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Jan 22, 2007
Actor Ha Jung-woo Goes to Sundance Film Festival
Actor Ha Jung-woo left for the U.S. to attend the Sundance Film Festival, which kicked off in Park City, Utah on Saturday. His movie 揘ever Forever |
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Monday, January 22, 2007
Kim Hye-soo's sex appeal beams in comedy film
Strangely, Kim Hye-soo's beautiful face and curvaceous figure have not delivered box-office success for the actress. Her bold - and revealing - role in "Hypnotized" did not impress moviegoers in 2004. Nor did a tour de force performance in 2005's horror flick "The Red Shoes."
However, a much-awaited turning point came in 2006 when Kim played a voluptuous character in director Choi Dong-hoon's "Tazza: The High Rollers," a highly successful gambling flick. Both critics and mainstream viewers praised Kim's dauntless yet sensual portrayal of a gambling hostess, and her silver screen value soared.
As if her sexy image-making on the silver screen was not enough, Kim is doing it all again with a similarly sensuous role in "A Day for an Affair," a black comedy depicting two homemakers embroiled in extramarital affairs. Jang Moon-il, who made the lighthearted comedy "The Happy Funeral Director" in 2000, directs the film.
Kim Hye-soo at the showcase of "A Day for an Affair"
on Thursday. [Yang Sung-jin/The Korea Herald]
In "A Day for an Affair," to be released on Feb. 8, Kim plays E-seul, a freewheeling and adventure-seeking married woman who is having an affair with a college boy played by Lee Min-ki. E-seul does not hesitate in pursuing a relationship with the young man, though the age gap is more than 10 years. Rather she takes the lead in cultivating and deepening the affair with him.
Thanks to a recent flood of immoral relationships romanticized by mainstream filmmakers, Kim's role seems unlikely to provoke uproar from conservative viewers. But perhaps the opposite might be true; film producers seem to assume that a strong sexual presence offered by a famous actress such as Kim might boost ticket sales.
The stakes are high for iFilm which produces its eighth film "A Day for an Affair." The production house is a unit of Sidus HQ, an entertainment company which has an envious lineup of top-rated Korean Wave stars including Kim Hye-soo, Jeon Do-youn, Jung Woo-sung and Jun Ji-hyun.
iFilm, jointly led by Chung Hun-tak and Oh Ki-min, is yet to produce a major hit. Its key films include "Hypnotized," "Windstruck," "S Diary" and "Sad Movie," but none of them recorded respectable box-office results.
For Kim and iFilm, "Hypnotized" is a bad memory that they want to forget. They vigorously marketed Kim's partial nudity as a key selling point, but no one seemed interested in seeing the 37-year-old's body. Ticket sales fell short of expectations, drawing just 500,000 viewers.
But things might be radically different this time.
No movie expert questions Kim's renewed box-office power following the sizzling success of "Tazza." Kim is regarded as a fashion icon and sex symbol across the country.
The sultry actresses confidence was palpable at the showcase of the new movie held on Thursday. "The movie is dealing with the essential loneliness of human beings, and unlike its light-hearted tone, the theme is serious," Kim told reporters.
Asked why she chose a film involving nudity hot on the heels of her sexy role in "Tazza," Kim said she did not have any intention to star in a film involving nudity. "This film is very different from 'Tazza' in terms of the character I play, and I didn't choose this role because of the nudity."
iFilm is currently trying to secure a film rating for 15-year-olds or older, but due to the adult content involving extramarital affairs between older women and younger men, it is widely expected to end up with an 18-and-over rating.
Kim, who made her big-screen debut with "Kkambo" in 1986, stands at 170 centimeters and rarely hesitates to show off her naturally "bootylicious" figure. Thanks to bold posturing, photographers frantically rush to capture her image whenever she appears in a revealing dress at film award ceremonies and other public events.
The actress is also defying the ageist film market convention. Normally, actresses who have passed a certain age no longer land offers from star directors, but Kim - like her character E-seul in "A Day for an Affair" - seems to be breaking all the rules.
([email protected])
By Yang Sung-jin
Source: The Korea Herald
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/SITE/data/htm...00701230013.asp
[ Last edited by katt at 24-1-2007 05:51 PM ] |
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Jan 23, 2007
Lee Young-ae Appears on Famous Japanese Show
Actress Lee Young-ae has appeared on a major Fuji TV program on Monday. The top Korean star was invited to SMAP x SMAP Bistro, a segment of SMAP x SMAP hosted by Japan抯 famous five-man band SMAP, who cook two dishes for invited guests. The popular program has aired for over 10 years.
