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May 22, 2012
'Concubine' transcends hype over nudity
Kim Dai-seung's period drama among the finest commercial films of the year
By Kwaak Je-yup [email protected] The Korea Times
The king (Kim Dong-wook) courts his sister-in-law (Jo Yeo-jung),
as she tries to resist, in a scene from the new film "The Concubine."
It opens in theaters nationwide on June 6.
Nude scenes in Jung Ji-woo’s “Eungyo” and Im Sang-soo’s “The Taste of Money” recently generated an obscene amount of media frenzy.
Added to this is the new release “The Concubine,” the promotion of which has revolved around its graphic portrayal of sex and the naked lead actress Jo Yeo-jung (“The Servant,” 2010).
However, this singular focus seems misguided and demeaning to a film that offers much substance. Instead of a predictable tale recounting the various escapades and insatiable sexual appetite of a king, we get a perplexing film noir that explores obsessive-compulsive needs and their moral consequences. Its psychological depths demand multiple viewings.
The principal fault notwithstanding — women are given less complex roles than men by director/screenwriter Kim Dai-seung — the “Cocubine” is one of the best commercial films this year. Weaker female roles in Korean movies remain a conspicuous problem in the male-dominated domestic industry.
The film begins with the queen mother and former concubine (Park Ji-young, “The Show Must Go On,” 2006) in a precarious position of having no blood ties to the childless king (Jung Chan). She schemes to replace him with his stepbrother and her submissive young son on the throne (Kim Dong-wook, “Take Off,” 2009).
Indifferent to his mother’s plans, the timid prince falls in love with Hwa-yeon (Jo), an aristocrat’s daughter, who has already found love with Gwon-yu (Kim Min-jun, “Love,” 2007), a commoner. When her father decides to send her to the royal palace as a concubine, the two lovers try to elope but are caught after their first night together. She only gives in to parental demands in quid pro quo for his life.
In the next five years, she produces a male heir, infuriating the queen mother. The latter poisons the king and finally puts her son on the throne, giving the ruthless matriarch firm control over the royal court. Hwa-yeon is moved to a closely-watched humble residence, but to save her child, she is willing to do anything. When reunited with her castrated former lover, who now works as a eunuch for her biggest nemesis, the queen regent’s brother, she begs for help.
The story is like a compendium of outrageous royal intrigue and love stories — and it feels overwhelming. Added to stunning cinematography, silky costumes and most of all, the excellent acting of the cast members, are a lot to take in all at once. But the “Concubine’s” intense, multi-textured journey is certainly worth the effort.
In his portrayal of the meek son who becomes a powerless king, 29-year-old Kim Dong-wook displays finesse and nuance. His naturalism convinces audiences as he transforms from a youth with a crush into one manically obsessed. His pitiful king wears an ill-fitting crown and makes endless mistakes.
Kim Min-jun is given a much less interesting role but manages to shine in certain scenes, like the one on his deathbed, for instance. His character’s journey from wild bad-boy heartthrob to repressed eunuch is a transformation he does not handle too well, especially given that he speaks in a consistently low-toned voice. But his performance is adequate.
Jo’s evolution into a monster is less convincing, but this is a fault of the screenplay. She should have been given more time on screen as Hwa-yeon the innocent girl. More energy is concentrated in portraying her conniving ways. She always seems to be hiding something; she always looks guilty. Park’s charismatic turn as the queen mother is also undercut by the screenwriters’ one-dimensional conception of the evil queen.
Hwang Gi-sung’s lush cinematography is a winner. The scenes in the secret underground prison are exemplary.
However, with so many plots and subplots proceeding in parallel, the narrative flow is awkward at times.
The most obvious breaks to the rhythm are the hyped-up nude scenes, which are given too much emphasis. “Here is a nude scene,” the editing seems to shout. The finale, a slow zoom-out on a scene that mirrors one of Christianity’s famous images, The Pieta, is another case in point. “Here is my message,” the movie screams.
The director said that it is a reference to salvation — or the lack thereof — in all the characters’ quests. Everyone ends up in self-destruction after a lifelong struggle to save themselves, their children or in the king’s case, his love.
Finally, it must be noted that other allusions, like an official’s bleak report about the construction along the Nakdong river — an obvious critique of the current administration’s Four Rivers Project — is misplaced.
