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June 13, 2012
Kim Soo Hyun "Easy to focus on kissing the actress"
Korea JoongAng Daily
“The Moon that embraces the Sun” star Soohyun Kim talked about his first movie and his kissing scene to actress, Jeon Ji Hyun. The production press conference of the movie, “The Thieves” was held in Chosun Hotel in Seoul On June 12. Kim said, “there are a lot of kissing scenes in the movie.
“I tried so hard to be Jampan, whom I played in the movie. It did help me to focus on the role and the kissing scenes since my partner was Jeon Ji Hyun”,he joked.
He continued saying “I haven’t watched the movie yet so it feels weird to sit here. I was overwhelmed to be around so many big stars and felt lucky to be part of it”.
“The Thieves” is about 10 thieves from Korea and China trying to steal the rare diamond ‘Eye of the Sun’ from a Macao casino.
The movie opens in July 25th. |
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June 13, 2012
Lim Soo-jung says hello to the cyber world
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Lim Soo-jung has launched her official Web site at last on June 12. According to the 32-year-old actress, the online space will be a place where she can converse with her fans directly.
Her official Web site (www.imsoojung.com) was opened with five different segments consisting of “SJ Say” where she will upload pictures and messages directly to her fans; “About” where Lim’s profile can be read; “Gallery” where pictures and videos of Lim can be found; “News” where official announcements will be made; and a “SNS Board” where fans can use their SNS accounts to leave Lim a message.
To celebrate the Web site’s launch, Lim uploaded a picture of herself and a short greeting message after visiting an art gallery in Germany.
Lim starred in last year’s hit movie “All About My Wife.” |
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June 13, 2012
Lee Soo-hyuk opens up about past love
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Actor Lee Soo-hyuk appeared on an episode of SBS’s “Mighty Heart” on June 12 and claimed that dating actress Kim Min-hee really helped his career.
“Regardless of whether you are dating a celebrity or an ordinary person, every relationship experience helps you that much as an actor,” said Lee.
Meanwhile, the host of the show, comedian Shin Dong-yup advised the 24-year old model-turned-actor to keep dating for the sake of his career as an actor.
Lee starred in the drama “Vampire Idol” earlier this year and on the talk show, he confessed that he only took the role due to the convincing of his agency head.
Lee and actress Kim dated back in 2008 when Lee was relatively unknown. The two parted ways back in 2010 after two years together. |
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June 13, 2012
Celebrity couple to 'Save The Children'
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Celebrity couple Tablo and Kang Hye-jeong has taken on a noble cause.
Tablo and Kang who will celebrate their third year together later this year have become honorary ambassadors for the organization Save the Children.
The appointment ceremony took place on June 12 at the organization’s headquarters in Changjeon-dong in Mapo, western Seoul.
“I don’t think that it takes much to start doing something for the kids. It starts with little steps and a little courage which lead to changing the life of a child,” said Tablo who said he was looking forward to becoming involved with the aid organization.
“As a couple, as a father and mother, the two are interested and committed to improving the lives of children living in poverty,” said a spokesperson for the independent charity organization.
The two will take part in various promotions and donate their time toward increasing awareness for the charity and also make visits to children living in poverty in Korea. |
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June 14, 2012
Choi Daniel is on the rise in China
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Actor Choi Daniel plans to hold a fan meeting via live streaming through Chinese SNS Web site Weibo later this month.
The live event will be hosted by Star TV, the network that yesterday began airing in China the sitcom “High Kick Through the Roof” (2009-10), which features Choi.
For the next two months, the program will be shown from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and the network thought it would be nice to treat fans to a live chat with one of the show’s main characters.
Despite the fact that the show is still in its earlier episodes in China, Choi’s popularity in on the rise there as another show, “Ghost,” which also stars Choi and is currently airing in Korea, is increasingly watched by Chinese fans online.
“Through live streaming of ‘Ghost,’ many Chinese youth have become familiar with Choi, and thus, the network decided to host the live chat event,” a source from the Chinese broadcaster said.
The 26-year-old Korean actor made his debut back in 2005 in the KBS drama “Golden Apple.” |
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June 14, 2012
Go Hyun Jung, "Under the world scene was scary"
Korea JoongAng Daily
Actress Hyunjung Go shared her scary moment while shooting the movie ‘Miss Go’.