Lee talked about how she became an actress and came to appear in the hit drama 揇aeganggeum (Jewel in the Palace). |
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January 23, 2007
On the big screen, being thin still rules
'200-Pounds Beauty' sets new record for romantic comedies
Kim A-jung in '200-Pounds Beauty.' Provided by KM Culture
He is noted for his heartwarming comedies. One second you're laughing your head off, and the next you're grabbing a tissue. But that's not all.
Director Kim Yong-hwa has tried to challenge the bias against various 'physical disorders' in Korean society, whether it was a young man with a physical disability in 'Oh Brothers' or a young obese woman in '200-Pounds Beauty,' his latest film.
But Kim's works aren't all about social justice.
After all, he makes 'modest commercial movies' intended for the general public, as a local critic once put it. Publicity for the director's new film so far has been overwhelming.
It has drawn over 5 million people, breaking box office records for the romantic comedy genre. Critics are expecting it to pass the 6-million mark achieved by 'My Boss and My Hero 2,' the biggest hit in the history of Korean comedies.
His latest film may lack the intricate plot twists of the original story, which is based on a Japanese comic book, but it has earned critics' praise for being 'a well-made commercial film.' Perhaps Kim is making a name for himself in humanistic comedies.
Q. What's it like to reach 5 million viewers with a film you've directed?
A. I had a feeling that this would be a somewhat bigger hit than 'Oh Brothers' (over 3.2 million) since the mood among the film crew more vibrant while we were shooting. I expected about 3 to 3.5 million people, but not this. My only thoughts after the figure went over 3 million were to do a good job on my next film.
'200-Pounds Beauty.' Provided by KM Culture
What do you see as the reason for the film's success?
My standard for making a good movie is to ask myself whether the story interests me and whether I can be confident that it will also entertain audiences. If these two factors aren't there, it is easy to fail as a commercial movie director. But most of all, I found shooting '200-Pounds Beauty' to be entertaining.
It also touched on plastic surgery, which a lot of women are interested in. That's why I thought the film had a chance.
The film is one of the few adaptations that has been successful in Korea. What were your main concerns?
I practically wrote the script from scratch and the heroine went through full-body surgery. The original comic book was funny, but I just wanted to borrow the spirit of the story. I decided it could damage the film if we brought in every episode, story and character from the book to the movie.
I integrated real interviews from plastic surgeons and their clients into the film. The overall impression I got from the original story was one of 'pain.' It was a story about the cruel reality where looks decide social status. I twisted the sad reality of the original into a comedy.
Doesn't the film's ending, where even Hannah (Kim A-jung)'s friend chooses to go through plastic surgery, reinforce the idea that you have be beautiful to be happy?
I am not too fond of didactic movies that tell my views on plastic surgery or anything else, and make that a major part of the plot. The ending is meant to provoke viewers to reflect on themselves, and realize no one is completely free from his/her appearance while knowing that looks aren't everything. I presume the viewers got the point.
Kim A-jung made this movie into a big hit in the end, but you must have been concerned at first. I heard you originally had her playing A-mi, the lip-sync singer.
Casting Kim was difficult since she is better known for her glamorous image than for being a serious actress. I decided the film's success depended on the character of Hannah Kang. For about two months I wrote Kim detailed notes for each scene, outlining what the role requires. We did countless rehearsals. I even acted out some of the scenes myself so that Kim could shake off her shyness. Every scene ended up being a process. The director threw out plan A, the actress brought in plan B, and we ended up shooting plan C, a combination of the two. Kim is a sensitive actress. She cried at a party before we went into shooting. It really comes down to a matter of the actor's attitude. As I saw Kim grow into the part, I became certain this was going to work.
Songs, such as 'Maria' sung by Kim A-jung, contributed to the popularity of this movie.
I actually worked with the musical director of this movie, Lee Jae-hak [a member of 'Loveholic,' a famous Korean alternative rock band], in my college days when we played music together. We've been friends for 16 years now. My background in music helped me to integrate musical elements into a cinematic vision.
I had already picked out eight original soundtracks before Lee came on board. As I wrote the scenes, I was already thinking about the music that could go with them. There were plenty of complaints that 'Maria' was too old-fashioned, but I was stubborn, saying I had picked it for Hannah to sing on stage. Lee agreed with me all the way.
What is your philosophy for directing comedies?