With countless psychological disturbances splattered on- and off-screen, why venture into yet another complex but unrelated issue?
“The Concubine” opens in theaters nationwide on June 6. Runs 122 minutes. Rated 18 and over. Distributed by Lotte Entertainment. |
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May 22, 2012
Facebook launches official K-pop page
By Carla Sunwoo [[email protected]] Korea JoongAng Daily
Facebook has opened an official Web page for all things K-pop.
The page was launched on May 20 and the first bit of information that was posted was to do with the “SM Town Live 2012 World tour in Los Angeles,” which took place on the same day.
SM Entertainment has really pounced on the page by uploading various pictures and promotional materials for the concert.
“Although we do have our own SM page, this new page is crucial in furthering the reach of K-pop throughout the world,” said a spokesperson from SM Entertainment. |
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May 23, 2012
Park Ha-sun to become PiFan Lady for 2012 Puchon International Film Festival
Reporter : Lucia Hong. Editor : Monica Suk. 10Asia
Actress Park Ha-sun [PiFan]
Korean actress Park Ha-sun has been named the promotional ambassador of the 16th Puchon International Film Festival (PiFan).
PiFan's organizers announced on Wednesday that Park will start her PR activities after being appointed to the position of PiFan Lady at the official press conference to be held on June 26.
She will also take part in the opening and closing ceremony, as well as other events during the fest, which will take place in Bucheon in the Gyeonggi Province for 11 days starting July 19.
"The different personas that Park has shown through her comic and serious roles fit well with PiFan lady's concept. We know that she will do a great job in fulfilling the position," Kim Young-bin, the chief of PiFan was quoted as saying.
"I was always interested in the PiFan and it is such an honor to be appointed as the PiFan lady. But at the same time, I feel a sort of burden. I'm looking forward to meet many movie lovers by promoting this amazing event," Park said in the statement.
Park made her in 2005 with SBS drama "Miracle of Love" and rose to stardom with her role as Queen In-hyeon in MBC's historical drama "Dong Yi - Jewel in the Crown" in 2010.
She has since appeared in films "The Last Blossom" (2011) and "Champ" (2011). She last starred in MBC's sitcom "High Kick 3" and working on comedy film "Tone-deaf Clinic" (translated title) opposite actor Yoon Sang-hyun. |
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May 23, 2012
Thieves and Oldboy remake sell strongly at Cannes
By Patrick Frater filmbiz.asia
The Thieves 도둑들 (pictured) proved a steal for a number of international distributors, which acquired the big-budget heist movie from South Korea's Showbox/Mediaplex Inc 쇼박스 미디어플렉스.
The film was licensed to China's Lava Films 火山石影視文化有限責任公司, Hong Kong's Edko Films Ltd 安樂影片有限公司 and Thailand's LH Moviefusion. Lava previously marketed South Korean comedy Scandal Makers 과속스캔들 (2008) in China.
Showbox also sold recent hit Nameless Gangsters: Rules of the Time 범죄와의 전쟁 : 나쁜놈들 전성시대 to Japan's KRCG, China's BINCI Media, Hong Kong's i-Cable Communications Ltd 有線寬頻通訊有限公司, French-speaking Europe to Metropolitan Filmexport, Spain's Mediatres Estudio and the former-Soviet Union and the Baltics to Russia's Maywin Films AB.
In addition, Showbox sold A Company Man 회사원 to Japan's Pony Canyon Inc ポニーキャニオン, Indonesia's Ram Indo, Thailand's STG Multimedia, Splendid Film for German-speaking Europe and to Synergy Cinema for French-speaking Europe. The Scent 간기남 was sold to Thailand's LH Moviefusion, Hong Kong's Edko Films and Singapore's Shaw Organisation.
New US-based sales firm Good Universe sold strongly on Oldboy, the Spike LEE-directed remake of the South Korean thriller originally directed by PARK Chan-wook 박찬욱. Universal Pictures International Entertainment bought the now-in production film to the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Australia and Spain. The remake stars Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen and Sharlto Copley. Spike Lee is producer alongside Roy LEE and Doug DAVISON. Good Universe's Nathan KAHANE is an executive producer.
