chongjo (1777-1800), who contributed to the kingdom抯 renaissance.
The title includes his real name, Lee San, and the drama will portray his childhood. Lee said the drama would also emphasize the king抯 political, economic and social achievements.
"I was strongly motivated by his engagement policy, tangpyongchaek," Lee said. The policy was intended to give people equal footing in politics.
King Chongjo was the eldest son of Crown Prince Sado, who was locked in a chest and killed by King Yongjo, his father, during factional struggles.
SBS plans to launch a new 100-episode epic drama called "Tangun," set in the Kojoson era, later this year.
Tangun is the country's mythological founding father. He reportedly became king in 2333 B.C.
The drama is the first to deal the first Korean kingdom and Korea抯 mythological founder.
MBC's new drama, "Haeohwa," starring actress Kim Hee-sun and singer-turned-actress Park Ji-yoon, is expected to ride the popularity of kisaeng-themed dramas.
The drama tells the story of four women from childhood to becoming top kisaeng.
[email protected]
Source: The Korea Times
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/ ... 010719050811690.htm |
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2007-01-05
Han Ga In, Jae Hee casted in new SBS drama Ma Nyeo Yoo Hee (Witch Yoo Hee)
Actress Han Ga In and actor Jae Hee have been casted for the SBS drama series 'Ma Nyeo Yoo Hee' (script by Kim Won Jin, directed by Jeon Gi Sang) to be aired this coming March on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
'Ma Nyeo Yoo Hee' is the story of Ma Yoo Hee, a beautiful and successful career woman but with absolutely no talent in regards to love, and Chae Moo Ryong, an aspiring chef with an absolute sense of taste, that meet as a student and love coach.
Ma Yoo Hee to be played by Han Gai In is a passionate career woman in her twenties and is called a 'witch' for her exactness in taking care of business. However, her complex is that she has absolutely no talent when it comes to love. Jae Hee who will be playing Chae Moo Ryong becomes the love coach of Ma Yoo Hee and eventually changes her life.
The series will be directed by Jeon Gi Sang who successfully produced the hit dramas 'Delightful Girl Choon Hyang' and 'My Girl' and produced by Kalistar Productions. This series will air following 'Surgeon Bong Dal Hee' starring Lee Beom Soo and Lee Yo Won.
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Jan 8, 2007
Chinese Fans of Ji Jin-hee Descend on Korea
Chinese fans of Korean actor Ji Jin-hee are coming to Korea in droves to mark the release of his latest film, "The Old Garden."
Ji earned a huge following in China after the nation aired TV drama "Jewel in the Palace," in which he starred. He now has more than 100,000 fans belonging to some 130 fan clubs.
His agent said a number of Chinese fans have come to Korea in time for last Thursday抯 theater release of "The Old Garden," starring Ji and Yeom Jung-ah.
Ji抯 fans showered him with love and support whenever he showed up at movie theaters to promote his film.
Ji receives so many gifts from his Chinese fans that his agent has to hire people to carry them all. Ji thanked the fans for their enthusiastic affection, saying that he was moved upon learning that some 300 Hong Kong fans were learning Korean to watch "The Old Garden."
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/new...4053_11858.html |
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Author
Post time 2-1-2007 03:01 PM
