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November 21, 2007
Cosmic crisis hits intergalactic star
Korean-Canadian actress Grace Park stars in 揃attlestar Galactica |
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November 23, 2007
Living Film Legend Tells Her Story
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Actress Choi Eun-hee, left, a living film legend along with her late husband,
director Shin Sang-ok. Choi, now aged 77, reveals her story
in full through her autobiography "Confessions" / Courtesy of Random House Korea
Choi Eun-hee. The movie star defined an era and shaped Korean film history with her husband, director Shin Sang-ok ― on both sides of the 38th parallel, when they were kidnapped by North Korea in the late 1970s.
Now, at 77, Choi finally broke her long silence to tell her side of the story, one that is sure to silence the countless gossip and rumors that took on a life of its own over the years.
In her autobiography "Confessions," the film icon looks back on her life, sans regret.
Yet, Choi's story is more than an autobiographical account. It entails the history of Korean cinema and documents the tumultuous events that marked Korean modern history, from Japanese colonization to the military regime. It is also a woman's love letter to her late husband.
Born in 1930 in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, the shy, young Choi stumbled into the world of acting by accident and fell in love with it.
In 1943, she joined theater troupe Arang and made a name for herself. Although she went on to successfully debut onscreen, her personal life was far from glamorous. Her first husband was abusive and incompetent. When the Korean War (1950-53) broke out, she was seized by North Korean troops to perform in propaganda plays. She escaped only to do the same deed for the South Korean army.
"How ironic," she recalls of that time. "But I accepted my fate, which was simply to act." Although being an actress spared her life, it also left an incurable scar when she was raped by a South Korean army officer.
When the war finally came to an end, false rumors about Choi being repeatedly violated by troops, and her husband ― crippled and plagued with morbid suspicions about her chastity ― awaited her. Yet, Choi persevered, pouring out her emotions in her work.
In 1953, Choi met Shin Sang-ok, a dashing young director who would become the love of her life. She became his muse and favorite leading lady, while Shin gave her newfound hope.
Overcoming accusations of adultery, they would marry and lead Korean cinema into its golden age, producing classics such as "Mother and a Guest in the Room of Master" (1961) and "Bound by Chastity Rules" (1962).
Choi also became Korea's third female director and head of a film academy. The only misfortune was that she couldn't bear children, so the couple adopted.
The 1970s, however, was a cruel decade. Shin's production company suffered financially and had to deal with strict censorship under Park Chung-hee's presidency. But the critical blow came when Shin had two children in an extramarital affaire.
Brokenhearted, Choi filed for divorce. Their relationship, however, would take a more dramatic turn. In 1978, Choi was kidnapped by North Korean agents in Hong Kong as part of Kim Jong-il's scheme to revamp Pyongyan's film industry.
Five years later, Choi would reunite with Shin, and give birth to a new era for North Korean cinema. They were winning awards in international film festivals, and in 1986, staged a successful escape by seeking asylum in the American embassy in Austria.
But the couple would not be able to come home for another decade because they were afraid of being accused of collaborating with the North. They finally returned home in 1999, but Choi would lose Shin to hepatitis in 2006.
Despite all the odds, Choi is not bitter. She writes that she understands Kim Jong-il's passion for cinema that fueled the abduction, although she does hold him responsible for Shin's failed health. She also expresses sympathy as a woman for Shin's lover who initially broke their marriage.
"People say I am an actress who lived a life like a movie... When I was in North Korea, I cried every night, thinking I wouldn't have suffered this had I not become an actress,'' she writes in the prologue.
"(My husband and I) were victims of the tragedies of a divided nation. But I do not regret becoming an actress. Through acting, I have rehearsed living the lives of others and learned that all of these different lives are beautiful and dear," she writes.
The road Choi has taken is truly larger than life.
But what is most impressive and compelling is Choi's steady and honest voice ― and astounding courage ― to tell it all, without a trace of shame or spite.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2007/11/142_14298.html |
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November 22, 2007
Kimchi vs Sushi
Japanese idol Takuya Kimura may be the main dish of the movie Hero. But will Korean hunk Lee Byung Hun provide the flavour?