French sales agency, Wild Bunch licensed Cannes competition film Holy Motors (directed by Leos Carax) to Japan's Eurospace ユーロスペース. And Comstock Group コムストック・グループ and Broadmedia Studios Corporation ブロードメディア・スタジオ株式会社 co-acquired Marina de Van's psychological thriller Dark Touch for Japan. |
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May 23, 2012
Baek Ji-young in a modern day Romeo and Juliet tale, sort of
By Carla Sunwoo [[email protected]] Korea JoongAng Daily
Singer Baek Ji-young revealed on an episode of KBS 2TV’s “Win Win” that she and her actor boyfriend Jung Suk-won started off their relationship with much discontent from parents on both sides.
On the TV show that aired on May 22, Baek said that due to her being nine years Jung’s senior, initially the couple’s families were against the relationship.
“My parents thought it’d never last due to the age thing. Of course now, they love him,” said Baek.
When asked how Jung’s family felt toward the singer, Baek said, “I think they are fine with it now.”
Initially they were against the pair, “You know if I had a son and he started dating a woman who was nine years older, I don’t think I’d be crazy about it either,” Baek said.
Despite the initial hostility, Baek said that she gave it her best and even began transforming herself by “Wearing less flashy outfits, making sure I wasn’t wearing too much make-up both on and off the camera.”
She said that although she’s met Jung’s dad, she has yet to meet his mother. |
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May 23, 2012
Yu Jun-sang publishes his diary
By Carla Sunwoo [[email protected]] Korea JoongAng Daily
Yu Jun-sang, best known for his role on the current hit KBS drama “My Husband Got a Family” has published a book containing best bits from his personal diaries, dating back some 20 years.
The memoir, entitled “The Invention of Happiness,” contains poems and sketches made by the actor in his everyday life.
Yu said he began journaling back in university when his professor recommended that he try filling up at least one journal each year with personal reflections.
Yun picked the highlights from his 20 years of journaling life. The book is said to contain times from his days as a college student, moments on the set of several productions and his personal life while on vacation.
Yun has long been heralded as something of a jack-of-all-trades who can sing, write, play musical instruments and act.
His co-star from the film “In Another Country” (2012) French actress Isabelle Huppert had previously commended him for being “kind and charismatic.” |
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May 23, 2012
Actress Lee Mi-sook in court again
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Actress Lee Mi-sook’s former agency, The Contents Media, revealed on Tuesday that it had paid large amounts of money to a male escort Lee was seeing some time ago in order to uphold Lee’s image in public.
During a court proceeding that took place at the Seoul High Court, the agency said its former talent was in a relationship with a male escort 17 years her junior.
In order to keep the man from talking, the agency said that it bribed him with millions of won.
The agency has remained tight-lipped about the ordeal, saying it won’t make an official statement until the final court proceeding that will take place on June 28.
The Contents Media sued Lee back in November of last year for breaching the exclusive contract she signed.
The court agreed that Lee was guilty and ordered her to pay 100 million won ($85,349) in penalties.
However, The Contents Media said that the agency was owed at least double the amount of the fine and appealed for a second trial. |
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May 23, 2012
Ko Young-wook interrogated by police
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Entertainer Ko Young-wook spent yesterday morning at the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office being interrogated by a judge who was to decide whether there was enough evidence to issue an arrest warrant.
Ko was detained and questioned on charges of sexual assault and sleeping with minors.
His agency refused to issue a statement. When Ko was transported to Yongsan Police Station at around noon, he told the press that there was “nothing left to say.”
Ko said he was sorry for causing a disturbance but kept quiet when the press asked if he was admitting guilt.
An application for an arrest warrant had been filed by the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office two days earlier after investigating claims that he had used his celebrity status to talk minors into sleeping with him.
The first accusation against Ko was brought by a teenager and aspiring entertainer in March who claimed that the singer raped her after he suggested meeting up in order to talk about launching her career. |
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May 23, 2012
Kim Ji-su says he's not a boy toy
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Actress Kim Ji-su, who is currently starring in the JTBC drama “Love Again,” broached a controversial topic during an interview on the set of her new drama on Tuesday.
Kim told local media that despite the 16-year age gap between the actress and her younger boyfriend, Roy Kim, he is the “most courageous man” she has ever dated.
“If you asked me what I found appealing in a man, I’d say someone who isn’t a coward. Of all the men I’ve dated, Roy is the gutsiest man,” the 41-year-old actress said.