Go was interviewed on the press conference for her movie ‘Miss Go’ at Wangshipri CGV movie theatre in Seoul. She said “I am scared of water, but I tried to have fun shooting for the movie”
Go continued, “At the last underwater scene, I had to dive 5 meter under and came back up. However, I lost my sense of direction and wasn’t sure if I should go up, down or even side way. If somebody wasn’t with me, it would be a very dangerous situation”.
Movie ‘Miss Go’ is about a Socialphobia girl who accidently gets involved in Korea’s biggest gang’s crime. She meets five different guys and then transforms as the queen of the crime.
The movie opens on June 21th. |
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June 14, 2012
Yoo Hae Jin, "I brushed a lot" before kissing
Korea JoongAng Daily
Actor Haejin You talked about his kissing scene with actress Hyunjung Go at the movie ‘Miss Go’ at the movie “Miss Go” press conference in Seoul’s CGV Wangshipri CGV theater.
You joked, “It was supposed to be very romantic but because of my funny appearance, there is limit. However, director edited it beautifully so it didn’t look as bad”.
He continued, “Actually, I was very worried before shooting the scene. I was afraid it wouldn’t look good especially it was with Go. But she made me feel comfortable at the scene and I remember I brushed a lot beforehand”.
Movie ‘Miss Go’ is about a girl with Sociophobia who accidently gets involved in Korea’s biggest gang’s crime. She meets with five different guys and transformed to be the queen of crime.
The movie opens on June 21th. |
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June 14, 2012
Yeon Jung-hoon has a curfew and a strict wife in Han Ga-in
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Actor Yeon Jung-hoon, the spouse of actress Han Ga-in has divulged information about the couple’s marriage recently on an episode of Channel A’s talk show “Shocking.”
On the show that aired on June 13, Yeon said that his curfew, designated by himself and his wife, was 12 a.m.
“If I’m home later than that, she won’t let me touch her,” said Yeon who claimed that he was a “big physical affection person.”
Yeon said despite the punishment that follows his late nights that he normally would keep trying to touch her, generating much laugh from audience in the studio.
“As a couple, we are very affectionate and it’s kind of cute that she uses that against me,” said Yeon. |
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June 14, 2012
Newbie actress kills herself
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Jung Ayul was a name unknown to most in Korea, save for those fans of morning serial drama “Love Love,” mostly popular with the older demographic.
Regardless, when the actress from the KBS drama killed herself on Tuesday, her name became one of the most searched on Korean web portals due to the ominous Facebook status updates she posted ahead of her demise.
Jung’s last status update was on June 11, a day before she was reportedly found dead, and it read: “Nothing can console me.”
A post from the prior day was also foreboding, as it read: “This morning I woke up and I feel like I’m standing alone in a desert… No one to lean on and the weight of the world is on me. Maybe I’m still not grown-up yet. I miss my mom and dad.”
Her agency announced on June 14 that she was found dead at her place of residence.
Although the police are investigating the death presently, suicide is most likely the cause of Jung’s death. |
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June 14, 2012
Journalist accused of libel strikes back at Lee Mi-sook
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
The journalist being sued by actress Lee Mi-sook for libel says he has evidence to prove his innocence.
The reporter in question appeared on an entertainment news program on SBS on Wednesday night and said he had documents, including a handwritten note from Lee’s former younger boyfriend, of Lee’s extra-marital affair prior to her divorce in 2009.
“Lee Mi-sook should handle the situation better. I stand by what I said earlier... I did not say anything false about her,” said the journalist.
He said he obtained the documents when Lee’s agency and the boyfriend, who is 17 years her junior, were in a dispute over a contract that would prevent the boyfriend from talking to media about the affair.
On June 7, Lee filed a lawsuit accusing the journalist and her former agency of spreading lies about her.
Lee’s former agency has said it paid large sums of money to a male escort Lee was seeing years ago to protect Lee’s public image. Lee is seeking 1 billion won ($856,986) in damages. |
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June 14, 2012
Seoul is Jang Keun-suk's first stop on upcoming second Asia tour
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Hallyu star Jang Keun-suk will kick off his Asian tour, “The Cri Show 2,” in his home country on July 7 at Hwajeong Gymnasium at Korea University, Seoul.
This is the first time that Jang has chosen Seoul as the first concert date on an Asian tour. Tickets released for the show went on sale online at 8 p.m. yesterday.
At the show, Jang is set to sing songs from his newly released Japanese album, “Just Crazy.”
Fans can expect to see performances of the album’s title track, “Crazy Crazy Crazy,” as well as the songs “Abracadabra” and “Stay.”