Comedy starts off with pain. But is it really best to portray that pain in a painful way? If one has really experienced pain, and really gone to the depth of it, I doubt one will really put a raw edge on it. I am drawn to a movie that contains both joy and sadness, and at the same time remains simple and light. My answer to comedy is to include both 'a teardrop and a smile.'
What are you planning for your next movie?
If I find a story that I am confident in, I make it into a film. I went to college, majoring in film studies for 10 years due to financial problems, but my graduation piece, 'Salted Mackerel,' received awards at international film festivals (both in Rochester and Houston). I made my directorial debut without ever working as a crew member on a movie set. I am one lucky guy. I want my third film to be more mature, one that has a wider emotional range and gives the public more satisfaction.
By Yang Seong-hee JoongAng [email protected]
Source: INSIDE JoongAng Daily
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2871589 |
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Jan 23, 2007
No Rest for Kim Hye-soo After Blue Dragon Award
Kim Hye-soo, who won the Best Actress Award at the 27th Blue Dragon Film Award for her role as the femme fatale hostess in 揥ar of Flowers, |
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01-23-2007
Entertainers Get Second Chance in Love, Career
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
Several entertainers who suffered painful experiences in the past are now getting a second chance in life and careers.
TV personalities Lee Kyung-sil and Kim Mi-hwa suffered domestic violence at the hands of their husbands a couple of years ago. Now both women are getting a second chance to love.
Lee married businessman Choi Myong-ho at the Coex Intercontinental Hotel, Samsong-dong, southern Seoul on Tuesday afternoon. Around 500 guests attended the ceremony.
Lee, a comedian, made her debut on MBC in 1987, and became a TV show presenter. Last year, she acted in the TV drama "Love and Ambition" on SBS. She currently stars in the SBS sitcom "Hey, Hey, Hey."
Lee made headlines in 2003, when she was badly beaten up by her then-husband with a baseball bat.
Also a comedian Kim, 43-years old, married Yoon Sung-ho, a 48-year old sports science professor at SungKyungKwan University, last Jan. 5. Only family members attended the wedding ceremony.
Earlier, Kim admitted she divorced her husband in 2005 because of domestic violence. She is currently a TV presenter on SBS.
On the other hand, actress Hwang Soo-jung is trying to make a comeback after leaving public life for over five years.
Hwang stopped her acting career after being charged with illegal drug use in 2001. She is trying to revive her acting career with a recent appearance in singer Wax抯 music video for the song "Because Love is Always Like That" and the current television drama "Salt Doll."
However, Hwang, looking as pretty as ever, is still facing difficulty in wooing back fans who cannot forget her illegal drug use.
[email protected]
Source: The Korea Times
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/nation/200...19591344430.htm |
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January 23, 2007
[Talk of the town]
Pop singer takes her own life, and more
Yuni
Pop singer Yuni, 26, was found hanging in her closet on Sunday, according to the police. Her grandmother found her dead when she came back from church to her home in Incheon where she and her star granddaughter lived together.
"I was with other family members at church and I came home early and found her dead in her room," the 71-year-old told the police.
The police are still investigating the exact reason for the suicide, but they suspect she was under a lot of pressure prior to the new album she was working on.
Her family told the police that Yuni had been showing symptoms of depression lately.
Yuni, who debuted as a pop star in 2003, became known for her sexy dance numbers. She was a former adolescent actress who used the stage name "Lee Hye-ryeon." She starred in "Adults Don't Know," a TV show targeting teenagers, and the teen film "Seventeen."
In 2005, she publicly confessed that her mother had never been married, and that it was difficult to understand why she had to live without a father and live alone with her grandmother.
Star admits to dating bar girl
Oh Ji-ho
For weeks, rumors followed actor Oh Ji-ho wherever he went that the bar girl who killed herself earlier this month had been the popular TV star's former girlfriend.
The rumors did not die down even after Oh's angry agent threatened to take legal action against the Internet users spreading the stories.
It was only last Tuesday, when the actor admitted that the woman known by her bar name "Anna" had been his girlfriend and that they had been very much in love that public opinion shifted from indignation to shock.
"This is Oh Ji-ho," the 31-year-old actor began in his personal Web log. Oh confessed his feelings for his ex-girlfriend, who was found dead in her apartment bathroom.
"The reason why I am writing is because I still cannot believe she left. I can only weep," he wrote. "It still hurts [thinking about our past], but everything I read now in news reports describing our relationship has become distorted and meaningless."
"I was a celebrity who had to constantly be aware of what others think about me, and she was a girl who was not in a position to be proud of her job," he said.