Kim Ji-su said that because of the age gap, people assume that she is the boss in the relationship.
“People assume that I boss him around, but that’s not the case at all. In fact, he guides me and initiates everything in our relationship.”
Back in March, Kim Ji-su stirred the media by announcing on Facebook that she was in a relationship with a Korean-Canadian who graduated from the University of British Columbia. |
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May 23, 2012
Actress returns in another racy period thriller
By Claire Lee ([email protected]) The Korea Herald
Jo Yeo-jung stars in Kim Dai-seung’s highly convincing noir ‘The Concubine’
Despite the media frenzy and concern for her “going nude too often,” actress Jo Yeo-jung appears to have a fine taste in selecting her roles.
After breaking into Korea’s film scene by going nude in her 2010 erotic period drama “The Servant,” the actress has chosen another period thriller with explicit sex scenes.
But despite the media hype about Jo’s graphic nude scenes, “The Concubine” is actually an alluring thriller revolving around ominous fate, desire, survival and revenge.
Jo, who had remained obscure since her TV debut in 1999, instantly rose to the spotlight in 2010 by starring as the ambitious Joseon woman of low caste in “The Servant.” The R-rated movie, which was a newly adapted and tragic version of Korea’s famous folktale “Chunhyang,” was a huge stepping stone in Jo’s career. Upon the release of the film, Jo successfully escaped being “another pretty face” in Korea’s entertainment scene.
Jo Yeo-jung stars in Kim Dai-seung’s latest period thriller “The Concubine.” (Lotte Entertainment)
However, few would have expected her to choose another period drama that requires full nudity, as doing so may stigmatize her in Korea’s film industry ― where most young actresses still stay away from nude scenes as much as possible. Despite the collective concerns expressed by the local media outlets, Jo proved she’s made the right choice ― “The Concubine” offers substance and ample entertainment, as well as almost Shakespearean psychological intricacy.
“The Concubine” is director Kim Dai-seung’s third feature-length film. His previous works ― “Bungee Jumping on their Own” (2000) and “Blood Rain” (2004) ― were all far from conventional. His 2000 romance movie stood out for its original plot, which deftly linked the theme of reincarnation and homosexuality. His 2004 murder mystery “Blood Rain,” on the other hand, dealt with a gruesome murder case in the 19th century Joseon. Kim’s latest movie does not disappoint.
“The Concubine” takes place sometime in the Joseon Dynasty. The movie begins as the ruthless queen mother and former concubine (Park Ji-young) makes her own plan to dethrone the current king (Jeong Chan), with whom she has no blood ties. Her goal is to somehow replace the king with her timid biological son, Prince Seong-won (Kim Dong-wook).
Meanwhile, Prince Seong-won falls in love at first sight with Hwa-yeon (Jo), an aristocrat’s daughter, during his jaunt outside the royal palace. But Hwa-yeon is already in love with a commoner named Kwon-yu (Kim Min-jun). Hwa-yeon and Kwon-yu try to escape, but meet with utterly tragic consequences as their plan fails. Hwa-yeon becomes a concubine at the royal palace, while Kwon-yu is punished with castration.
Five years later, Hwa-yeon has become the queen after producing a male heir. This breaks the hearts of both Prince Seong-won and Kwon-yu, who later joins the royal palace as a eunuch. The king is eventually poisoned to death by the queen mother, who is desperate to be in power.
She sits her son, Prince Seong-won, on the throne as a puppet king, while planning to assassinate Hwa-yeon and her son to secure her position in the palace. Upon finding out she and her son are in danger, Hwa-yeon gradually becomes monstrously ambitious, using everyone around her, including her castrated former lover Kwon-yu and Prince Seong-won ― as tools for her own survival.
While Jo gives a convincing portrayal of an innocent young woman transformed into a ruthless, manipulative mother to protect her son, actor Kim Dong-wook ― who plays Prince Seong-won ― offers a prolific performance throughout the running time.
Kim’s character, in many ways, shows the future of Hwa-yeon’s little son, who will eventually become king thanks to his mother’s blood-and-thunder battle in the royal palace. It is hard not to feel sorry for this timid character, helplessly torn between his first love and sister-in-law Hwa-yeon and his ruthless queen mother.