After his Seoul performance, Jang will perform in Japan at Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka. Then he will move on to Shanghai and Shenzhen in China, Taiwan and Thailand.
Last week the artist, dubbed “Prince of Asia,” showed he had a simple side by writing a cookbook titled “Jang Keun-suk Love Recipe,” which went on sale Sunday in Japan. It contains 20 recipes of Jang’s favorite meals to cook for friends, family and even that special someone. |
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June 14, 2012
'Miss GO' gets lost in shoddy comedy
By Claire Lee The Korea Herald
Ko Hyun-jung’s first commercial film lacks laughs, focus
It all seemed promising in the beginning.
After all, the movie was going to be actress Ko Hyun-jung’s first commercial flick. The popular actress, who has been dominating the local TV drama scene by playing nothing but powerful women, was going to be a social recluse in this highly anticipated comedy. She had heavyweight actors including Yoo Hae-jin and Park Shin-yang as her co-stars.
But “Miss GO,” or “Miss Conspirator,” turned out to be a disappointment when shown to the press on Wednesday. The movie was supposed to be a crime-comedy, but ended up an injudicious mix of too many genres.
The plot of the film develops as Ko’s character, who is a recluse cartoonist, somehow gets involved with one of the biggest organized crime groups in the country, and eventually transforms herself into an extraordinary criminal.
The movie’s lack of a well-knit narrative ruins the essence of the piece: it isn’t funny enough to be called a “crime comedy” while the characters run around and get into trouble they don’t even understand.
Actress Ko Hyun-jung stars in her upcoming comedy “Miss GO.” (NEW)
There is a bit of romance and human drama, but neither is convincing enough to draw in the audience. Ko and her love interest Yoo Hae-jin show almost no chemistry whatsoever, though the duo spent a good amount of time explaining how they both very much enjoyed their kiss scene during Wednesday’s press conference.
The movie is also a waste of the talented actors, especially Ko. The actress, whose previous TV roles include the nation’s first woman president and an ambitious royal concubine, gives her best to deliver the frail and dowdy character who suffers from severe social phobia. The character, named Chun Su-ro, isn’t flat or cliched; her phobia stems from a severe childhood trauma. In spite of the movie’s major shortcomings, it is clear that Ko understands her character’s flaws and woes, as well as her longings.
Director Park Cheol-gwan (Hi Dharma, 2001, No Mercy, 2009) tries to compose a portrait of a struggling individual who eventually overcomes her painful past. But this attempt ― as well as Ko’s riveting performance ― fails to shine as the movie’s comedic element conflicts with and eventually disrupts the serious drama.
Though this is her first foray into commercial cinema, Ko seemed much more convincing in her non-commercial works, including in Hong Sang-soo’s “Women on the Beach” and E J-yong’s 2009 drama “Actresses.”
“Miss GO” opens in theaters on June 21. |
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June 17, 2012
Newbie actress found dead in bathroom
By Kim Eun-ji The Korea Times
New actress Jung A-yul was found dead hanging in the bathroom of her home in Seoul on June 13, police said.
The 24-year-old left no note, and there were no signs of foul play, police said. They added she may have committed suicide due to financial difficulties.
Jung made her first drama debut in the ongoing “Sarangah, Sarangah” but was not paid due to the broadcasting union workers’ strike that delayed her contract.
A person close to her said that the actress also had suffered depression from this financial hardship, police said.
“I woke up this morning and felt like I was by myself in a desert … in my room with nobody to depend on, the world weighs a lot on me and it scares me…,” read Jung’s Facebook on June 10.
“Nothing can comfort me,” Jung wrote again on June 11, a day before hanging herself.
The incident sheds light again on celebrities’ lives that may not be as luxurious as the public generally believe.
About 70 percent of celebrities received less than the minimum wage of 10.2 million won per year, according to research in 2008. Eighty percent of celebrities fell into the “low-wage group.” |
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June 15, 2012
Kangta pushing 'Garden' in China
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Singer Kangta will walk down the red carpet tonight at the 15th annual Shanghai International Film Festival.
The event, one of the biggest film festivals in Asia, will see a host of top stars from around the world come to Shanghai, including Zhang Ziyi and Chow Yun-fat from China and Heather Graham and Aaron Eckhart from Hollywood.
The 32-year-old Korean entertainer will be there to promote his new movie “Secret Garden,” which will begin filming next month.