Oh said he dated "Anna" for one year before she initiated the breakup. She said she did not want to get in the way of Oh's career.
by Lee Min-a [[email protected]]
Source: INSIDE JoongAng Daily
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2871592 |
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January 24, 2007
Radio star reincarnated by empathy
Anyone who's been to the town of Yeongwol (or as the city calls itself "young world") in Gangwon Province will know that the director Lee Jun-ik the same man who created "Royal Jester" has done an astonishing job with his film "Radio Star."
The county, where the film mostly takes place, is known to Koreans as a small whitewater rafting town that has neither the pastoral glories of a rural village nor the glamorous skyscrapers of a big city.
Like many rural towns across Korea, Yeongwol is trapped somewhere in the past, a place that we can't quite locate in either time or space. But that's exactly the sentiment running through the film "we are invited to empathize with heroes who have been transformed into losers over the passage of time, like the central character in the Buggles' song 'Video Killed the Radio Star,'" which is featured in the film.
Lee deploys the honest and pleasant scenery of the Korean countryside, which could seem banal, to provide a lyrical backdrop.
The story delves into the lives of a washed-up rock star and his devoted manager. Choi Gon, won a music award in the '80s and is still caught in his past. Always dressed in a leather jacket and jeans, his damaged pride is pushed further towards the edge after he is sent to the town as the deejay of a radio program for a rundown station.
The rest of the film is made up of fragments of episodes as the residents call in to the station to ask banal questions, such as senior citizens confirming the rules of a card game and young unemployed people asking for help in finding a job. Gon runs the program in his own way, playing hard rock on his afternoon show while passing his microphone to a bargirl, who visits the station to fix him coffee.
The result is tastefully nostalgic without having to force the audience into a sentimental state. Perhaps the film owes a lot to its music, which is mostly made up of old pop classics mixed with modern rock by No Brain, a Korean punk rock band that actually stars in the film as the members of a band called "East River."
Radio is almost a spent medium in Korea and its use here is a way to speak for the film's heroes, who mostly live in the past, while the radio show's music is soothing to their souls. The film deserves praise for the way it uses the banal anecdotes of its supporting characters to create emotional sideshows of their own.
The chemistry, of course, between Gon (played by Park Jung-hun) and Min-su (Ahn Seong-ki), his manager who almost seems to exist to turn Gon's fantasy into reality, has never been better since their roles as a duo in past films like "Two Cops" and "Chilsu and Mansu."
Perhaps "Radio Star" is a genuine reminder that the subject of a drama never makes a good story unless it is accompanied by the director's keen interest in human relationships.
By Park Soo-mee Staff Writer [email protected]
Source: INSIDE JoongAng Daily
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2871641 |
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January 24, 2007
90s romance finds its way back to the screen
Japanese try their hand at 'Christmas in August'
Shim Eun-ha, left, and Han
Suk-kyu in a scene from 'Christmas
in August,' a 1998 Korean film that
has been remade in Japan. Provided by Uno Film
The late 1990s were the heydays for actress Shim Eun-ha, now married and gone from the screen, but her fans still appreciate the fact that she appeared in one of the best Korean melodramas of all time.
Shim and actor Han Suk-kyu played a shy pair in the subtle romance 'Christmas in August,' attracting more than 440,000 viewers in Seoul alone in 1998. The following year, the movie was released in Japan, where it was just as popular.
In 2006, director Nagasaki Shunichi decided to do a Japanese remake of 'Christmas in August.'
This is exciting news for Shim's fans. The film opens Friday in Korea, but there was a preview for the press last week. Fans and critics nostalgic for the late 20th century (or for Shim) crowded the screening room eagerly waiting for the drama to begin.
Yamazaki Masayoshi, left, and Seki Megumi
in the Japanese remake of 'Christmas in
August.' Provided by Cinebank
Playing Shim's character, Da-rim, renamed Yukiko in the Japanese version, is Japanese actress Seki Megumi, who won the New Talent Award in 2005 at the Mainichi Film Concours. The actress is not widely known in Korea as this film is her debut in a starring role, but she is still young and pretty.
She may be too young and pretty to play the quiet Da-rim for an audience who remembers Shim playing the lovable character. (Shim was 26 when she played Da-rim and Megumi was 20 at the time of filming.) As expected, audience members pointed out that the female character was 'very different' from what they had expected.
"She is just too tall," a person hissed from behind me. (Shim is 5 ft. 4 and Megumi is 5 ft. 7.)