The new king, who must regularly have sex with his wife in the attendance of his queen mother and servants as it is his duty to ”properly“ produce an heir, gradually becomes a lunatic as he becomes desperate to prove his worth to Hwa-yeon, while struggling to break away from his mother’s control. In many ways. Kim’s character reminds one of the famous villain kings of Joseon, including Yeonsangun, Gwanghaegun, and King Yeongjo.
One of the movie’s highlights, an obvious recreation of the Christian image ”Pieta,“ summarizes Prince Seong-won’s character and his tragedy ― all stemming from the abusive relationship with his mother.
In spite of its too many subplots, the movie explores the theme of betrayal, revenge and obsessions, with much nuance and depth.
A Lotte Entertainment release, “The Concubine” opens in theaters on June 6. |
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May 24, 2012
Korean-American Makes Some Noise on 'American Idol'
Source: ChosunIlbo
/Courtesy of Fox "American Idol"
Han Hee-jun has become the highest ranked Korean American ever to appear on the popular reality TV singing competition, American Idol. He finished 9th out of hundreds who tried out for the show.
Calling himself a cool Korean American who lives in New York with a swag, the 23-year-old entered the annual contest to promote a non-profit organization.
Not coming from a musical family, Han taught himself how to sing while in his bathroom and he also learned to play the piano on his own. He said, "My parents don't know anything about music," and rarely played music at home. But he started listening to music when he came to America at age 10 and fell in love with rhythm and blues, saying, "It requires honesty and soul."
Han also has a self-deprecating sense of humor and the audience seemed to love it. However, some of the judges did not take him seriously because of it. But Han doesn't seem to have any regrets. "If I can make one person laugh, then my job is done," he said.
Since Han appeared on American Idol, people have stopped him on the streets, wanting his autograph. The Mets, an American baseball team in New York, asked him to throw the first pitch at their opening game.
Despite his success, Han is very humble and wants to remain that way. He believes that "good things come to those who do good, and provide unselfishly for others." He says his Christian faith keeps him grounded and he prays before each concert. He said he entered the American Idol contest not to become a star but to promote Milal Mission, a non-profit organization that started in Korea and helps disabled youth. He suffered from depression in his early years and went to the organization for help. He said that working for this organization turned his life around and that he wanted to give back to those who had given him so much.
"When I was in Korea, I pursued my dream [of making it as a singer] for two years but nothing happened, so I had depression. I always wanted to be on stage. I went there [Milal Mission] for my treatment. I fell in love with the kids who taught me how humble they are. They pulled me out of my misery and I wanted to give back."
Han has created awareness of the organization and raised four years' worth of donations for Milal Mission, but he wants to do more. "I want to donate lots of money to the organization when I make it [big]," he said.
Han says he would love to appear in TV shows and movies, and make his own acoustic album and perhaps perform a duet with his idol Tony Bennett. "The sky is not the limit," he said. |
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May 24, 2012
Kim Min-jun reveals girlfriend and sentiment toward marriage
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Actor Kim Min-jun has a girlfriend and she is an average office worker.
According to Kim’s agency which made the announcement on May 23, Kim and his girlfriend have been dating for over a year.
“We can’t divulge any more information about the girlfriend but the two are very happy together,” said the agency.
Although the agency said that there is no date set for a wedding, at a recording for a TV show, the actor did say that he wanted to walk down the aisle soon.
“I want to marry my girlfriend as soon as possible. I want stability and to have kids. It’d be so great to attend my child’s athletics carnival and run a race together,” Kim said on episode of “Happy Together 3,” which is set to air on May 24.
The actor also said that to mark the first anniversary as a couple with his girlfriend, he sold his motorbike to buy her a diamond necklace. |
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May 25, 2012
Jang Dong-gun Excited About New Drama
Source: ChosunIlbo
Actor Jang Dong-gun is returning to primetime TV drama after a 12-year absence. He will appear in a weekend soap called "A Gentleman's Dignity," which is scheduled to air from Saturday night on SBS.
In the soap about the careers and love lives of urban professionals, he plays the role of an architect in his 40s who wants to remain single.
In a press release on Wednesday, the actor said he felt a little awkward upon returning to television some 10 years after his last appearance in MBC's hit drama "All About Eve." But now he is enjoying filming the soap and feels comfortable with the transition.