He will give several interviews about the movie, whose cast has not been made public. The production company has said only that some of the biggest Asian stars have been recruited for the movie adaptation of the hit Korean drama of the same title.
New Zealand companies Two Dragons, which undertook production for “Avatar,” and Weta Digital, which was behind “Lord of the Rings,” will add their expertise to the making of “Secret Garden.”
Last year, Kangta also took part in the Chinese drama “Hot Pepper and Pickled Cabbage.” |
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June 15, 2012
Korean dramas exported across Asia
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
At the 18th Shanghai Television Festival held on Monday, Korean dramas won one award after another and the rights to air them were sold to various Asian broadcasters.
According to MBC, the network managed to sell broadcast rights for the midweek drama “I Do I Do” to Japan and Taiwan, despite the fact that the show hasn’t even ended its run in Korea.
In addition, the MBC weekend drama “Dr. Jin,” also currently airing, was sold to Taiwan and Thailand. “I Can’t Live Without You” and “Feast of the Gods” were sold to Japan and Thailand, respectively.
MBC said that it will make a cool $6 million from the sales.
MBC managed to win three awards. “The Moon that Embraces the Sun” won the Chinese Magnolia award, which is the equivalent of first place, in the TV series category, and “Peak” won the same award in the TV movie category.
“Tears of the Antarctic” won the coveted award for documentaries. |
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June 16, 2012
Jang Seo-hee to Play Femme Fatale in Historical Chinese Drama
Source: ChosunIlbo
Actress Jang Seo-hee is set to play a femme fatale from next month in the Chinese historical drama, "Heroes of Sui and Tang Dynasties."
She has been cast in the role of consort Zhang Lihua in the 60-episode drama that will air from July on China's Hunan TV. Her co-stars include Dicky Cheung and Winston Chao.
"I'm happy as I feel like my 10 years in China is finally paying off," Jang said on Tuesday. "Zhang Lihua is a famous figure in Chinese history. She was an imperial consort of the Chen dynasty. After she lost her power, she approached the emperors of the Sui and Tang dynasties and bewitched them with her beauty, to take revenge on her enemies."
Since 2003, Jang has been pursuing her acting career in both China and Korea. "I faced many challenges in China. Although I got off to a promising start, I dealt with more failure than success along the way. I even took part in some dramas that never made it on TV. However, all the failures taught me what I needed to know to eventually make it."
Why did she decide to build her career in China while in her 30s? "I wanted to venture into a bigger world. Some people said it was a bit late to start a new career in a new place, but I don't think there is a 'right time' when it comes to acting. If things are meant to be, it’s better that they happen later than never at all."
Does she not worry about losing her popularity in Korea? "I don't feel worried about that because I see all the things I'm doing now as an investment in my future as an actress. More than anything, I feel proud of how I’ve made my life as an actress," she said. |
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June 18, 2012
Yoo In-na triumphs in her first starring dramatic role
By Im Ju-ri Korea JoongAng Daily
Yoo In-na has staked out a role as a respected professional
after starring in the tvN drama “Queen In-hyun’s Man.” By Kwon Hyuk-jae
After starring in her first major drama in tvN’s “Queen In-hyun’s Man,” actress Yoo In-na has gotten industry insiders to take her seriously. The plot of the drama centers around obscure actress Choi Hee-jin, played by Yoo, who falls in love with time-traveling noble Kim Boong-do (Ji Hyun-woo) from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) who jumped 300 years to the 21st century.
With an animated and talented cast, and a tensely packed storyline, “Queen In-hyun’s Man” topped the charts and ranked as the No. 1 drama on the cable channel.
As she grows more prominent, the actress has also earned very strong support from younger viewers. But success can take its toll. When this reporter met her early this month in Yeouido, western Seoul, her worn-out appearance could not go unnoticed, and when this was pointed out, Yoo responded, “I’ve become very absorbed in Hee-jin’s character and lost a lot of weight from crying so much.”
Q. As “Queen In-hyun’s Man” nears its end, what are your thoughts?
A. During the film, I didn’t just act as Hee-jin, but I lived as the character. Yesterday [June 3] was our last time shooting, and I cried so much and pestered staff members by asking, ‘How can I go on as boring Yoo In-na?’ ‘Queen In-Hyun’s Man’ was the first drama in which I played a major role. Starring in it was also my way of showing my gratitude to those who have believed in me, and I am very happy that it turned out so well.
Was it difficult to jump from one era to another within the same story line?