The remake closely follows the Korean storyline, but the preview was fun for viewers busy comparing it to the original.
Yamazaki Masayoshi plays Hisatoshi, the role played by Han in the original. In the Korean version, the character's name was Jeong-won. Hisatoshi is a photographer working in his father's studio who knows he doesn't have much time to live.
The only joy in his life is capturing his clients on film at their best moments. That's how he meets Yukiko, a part-time teacher at a nearby elementary school.
She comes to his photo studio often asking for printouts of pictures she has taken of her class. (In the Korean version, Shim was a meter maid who visited the studio to print out photos of violators' cars.)
They soon become close friends but they never get to tell each other about the special feelings they have. (In the original version, Shim is the only one who is 'suffering' from unrequited love.) Hisatoshi tells Yukiko that he is married or that he has kids, but she knows he is lying.
One day, Hisatoshi is hospitalized, and Yukiko finds the studio has closed down. She waits months for Hisatoshi to return, never knowing why he decided to leave or when he will return.
The remake connects better with audiences as characters do a better job of expressing their emotions. At the same time, it lacks the subtle suggestions of the original.
By Lee Min-a Staff Writer [[email protected]]
Source: INSIDE JoongAng Daily
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2871637 |
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South Korean actress Kim Nam-joo comes back
Jan. 23, SEOUL, South Korea -- Ending a six-year absence from filmdom, South Korean actress Kim Nam-joo has successfully returned to the screen by starring in a new movie, "His Voice." Released nationwide on Jan. 22, the film is based on a true story of a 1991 child abduction that rocked the nation. An initial audience response to Kim's acting as the mother of the kidnapped child is very encouraging. (Yonhap)
Jan 24, 2007
'The Host' Hits China in March
The biggest Korean blockbuster to date, "The Host" by director Bong Joon-ho, will open in China in March.
A Chinese daily said Beijing recently approved the film, and it is now set to open in early March under the title "The Host of the Han River."
China began deliberating whether to show the film from September. The gruesome story of a monster living in the Korean river is expected to be the biggest draw among other films coming out in March in China.
The paper praised the film overall, citing good acting and special effects.
It said the film's uniquely Korean style narrative is nothing like the Hollywood format and also introduced the plot of how the monster created from chemicals the U.S. army dumped into the river attacks civilians.
As to concerns about editing, the paper cited an official from the film's distributor as noting only modest editing was planned during deliberations, as the story itself is not as cruel as the title implies.
It also said the film has been rated PG-12 for families.
The Chinese agency that imported the film plans to invite director Bong to the Chinese premiere.
Source: http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/new...6788_11858.html
Ryu Si-won to Shoot Music Video for Japanese Album
Actor/singer Ryu Si-won will work with actress Nam Sang-mi to shoot a music video for his feature album to be released in Japan in May. Ryu will invite Nam to his concert in Japan.
With his popularity increasing in Japan, the Korean star even became the first male singer to top the Oricon Chart.
The music video will be directed by Lee Jae-han, who directed the film "Eraser in My Head," which became a big hit in Japan. Lee is likely to benefit from working with Ryu since he plans to direct a Japanese film in September.
Ryu will appear in the NHK morning drama "Getting Clear" in April and hold concerts in June in the island country.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/new...6825_11858.html |
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01-24-2007
Charismatic Actor to Star in Award-Winning Play
By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter
Veteran actor Cho Jae-hyun is returning to the stage three years after he starred in "Equus."
He will play a major role in "Kyungsugi, Kyungsugi's Father," directed by veteran playwright and director Park Keun-hyung.
The play premiered in July and took major theater awards last year. The performances in which Cho will star will be held at Dongsoong Art Center in Taehangno, Seoul, starting Thursday. The play will run through March 25.
"I have wanted to act in this play, as it is a good play that received favorable reviews from both critics and spectators," he said.
The play won a Daesan literary award, an arts award from the Arts Council Korea and a Donga theater award last year.
Cho said that he wanted to return to the stage whenever he saw a good play.
"Particularly, I wanted to collaborate with Park, after seeing his major works such as 'Ode to Youth,' and 'Sunday Seoul,' and this play," he said.
Cho, 41, excels in playing versatile and complex characters _ conspicuously charismatic characters or funny guys in TV drama series and films. One of his most notable roles was that of a down-to-earth father in the SBS drama "Piano" in 2001. He co-starred with actress Kim Ha-nul, who played his daughter. His performance caused many viewers to burst into tears, and cemented his acting prowess.