It is the first time for Jang to star alongside Kim Ha-neul. He said the two quickly built a strong rapport both on screen and off. |
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May 24, 2012
Jang Dong-gun gets first 'proper' kiss scene
By Jean Oh The Korea Herald
After a 12-year hiatus, Jang takes on rom-com with new SBS drama
It would come as a major shock if SBS’ latest weekend installment, “A Gentleman’s Dignity,” failed to make a strong showing this Saturday.
When one of South Korea’s most beloved actors returns to the small screen after a 12-year hiatus, the public is bound to tune in.
Especially if over the past decade he has starred in a major international action flick and married an equally popular South Korean actress, Ko So-young.
The question, then, on the tip of everyone’s tongue is: why now? Why this project?
“I am going to be frank and admit that I have wanted to star in a drama for many years now,” said actor Jang Dong-gun, 40, at the drama’s press conference in Nonhyeon-dong, Seoul, on Wednesday. “I just didn’t come across the right one.”
The husband-father-thespian revealed that he was drawn to this romantic comedy tale of 40-something-year-old men struggling to grow up and mend and forge lasting relationships.
“After doing uber-serious roles in films, I wanted to do something lighter,” he said. “Plus, it is a Shin Woo-chul and Kim Eun-sook collaboration.”
In the world of television, director Shin and scriptwriter Kim are revered as drama-making royalty.
The duo behind hit SBS dramas “Lovers in Paris” (2004), “Lovers in Praha” (2005), “Lovers” (2006), “On Air” (2008), and “Secret Garden” (2010-2011), Shin and Kim seem to have the Midas touch.
Actor Jang Dong-gun (right) and actress Kim Ha-neul attend the press conference for their upcoming SBS drama “A Gentleman’s Dignity” in Seoul, Wednesday. (SBS)
That given, it is easy to see why Jang says the famed director and scriptwriter influenced his decision to jump on board, despite the fact that the rom-com genre is not oft-trod territory for him.
Did he balk at the idea of chipping into his hitherto charismatic and macho-type persona to fully realize his newfound flawed and hilarious hero?
“It was awkward at first,” he admitted of playing architecture firm head-and-bachelor Kim Do-jin. “Now I approach my character with open arms and an open mind. I am getting mangled in a good way, because director Shin holds the reins and is in control.”
“He is surprisingly good at comedy,” Shin praised Jang. “Since he has that charismatic force, when his veneer suffers a small dent it has an enormous effect on the viewer.”
Audiences will have to wait to see Jang in full comedic stride, as well as witness what scriptwriter Kim dubs Jang’s first “proper” onscreen kiss.
“Casting for ‘A Gentleman’s Dignity’ was completely borne of ulterior motives,” Kim confessed with great mischief. “I have repeatedly alluded to Jang Dong-gun, for instance in ‘On Air.’ I really wanted to work on a drama with him.”
The opportunity came along, and, according to Kim, she and the crew were so determined to cast him in the lead that not only was the airdate moved back from March to late May, but Kim also told a little white lie in the hopes of getting him to agree to take the role.
“I was very curious about how Ko So-young would respond to the script,” she said, referring to Jang’s spouse.
“Apparently Ko said my scripts were known for their intense kiss scenes, so I lied and said there would be none. But while Jang has played a lot of charming and masculine roles, he hasn’t really had a proper kiss scene before, so the minute the deal was sealed I wrote him one.”
Kissing is just a prelude to what Kim promises to be a racy and sexy series.
“‘A Gentleman’s Dignity’ wouldn’t be much of a romp if it was bright and innocent,” she elaborated. “I think this is a drama where smooches and physical contact will be frequent because the characters are in their 40s.”
“I am going to take it as far as I can, as far as television will allow,” she added, promising to deliver.
Of the drama’s focus on four male protagonists (the other three roles are played by actors Lee Jong-hyeok, Kim Min-jong and Kim Su-ro), Kim revealed that she was not so much angling for the boys and that she was looking to satisfy women’s interest in the male psyche.
“I think women are curious about what actually goes on inside men’s heads,” she explained.
Director Shin, however, stated that almost 80 percent of the drama will be centered on actor Jang and co-star Kim Ha-neul, who worked with director Shin and scriptwriter Kim in “On Air” and will be playing the male lead’s love interest.