CHANG MAY CHOON finds out
LEE BYUNG HUN, 37
Real life: An accomplished Korean actor who speaks fluent English and French, Byung Hun is slated to make inroads into Hollywood. He's hailed as the Prince Of Smiles in Japan, where he sold out 60,000 tickets in an ongoing four-part concert tour.
Byung Hun is reportedly single now, after ending a one-year relationship with his All In co-star Song Hye Gyo in 2004.
Alter ego in Hero: Byung Hun plays an elite Korean prosecutor who helps Takuya locate an important piece of evidence - a van that was illegally exported to Pusan.
Director Suzuki Masayuki told the Korean media recently that Byung Hun's screen time is short (just two minutes) but he plays a 'strong, heavyweight role'.
'Lee is explosively popular in Japan and is known to have a 'pretty smile'. He was really the only one I had in mind for the casting.'
Most memorable scene: When he deftly subdues a baddie in a rare action scene. Then, with a knowing grin, he gives Takuya a crucial word of advice that links to the ending.
On working with Takuya: Byung Hun said: 'In the past, when I didn't know much about Japanese film culture, I visited Japan to shoot a music video. Everywhere I went, I saw advertisement boards with this handsome man, who I later learned was Kimura. It gave me a strong impression of the actor.'
Critics say: Byung Hun is suave and macho, but, alas, he has so little screen time.
Five of the critics whom The New Paper spoke to agreed that Byung Hun's talent was 'wasted'.
UW magazine journalist Tina Tan said he appears more macho compared to Takuya's 'idol look' and his newly-grown moustache is 'a bit charming'.
'There was so much media hype over this Japan heavenly king meets Korean heavenly king collaboration, but Lee is really under-utilised here. This is a movie about Takuya and he's the star, so Lee would lose out.'
Production manager Xie Suyan said she was expecting Takuya and Byung Hun to spar in court representing their own countries, but felt disappointed that they did not.
FM 96.3 reporter Junko Hayashi felt it was 'unfair' for Byung Hun to play such a shallow character, and that he deserved more because 'he's really a great actor'.
But Radio 1003 deejay Luo Kemin argued that Byung Hun's charismatic presence was like the 'caviar on an already great dish'.
'His performance was short but exciting, and his eyes spoke volumes while he was giving (Takuya and Takako) his blessings.
'A great actor doesn't need to take up the main role or occupy a lot of screen time. It's a Japanese movie so there's more sushi than kimchi, but the kimchi definitely added flavour to it.'
TAKUYA KIMURA, 35
Real life: A member of boy band Smap, Takuya acts, sings and hosts.
He's been hailed as Japan's sexiest man and King Of Drama - due to his unbeatable ratings appeal.
Married to singer Shizuka Kudo, Takuya is a doting dad to two girls - Kokomi, 6, and Mitsuki, 4.
Alter ego in Hero: Takuya plays a delinquent-turned- prosecutor who unravels cases with his unorthodox ways, with the help of his loyal assistant played by Takako Matsu.
A shopping channel fanatic, he returns to the Tokyo office after six years and is given a seemingly simple manslaughter case that turns out to be linked to a political conspiracy.
Takuya is the only choice for the role, since it was he who popularised the renegade character in the 2001 drama version that scored a record-high average rating.
Most memorable scene: Too many campy moments, like him jumping around the office with a spiky waist-slimming gadget he ordered from his favourite shopping channel.
But the one scene that moves many to tears is his moving speech in court, demanding that the truth to be delivered to the victim's fiancee.
On working with Byung Hun: Takuya said: 'I've seen a lot of commercials by Lee in Japan. He has this angelic smile and is a powerful actor who has a huge impact on the audience. Simply working with him in the same place and same time will be a great honour.'
Critics say: Takuya, who commands the entire two hours of the film, has matured in his acting. He has a way of pulling at heartstrings while inducing giggles with his quirky antics.
Because of this, he has won over new fans, including Lianhe Wanbao journalist Yee Wanyu, who, until she watched Hero, never understood why this 'skinny guy whom I don't think is good looking is so popular'.
She was pleasantly surprised by Takuya's natural comic timing, and 'now I think he's quite cute, even at (age) 35'.
Another converted fan is Radio 1003 deejay Luo Kemin, whose impression of Takuya has changed from 'don't know why so many girls are obsessed with him' to 'he's 100 times cute'.