When I thought too much about it, I thought my head would explode. So yes, it was indeed very difficult. That was why I decided to only focus on Hee-jin the character and on the emotions she felt toward Boong-do. I did not even read the parts of the script in which Boong-do lived in the Joseon Dynasty because Hee-jin would not have known about those parts either.
And unlike my previous roles in dramas like “High Kick! 2,” “Secret Garden” and “The Greatest Love,” my character had to shed a lot of tears in this most recent drama. Such emotionally involved acting was another great opportunity to reveal a different side of my acting skills and personality.
It must have been tough to cry so much.
In all honesty, I am not very good at crying on cue. I have to be truly sad in order to cry. But that wasn’t a problem in this drama because its plot truly moved me. I was unable to control my tears. Especially in the scene where I had to playfully make Boong-do’s amulet disappear even though the atmosphere was supposed to be light-hearted, it was hard to hide my grief. I realized that it was because I was so worried that Boong-do would not be able to return home, the Joseon Dynasty. One time the shooting even had to be paused because I could not stop crying.
Just as your character grew personally in this drama, you seem to have grown a lot as an actress while filming “Queen In-hyun’s Man.” Did you sympathize a lot with Hee-jin even as you were portraying her on screen?
I started to prepare for my career as a singer when I was 17 years old, and I made my debut in the drama “High Kick! 2” at the age of 27. My debut was very much delayed, and that is why I knew how Hee-jin felt at the beginning of the story. Nevertheless, I am thankful for my long period of obscurity. If I were asked what I would choose between making my debut as a 17-year-old star or performing in “High Kick! 2” at age 27, I would choose the latter without any hesitation. As time went by, I came to dream of being not just a plain entertainer but a real, authentic actress.
How similar is Hee-jin to Yoo In-na?
I think I can relate to Hee-jin’s imprudence and her tendency to be just too cute. As well as having a similar personality, I also feel attached to Hee-jin because we share the same profession. Still, I think Hee-jin is a bit tougher than I am. I remember that when I was young I would yearn for a pill that would make me feel more secure and fiercer. Hee-jin wouldn’t need such a pill to supplement her natural personality.
Professionally, how did you persevere through years of obscurity while trying to make it big?
I lived like a fool who only thought of what she wanted to do and didn’t quit until I got it.
The principal reason why I changed my focus from singing to acting was that acting allows for more flexibility when it comes to age. As a singer, you only appear on stage for a limited number of years. However, as an actor, your roles change as you age. If I did not make my debut in my 20s, I knew I could play an aunt in my 30s or a mother in my 40s. Yoo In-na is simply a physical shell onto which any character can be applied.
You are also popular as a DJ on the KBS program “Let’s Crank Up the Volume.” Could you talk a little about that?
At first, a lot of people were worried about me hosting the radio show, but now, I feel like I have a big family who supports me all the time. But I also feel a responsiblity to make my radio family happy. There were many instances where we had to work with prerecorded broadcasts due to my drama schedule, and I felt so distressed during those times, just like a mother who goes to work without making her child’s breakfast. |
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June 18, 2012
Kong Hyo-jin and Ryu Seung-bum picked as No. 1 celebrity couple
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
On MBC TV’s “Section TV Entertainment News” which aired on June 17, a ranking of the best-suited celebrity couples was revealed.
Taking the No. 1 spot were actors and lovers Kong Hyo-jin and Ryu Seung-bum.
Despite the fact that they were voted the best couple, earlier on a different show, Kong had said that initially she wasn’t attracted to him and that in the early days of courtship the couple fought “all the time.”
Kong made the audience laugh by saying that when her beau was shooting sex scenes, she always went to watch the shoot.
Other entertainer couples to be ranked were singer Se7en and actor Park Han-byul as well as singer Baek Ji-young and actor Jung suk-won.
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June 18, 2012
Kim Hee-sun to appear on 100th episode of ‘Running Man’
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Actress Kim Hee-sun will make a rare appearance on the SBS variety show “Running Man” as the show is set to air its 100th episode. According to an insider, Kim is currently in talks with the network in regards to her appearance.
Earlier this year, Kim made her first variety show appearance since getting married in 2007. She appeared on an episode of the talk show “Taxi” and revealed details about her life after tying the knot.
Kim is currently also filming a new drama called “God,” which is her first drama in over six years.
Kim has taken time off from work since getting married, so the public is eagerly awaiting her comeback. |
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