Actress Kim, 34, said of co-star Jang, “He is a like a close, older brother. I think it’s gotten to the point when we can just tell when it would be appropriate for us to amp up the comedy in the scene without having to say it out loud.”
“A Gentleman’s Dignity” is Jang’s first television drama since “All About Eve” (2000). The first episode airs May 26 at 9:50 p.m. on SBS. |
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May 25, 2012
Kim, well-shod, chic and ready for her close-up
By Jean Oh
The Korea Herald
‘My Lovely Samsoon’ star in new MBC drama
Why deviate from a good thing if it is working for you? That is the overall impression initially given by golden girl Kim Sun-a’s latest endeavor, MBC rom-com “I Do I Do.”
The title is a dead giveaway.
Yes, actress Kim ― known for playing single ladies with verve and humor in MBC’s “My Lovely Samsoon” and SBS’ “Scent of a Woman” ― is tackling yet another unmarried heroine with Hwang Ji-ahn, a successful shoe designer in her late 30s whose career is sidetracked when she accidently gets knocked up.
Kim, however, has a different take on the matter.
MBC’s “I Do I Do” cast and crew (from left to right) Park Geon-hyeong, Kim Sun-a, Lee Jang-woo and Im Su-hyang attend the drama’s press conference in Seoul on Thursday. (Kim Myung-sub/The Korea Herald)
“My character’s basic personality is pretty different from previous single women I’ve played,” said the 36-year old actress at the drama’s press conference in Yeoksam-dong, Seoul on Thursday.
“If you discount the first several scenes, the tone is a departure from works I have done in the past. Really, the only similarity between this role and others is that she is single and unmarried.”
Indeed, unlike previous roles, Hwang Ji-ahn reads like a tough-as-nails, confident, assertive and wealthy woman. In the words of co-star Lee Jang-woo (whom many will recognize as the reformed brat from KBS’ “Glory Jaein”), she is a sort-of prototype for 20-something single friends of his who find a cool and financially independent woman attractive.
“I feel like it has been 10 years since I really got to go all-out with the makeup for a character,” Kim admitted that her latest character is more “Sex and the City” and Holly Golightly than her last stint as a penny-pinching office worker with no interest in fashion.
While the look, personality and fate of her heroine might be oceans apart from past leads, the level of pressure put upon her to deliver does not seem to have let up.
In response to a question about going up against actors So Ji-sub and Joo Won in rival dramas competing for ratings in the same timeslot, Lee, 25 (who is playing the heroine’s unemployed and significantly younger love interest) quipped, “The director said, ‘It’s okay, Kim Sun-a will beat out everyone.’”
Perhaps it is her relatively smooth track record, or just her knack for comedy, but “I Do I Do” director Kang Dae-seon revealed that “Sun-a passionately gives ideas for the series.”
“The bed scene is pivotal to the story so I suggested that I show my bare back and the director said, ‘Well, that’s okay with me,’” said Kim.
“I think the scene came out a little sexy.”
Viewers will have to wait to see Kim and Lee wrestle under the sheets when “I Do I Do” starts airing May 30 on Wednesday and Thursday nights on MBC at 9:55 p.m. |
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May 25, 2012
'Comedy King' flatters as Sung Dong-il blabbers
By Cho Jae-eun Korea JoongAng Daily
‘When I looked at Sung Dong-il ad-libbing through the monitor, I was always pleasantly surprised.’ - Jeong Seung-koo, director
“Comedy King” stars Sung Dong-il, left, and Song Sae-beok pose for reporters on Wednesday during a press conference in Seoul. [NEWSIS]
First-time director Jeong Seung-koo takes a satirical look at Korean society and tackles the delicate art of flattery in his new comedy “Comedy King.” Previously titled “The King of Flattery,” the film follows an ordinary insurance company worker who meets with a master of flattery to learn how to compliment and succeed.
With a release date close to big blockbusters including “Men in Black 3,” Jeong said that his film will differentiate itself from its competition by showcasing a hearty comedy with a backbone.
“The audience will get more than just comedy out of the film. If [blockbusters] have knives, our film has tongues,” said the director during a press conference for the film in Seoul on Wednesday.