In the upcoming performances, he will play Kyungsuk's father, who is loyal to his desires and irresponsible in matters regarding his family. The father is tough and selfish, a contradictory figure in the Korean conception of the family.
In the play, the father leaves home, abandoning his wife and daughter in the middle of the Korean War (1950-53). He returns after the war with a new wife.
Park attempts to deliver a story about fatherhood in a heartbreaking tragedy that details the vicissitudes of Korean modern history.
Park's plays usually center on the lives of ordinary men, portrayed with a realistic approach. He bravely fills the stage with pathos and melancholy, at the same time evoking a sense that hope exists somewhere.
[email protected]
Source: The Korea Times
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/culture/20...16413011690.htm |
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01-23-2007
Brian Joo Flies Solo
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
K-pop singer Brian Joo puts out
solo album. /Korea Times Photo by Yim Jae-Beom
Korean-American singer Brian Joo is known as one-half of the popular R&B duo Fly to the Sky. But with the release of his first solo album, "The Brian," last month, Joo shows what he can do on his own.
"I just want to get my name out there. I'm always known as Fly to the Sky's Brian, but I want them to know me simply as Brian," Joo told The Korea Times in an interview backstage at SBS Kongge Hall in Mok-dong, Seoul, on Sunday.
Wearing pinstriped brown pants, a crisp white shirt and a vest, Joo was relaxing backstage after performing on the TV music show "SBS Popular Song." He received the show抯 Mutizen Song award for his single "Kajima."
Joo, a native of Absecon, N.J., in the United States, said he wanted to try a different pop sound on his solo album to distinguish himself from Fly to the Sky's signature R&B sound. He originally planned to do all the songs in English but wasn't able to because of lack of time. The album contains one song in English, "All I Know."
Joo's solo venture doesn抰 mean a divorce from Fly to the Sky and fellow member Hwan Hee. The duo plans to release a seventh album in May. Joo added that he is not following any trend of boy group members going solo.
Once Joo starts talking, you get the feeling that he's not your typical K-pop star. Sure, the 26-year-old singer has the look, the voice and the moves, but he's also down-to-earth and humble.
Joo, a Christian, said that religion plays a big part in how he deals with the stress and the pressure of entertainment. "If I didn't have my religion, I would break down. This is not an easy career for young people," he said.
He was a 16-year-old high school student in New Jersey when a friend signed him up for an audition. The audition landed him a deal with top Korean agency S.M. Entertainment. In 1999 he made his debut as part of Fly to the Sky in Korea.
"When I was a kid growing up, my goal was to be the Asian Michael Jackson. That never happened, but this is just one step for me," Joo said.
"When I was growing up, I never thought I'd go to another country and become a singer. I'm happy with what I'm doing right now. Hopefully in the future, whether it's the U.S. or Asian market, I'm going to try and do it."
For the many kids who dream of becoming entertainers, Joo has some words of advice: "I have some friends who are top singers who call me up at 2 o'clock or 4 o'clock in the morning, weeping and saying how hard it is. It's a lot of pressure. If you can't handle it, then don't do it," he said. "You have to discipline yourself and realize this field is not going to be nice to you. You've got to be strong because people will try to break you ..."
Joo also wants to pursue acting in the future. "Acting is one thing I want to do. But it's not happening right now. Hopefully, one day they'll have a part in a movie or drama where they抣l say: 'Oh, Brian is that character'... Or maybe even in Hollywood." he said.
K-pop stars like Rain and Se7en prepare to break into the U.S. market this year, but Joo is waiting for the right opportunity.
Right now he's trying to become closer to his fans in the U.S. and other countries by opening an account on the popular social networking site My Space. He tries to check his account (http://www.myspace.com/thebrian110) at least once a week to respond to the messages left by his fans.
[email protected]
Source: The Korea Times
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/ ... 012319115211700.htm |
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01-24-2007
BoA's New Album Tops Japanese Chart
By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter
Cover Photo of "Made in Twenty,"
Korean singer BoA's new album
/ Yonhap
Korean iconic diva BoA has topped the Japanese pop chart once again with her new release, "Made in Twenty."
She has set up a new record as a non-Japanese musician by putting her sixth consecutive album, including 2005's greatest hits album, "Best of Seoul," in a row to reach the top spot on Japan抯 Oricon weekly album charts, since her first album in 2002.
The SM Entertainment has confirmed that her fifth album finished on the top chart on Tuesday, becoming the sixth weekly No.1 on the Oricon homepage.