'He's a natural born star and he makes his comic character come alive. I was touched by how he focused on doing one thing - to bring the murderer to justice.'
FM 96.3 reporter Junko Hayashi said she cried three times because she was deeply moved by Takuya's acting.
'He has become a great actor and he has a very realistic style. He has improved 100 per cent since the drama, and he has good chemistry with the rest of the cast.'
Production manager Xie Suyan added that Takuya, although not handsome, has a certain charisma on screen and an ability to humanise his characters.
'He adds little gestures that are so charming to a girl, you'll definitely fall in love with his character.'
-[email protected]
Hero opens in theatres here tomorrow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHEN THEY NEXT MEET...
Interestingly, the situation gets reversed in their next collaboration, a Hollywood movie entitled 'I Come With The Rain,' which is currently being filmed.
Byung Hun plays the leading role of a triad boss opposite Josh Harnett's retired cop, while Takuya plays the minor role of kidnap victim.
Source: The Electric New Paper
http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/show/story/0,4136,148436,00.html |
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November 23, 3007
Song Hye Gyo to debut in the U.S. through independent film
Song Hye Gyo will be heading to New York instead of Hollywood for her U.S. debut.
Song Hye Gyo will be appearing in the full-length independent film "Fetish" directed by Sohn Soo Beom. "Fetish" is a psychological thriller about a woman with psychic powers to be played by Song Hye Gyo alongside actor Arno Frisch of "Funny Games."
According to Sidus HQ, Song Hye Gyo's agency, the casting was made possible by casting director Susan Shopmaker who met Song Hye Gyo at the Pusan International Film Festival after watching the film "Hwangjiny."
Manager Na Byung Joon of Sidus HQ comments, "While reviewing various Hollywood scripts, we selected this piece as it mystically tells the story of the East. We hope this will become a good first step for Song Hye Gyo to debut in the international movie market."
"Fetish" will be filmed in New York with Song Hye Gyo set to leave for filming on the 21st.
Source: BROASIA.com
http://www.broasia.com/lwboard/l ... amp;pg=1&no=428 |
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November 24, 2007
Jang Dong Gun Meets with Fans in Wenzhou
  
South Korean heartthrob Jang Dong Gun, or Zhang Dongjian in Mandarin (L), met with fans
in east China's coastal city of Wenzhou on November 23, 2007. [Photo: ent.sina.com]
South Korean heartthrob Jang Dong Gun, or Zhang Dongjian in Mandarin, met with fans in east China's coastal city of Wenzhou on Friday.
His presence ignited the frenetic enthusiasm of supporters from Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Japan, portal website sina.com reports.
Jang Dong Gun worked with Chinese director Chen Kaige in 2005 blockbuster "The Promise," in which he plays a loyal slave.
Talking about the six-month filming in China, the actor said "During the period, I've been to many tourist attractions in China, which are really impressive. And I hope to have more chances to cooperate with Chinese directors and actors."
At present he is China, enjoying a break from a film shooting.
Source: CRIENGLISH.com
http://english.cri.cn/3086/2007/11/24/[email protected] |
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Hyun Young to Debut in Japan
2007-11-26
Versatile entertainer Hyun Young is poised to debut in Japan by capitalizing on her shapely body.
Hyun is to release a DVD of her body-shaping techniques in Japan in spring. But prior to that she will hold a news conference at the Hotel New Otani in Tokyo to announce her debut.
A Japanese PR firm that is organizing the news conference said the event will serve as an opportunity to publicize Hyun's unique image that stands apart from other hallyu stars due to her unique voice and beautiful body. The firm added that more than 100 journalists from NHK, TBS and other broadcasters will attend the news conference.
Hyun's agency says Hyun's debut in Japan will focus on her healthy image and body-shaping success, and that Hyun will also hold promotional activities and appear on television in Japan.
c: KBS Global |
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November 24, 2007
"Show Must Go on" Wins Blue Dragon Award
Director Han Jae-rim抯 "The Show Must Go On" has won the domestic award for best picture.
At the 28th Blue Dragon Film Awards Friday, the movie's lead actor Song Kang-ho also won best actor. Jeon Do-yeon won best actress for her performance in "Secret Sunshine. |
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November 25, 2007
Music Award Most Searched Online
By Park Si-soo
Staff Reporter
A local music award topped the nation's No. 1 search engine Naver's most searched word list last week.