“I wanted to make the film in a way that everyone in the audience can reflect on their own working lives in some form or another. It won’t be just empty laughs,” added Jeong, who previously worked with director Lee Chang-dong in the award-winning 2007 film “Secret Sunshine.”
“Comedy King” pairs Sung Dong-il and Song Sae-beok in the lead roles with Sung playing the master flatterer, Hyeo Go-su, and Song starring as the smart but somewhat-rigid insurance worker, Dong-sik.
As Dong-sik’s life takes a turn for the worse, with girlfriend troubles and a father who is chased by a loan shark, he meets Hyeo Go-su, who teaches him how to tackle his problems with an artful grip on flattery. With his help, Dong-sik aims to turn his luck around using his new found skills to negotiate with an important client.
Both actors have a background in theater and have shined in comic supporting roles with Sung known for roles in “The Client” (2011) and “200-Pound Beauty” (2006) while Song has featured in “Sector 7” (2011) and “Cyrano Agency” (2010).
The director said that their varied experiences added greatly to the film and that close to half of the dialogue for Sung’s character was the result of the actor’s skillful ad-libs.
Song Sae-beok stars as an insurance salesman in the new film “Comedy King.” Provided by Lotte Entertainment
“Song Sae-beok stayed up many nights with me, sometimes until 11 in the morning, drinking and discussing our roles in the film,” Sung said.
“You will get to see how much effort Song Sae-beok put into his role when you see the film, especially in the scenes dealing with family conflict.”
Co-star Kim Seong-ryeong, who plays Hyeo Go-su’s former co-worker and girlfriend, said she almost felt jealous of the close relationship between the two actors.
“I wondered why Sung Dong-il was so affectionate toward Song Sae-beok, it made me jealous,” she joked, while she added that she expects the film to do well with at least three million tickets sold upon its release.
Addressing the rather brief filming period for “Comedy King,” which began last December and finished in March, the director said that there were a lot of positives coming from the filming condition, especially in shining a light on Sung’s impressive comic reflex, to which he credits a big portion of the film’s wit.
“With a short filming schedule, most of the scenes were shot within one or two takes. I think this kind of shooting has pluses and minuses,” Jeong said. “Most importantly, the actors were so funny [in the film]. When I looked at Sung Dong-il ad-libbing through the monitor, I was always pleasantly surprised.”
“Comedy King” opens in theaters nationwide on June 21. |
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May 25, 2012
Lee Dong-gun to return to K-dramas
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
After 21 months serving in the public relations department of the Ministry of National Defense, actor Lee Dong-gun is set to return to the K-drama scene this fall when he stars in “The Secret Lovers.”
This will be Lee’s first acting role since starring in the 2008 drama “Night After Night.”
Lee was discharged from the Army on Mar. 28 and said he had originally chosen to star in the drama “I Can’t Lose,” but due to a delay in its production, he opted for “The Secret Lovers” instead.
Sports Seoul reported that Lee will be the protagonist in the drama based on the 2009 film “7th Grade Civil Servant” starring Hallyu actress Kim Ha-neul.
The script will be written by Chun Sung-il, who also wrote the script for the movie.
The plot of the drama adaptation is based on the comic happenings that unfold when a civil servant catches a corporate spy.
“The Secret Lovers” is set to air in September on MBC following the end of the drama “Arang and the Magistrate,” which will air from July. |
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May 28, 2012
Jang Seo-hee cast in $42 million drama
Source: Korea JoongAng Daily
Actress Jang Seo-hee has been cast in a Chinese historical drama with a 50 billion won ($42 million) budget.
Jang will play the role of a femme fatale named Li Hua who later becomes queen and shapes Chinese history in the drama titled “Heroes of Sui and Tang Dynasties.”
Recapping the transition from the Sui to Tang Dynasty, the historical drama is a major project that has seen more than three years of preparations.
Jang will rub shoulders with some big-name Chinese actors including Winston Chao, Yu Shao Qun and Dicky Cheung.
“We thought that Jang Seo-hee’s acting skills, diligence and passion for her craft made her the perfect choice for the role,” said a representative from the drama production company.
The show will begin airing from June 28 on Hunan TV. Earlier in the year, Jang starred in another Chinese drama, “Master Lin in Seoul,” which aired on BTV in China in February. In 2006, the 40-year-old took part in Chinese drama “War and Destiny.” |
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