It was also topped on the daily charts on Jan. 17, also the sixth album in first place in a row, according to the entertainment.
She broke the record set by Japanese singers, Amuro Namie and Utada Hikaru, whose four consecutive albums topped the charts. Her record is the second biggest to put her albums on the top spots for more than sixth times among Japanese pop artists.
The album has been released a year after last year's "Outgrown," which was released in Japan in February last year.
BoA's fifth album has attracted attention from Oricon News as the most anticipated album of the year in Japan.
Her new album consists of 14 tracks including six new songs, "Nanairono Asita ~ Brand New Beat," "Key Of Heart," and "Winter Love."
[email protected]
Source: The Korea Times
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/ ... 012415270811680.htm |
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2007-01-23
Ahn Jae Wook, signs management contract with IMX
Motis, the Korean agency of Ahn Jae Wook announced on the 23rd that Ahn Jae Wook has signed a management contract with IMX of Japan.
IMX is currently known in Korea for managing Bae Yong Joon and So Ji Sub in Japan.
IMX will be in charge of Ahn Jae Wook's activities in Japan including acting and singing as well as various content businesses.
As the first business involving Ahn Jae Wook, IMX will be opening an official Ahn Jae Wook website and accept memberships for the new fan club.
Source: Broasia.com
http://www.broasia.com/lwboard/lwboard.php...pg=1&no=155 |
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2007-01-24
Stars Grace Sino-South Korea Cultural Symposium
South Korean entertainer Lee da hae(M) on Tuesday attended the press conference
for a Sino-South Korea Cultural Symposium in Beijing.[Photo: gov.cn]
South Korean entertainer Lee da hae on Tuesday attended the press conference for a Sino-South Korea Cultural Symposium to be held here in Beijing.
South Korean and Chinese stars will be invited to give performances onstage during an event held in Haidian Park between February 10th and March 11th.
As well as witnessing dancing, Beijing residents will be able to get up close to South Korean folk customs and cuisine at various temple fairs.
Source: CRIENGLISH.com
http://english.cri.cn/3086/2007/01/24/[email protected] |
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Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Osaka concert features Korean Wave stars
Korea Herald correspondent
OSAKA, Japan - It took about 50 minutes for the first performer to appear on stage at this charity concert titled "Hallyu Festival in Osaka," but Japanese fans of Korean pop culture never got bored while waiting.
More than 20,000 devoted fans of Korean pop and film stars packed the Osaka Dome, home to the Orix Buffaloes baseball team, on Tuesday night to see the fund-raising concert hosted by the International Vaccine Institute to help children suffering from infectious diseases. The institute is a Seoul-based organization dedicated to improving human health through research on preventive medicine.
The concert, which was preceded by a program to promote the institute and its activities, turned out to be a huge success thanks to the amazing popularity of the all-star lineup of Hallyu stars.
Song Seung-hun (left) and Jun Jin
appear on stage during the Hallyu Festival
in Osaka on Tuesday night.
Jun Jin, a member of the popular six-man group Shinhwa, broke the ice with songs from his first solo album released in November, including "Love Never Comes Easy (Sarangi Ojianayo)." "It's so pleasant to come back to Osaka a year after my last visit," Jun said.
Almost every time the Shinhwa man said something on the stage, he ended it by whispering "ai#eru ("I love you" in Japanese)," which made his already loyal Japanese fans love him more.
After Jun's performance, Kangta, a former member of the now-defunct boyband, H.O.T., was onstage to present his trademark voice through a rendition of Richard Marx's "Now and Forever" as well as his past hits. He was followed by the showcase of Meilin, a young Korean female singer who dreams of being the "next BoA" in Japan, with her debut album, "Save My Soul" scheduled to come out next month.
Top R&B Trio SG Wanna Be stole the show with their loud-yet-sensitive vocal delivery, while Lee Min-woo (also known as M), another Shinhwa member, fascinated the audience with his energetic dance movements and charismatic stage presence. The biggest star of the concert, however, was not a singer.
By simply waving his right hand and smiling on the stage, actor Song Seung-hun made his Japanese fans go wild. It seemed like the whole concert was his, although he did nothing but stand still and say a few very formal, polite remarks for his fans and the IVI, the host of the event.
"Every time I think about my fans in Japan, I feel grateful for the steadfast love you have showed me even when I served my military duty for more than two years," said the star best known for his nice guy roles in such hit soap operas as "Summer Scent" and "Law Firm."