2007 Mnet Km Music Festival (MKMF), organized in association with two music-only channels, Mnet and Km, was held at Jamsil Gymnasium in Seoul on Nov. 17 with numerous K-pop stars and celebrities taking part.
Unfortunately, however, the event came under fire because some singers objected to the way selecting prizewinners were selected.
SG Wannabe, a famous boy band not selected, said they create music for music lovers not for the sake of winning an award, venting discontent over the music award's unfairness.
Shin Hye-sung, a member of the renowned boy band Shinhwa, refuted their allegation, saying, "I don't doubt the procedure to select prizewinners. The singers who raised questions over the fairness and boycotted the event must be ones who failed to win an award."
The second edition of "Sponge," an infotainment show aired by Korean Broadcasting System (KBS), was second on the list.
The program, renamed "Sponge in Fear," made its debut on Nov. 10 drawing a 10 percent viewer rating.
Coming in third was actress Lee Hyun-kyung. Reports said that the 35-year-old actress was in love with Choi Jing-young, 36, a sibling of well-known actress Choi Jin-sil.
An official of Choi's management agency said, "The two have been seeing each other for about three months. It is too early to consider whether they will get married."
K-pop singer Ivy's blog ranked fourth. Ivy, who stopped appearing on TV in the wake of disturbing conflict with her ex-boyfriend, posted a short message on her blog on Nov. 15.
She expressed discontent against local journalists. Ivy alleged that they report news concerning herself and her former lover in a biased manner.
Singer Park Jin-young's new song, "Separation at Midday" came fifth on the list. Park, widely known as the manager of the Wonder Girls, one of the most popular girl bands in Korea, is back on the stage with his seventh album. He plans to host a concert on Dec. 31 at Olympic Park in southern Seoul.
The disgraced former professor Shin Jung-ah took eighth on the list. The degree falsifier was about to publish a memoir containing her private life with high-profile figures according to reports. But her lawyer announced last Friday that she had no plan to publish.
Comedian Kim Kyung-min ranked 10th. Kim, who has spent the last decade as an obscure comedian, confessed in tears that he suffered from diabetes and expressed his deep gratitude to his long-time colleague Kim Yong-man, and producers of the program.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/ ... 7/11/117_14349.html |
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November 26, 2007
MC Yoo to Voice Act in 'Bee Movie'
Top comedian and MC Yoo Jae-seok will do voice dubbing for his first time for the animation 'Bee Movie.'
The film's domestic distributor CJ Entertainment says Yoo will play the main role, the honeybee 'Barry,' in the Korean language version of the film.
The Dreamworks production will open in Korea Jan. 3. In the original film, Barry was voiced by Jerry Seinfeld.
CJ says Yoo's casting was reflective of netizen's opinions.
Yoo said, "It's such an honor to play a role played by Seinfeld, recognized as the world's top comedian. I will do my best to live up to his name."
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/mconten ... /1492129_11692.html |
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November 26, 2007
Hong Kyung In returns in SBS drama "Robber" alongside Jang Hyuk
Actor Hong Kyung In who recently returned to the entertainment scene through a musical after his military discharge will return to the television screen for the first time in four years in the upcoming SBS series "Robber."
"Robber" which will air on December 26th following "Lobbyist" draws the story of ‘player' Oh Joon, played by Jang Hyuk and innocent ‘single mom' Jin Dal Lae, played by Lee Da Hae. Hong Kyun In will play Oh Joon's friend Kim Man Doo who helps him wholeheartedly regardless of the situation.
Hong Kyun In's appearance in the series was actually decided based on his friendship with actor Jang Hyuk. The two also appeared together in the movie "Zzang" and drama series "Daemang."
Hong Kyung In commented, "It feels like just yesterday that I was in the military waiting to return to the television screen, and now I am extremely excited and happy to be part of a great piece. I am looking forward to working with my close friend Jang Hyuk as well."
Source: Broasia.com
http://www.broasia.com/lwboard/l ... amp;pg=1&no=429 |
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[color="#2E8B57"][size="4"]Kan Mi-youn Tops Chinese Popularity Poll
2007-11-27
Former girl band Baby Vox member Kan Mi-youn, who is actively working in China these days, has won a local popolarity poll.