What the concert confirmed was the continuing popularity of the Korean entertainers in Japan. It proved again that fielding "Hallyu stars" is the surest way to guarantee success of charity and other promotional events in Asia.
But perhaps a more efficient way of conducting "Hallyu star promotion" is that the stars do what they can do best and are not asked to play too much of promotional role during such events.
"I thought I could see more of Song Seung-hun," said Yoshida Yukari, a 35-year-old Japanese woman. Her Korean friend, who wanted to remain anonymous, said it would have been better to hear something more personal from Song.
([email protected])
By Lee Yong-sung
Source: The Korea Herald
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/SITE/data/htm...00701250012.asp |
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Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Se7en fails to impress viewers
"Gung (Princess Hours)" was a major hit television drama last year, propelling Yoon Eun-hye and Joo Ji-hoon into stardom. This time, it is K-pop star Se7en's turn to cash in on the popularity of the romantic comedy period drama, but early signs are ominous - at least for now.
Last Thursday, "Gung S (Prince Who)" featuring Se7en recorded an 11.7 percent viewer rating, according to TNS Media. The figure means the ambitious television drama of MBC is stuck with the lowest ranking while its competitors from rival stations sprinted ahead.
"Gung S" posted a 15.3 percent rating on its debut on Jan. 10, thanks largely to the attention of viewers who remember the innovative storyline and entertaining characters in its original drama series.
But rating quickly began to decline, with viewers and critics pointing to the not-so-innovative plot and poor acting performances of the main characters including Se7en.
Se7en's drama debut drew keen interest from his fans and television viewers because he has built up an impressive career as a top-rated singer and dancer.
The four episodes of "Gung S" so far aired have played out the initial part of the key plot in which an obscure Chinese restaurant delivery boy discovers his true identity as a member of the royal family and enters the palace.
The major problem with the sagging ratings is that Se7en's acting abilities have failed to impress viewers. Even the original Gung series fans expressed disappointment about the similar plot and drab characterization.
The negative response came amid the ongoing dispute between production houses and MBC television station. Eight Peaks led by director Hwang In-roi produced the first season of "Gung." Things got complicated when Hwang quit and formed his own company Creative Leaders Group 8 to produce the second season.
But Eight Peaks took issue with the license contract, which bars Hwang from using the original title "Gung." Eight Peaks and Hwang's production company, as well as MBC are still in talks to resolve the conflict.
Although MBC and "Gung S" production company assure viewers that ratings will recover, rival dramas - "Dalja's Spring" and "Surgeon Bong Dal-hee" - are faring better than expected, casting a cloud over a possible ratings recovery for "Gung S."
The key is whether Se7en can adapt himself to the drama format quickly, calling upon his considerable talents as a versatile entertainer.
Set in an imaginary 21st-century reality where Korea has a royal family, the original "Gung" revolved around the lives of Crown Prince Lee Shin (Joo Ji-hoon) and his new bride, Chae-kyeong (Yoon Eun-hye).
The story is based on the popular comic series created by Park So-hee. "Gung" is still serialized in a local cartoon magazine, and Park has so far published 13 volumes.
([email protected])
By Yang Sung-jin
Source: The Korea Herald
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/SITE/data/htm...00701250011.asp |
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Hyeon's New Film
JANUARY 25, 2007
It was at the movie premiere of Choi & Kang Romance. Movie heroine Hyeon Yeong offered to sing a song on the spot and began singing without accompaniment. Audience members giggled, but she was serious. Her personality is usually defined as lightness, candidness, and ceaseless bold attempts, but this time maybe one more was in effect: sincerity.
Choi & Kang Romance, a comedy, is the first movie in which she took the leading role. She portrayed investigative reporter Choi Soo-jin who constantly quarrels with but eventually falls in love with detective Jang Jae-wook.
I met her at a coffee shop near Gangnam Station of Line No. 2 in Seoul on January 20.
Practiced a lot to cry on cue-
I grilled her with questions possibly getting on her nerves. But she replied confidently.
揥here does the energy come from to attempt various activities that you are not good at?
揟hat抯 just how I lived. Whether I can or not, I just do it if I want. |
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Jan 25, 2007
Director Kwak Jae-yong Shoots Film in Japan
Japan抯 Nikkan Sports reported that Korean director Kwak Jae-yong will shoot the last film in his so-called 揼irl |
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01-25-2007
'Yobi' Needs More Detailed Tale
By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter
A scene from 揧obi, the Five-Tailed. |
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Author