With an overwhelming lead, she topped the poll on the most popular female Korean star conducted by a Chinese channel on Korean pop culture.
She is so far in the lead with over 800,000 votes. Other polls will also continue until the year-end, including the male and female Korean stars most beloved by netizens this year, the favorite Korean drama of the year and the best couple.
Kan will release the digital single 'Winter' in Korea on Dec. 5. The title song is a remake of 'White Winter,' a duet sung with 'Noeul' member Na Seong-ho.
c: KBS Global |
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Calendar featuring S. Korean actor becomes sellout in Japan
SEOUL, Nov. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korean actor Gong Yoo has proven to be enjoying an explosion of popularity in Japan, after a 2008 calendar featuring himself sold like hot cakes, his management agency said on Tuesday.
According to the agency SidusHQ, originally 2,000 copies of the "2008 Gong Yoo Calendar" were expected to sell, but three times that amount were ordered by Japanese fans. More copies of the calendar are quickly being reprinted to meet the high demand.
http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/ ... 71127004600315.HTML |
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November 27, 2007
Ambassador for UNICEF: Korean actor Won Bin is appointed by UNICEF as a special representative at the |
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November 27, 2007
Jang Dong-kun Models Men's Make-Up Line
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Actor Jang Dong-kun
Korea's heartthrob Jang Dong-kun (also known as Jang Dong-gun), 35, will be the new face for Hera Homme, the men's collection of a major cosmetic brand here. He joins popular actress Kim Tae-hee, who currently models for Hera's women's line.
"Not only does Jang have a perfectly chiseled face, but he is also well-known to be a highly diligent and focused professional. He possesses a sexy, masculine appeal that fits our product image," said Hera's brand manager Choi Deok-su in a statement.
Launched in 2005, Herra Homme currently ranks first place in the local cosmetics market for men.
Jang will be featured from December. The photo shoots took place in New Zealand, according to Jang's management agency Star M, because he is currently shooting his latest film "Laundry Warrior' there. He stars opposite Kate Bosworth in the action flick, which went into production earlier this month. It will be Jang's Hollywood debut.
Jang has previously modeled for Korean make-up brand Missha with international pop star BoA. The actor has starred in some of Korea's highest grossing films such as "Taegeukgi: Brothers of War" and "Friend." He is also a hallyu megastar who is much loved for his roles in TV dramas such as "All About Eve."
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/ ... 7/11/139_14498.html |
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Charity Concert Helps Needy Children
2007-11-28
The third charity concert entitled "Love Concert" was held Nov. 27 at the Jamsil Stadium to help underprivileged children.
The purpose of the concert was to enable the sponsoring of poverty-stricken children around the world in a one-on-one manner.
Performers this year included Wonder Girls, SG Wannabe, Big Bang, FT Island and Hwi-sung.
Actresses Han Ko-eun and Yoon Jung-hee personally visited impoverished children in various countries of the world prior to the concert, while actors Daniel Henney, Kim Myung-min and Park Jung-hoon sent messages.
The concert was organized by the Korean committee of Plan International, which is dedicated to helping children and alleviating poverty.
The concert will air on KBS TV1 on Dec. 1 at 5 p.m.
c: KBS Global |
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November 28, 2007
Miss Korea set to become a Mrs.
Actress Lee Seung-yeon
It抯 been 15 years since actress Lee Seung-yeon, 39, made her debut as Miss Korea, but this year may be her happiest.
At the end of this month, she is tying the knot with Kim Mun-cheol, a Korean businessman living in America. Kim is two years younger than Lee.
At a press conference last Thursday, Lee said she is 揺mbarrassed, mortified and tense, but at the same time very happy |
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S. Korean actress Jeon Ji-hyun
Nov. 28, PAJU, South Korea -- Popular South Korean actress Jeon Ji-hyun speaks at a press conference about the new film, "A Man Once A Superman," in which she stars with actor Hwang Jeong-min, at a studio in the city of Paju on Nov. 28. (Yonhap) (END)
http://app.yonhapnews.co.kr/YNA/ ... ticlePhotoMain.aspx |
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Fresh Japanese Wave Threatens Korean Pop Culture
What the film 揝ecret of The Beauty, |
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Author
Post time 26-11-2007 02:32 PM
