Love On-Air [ Korean Movie 2012 ]

Genre : Drama, Romance
Starring :Lee Min-Jeong, Lee Jung-jin
Release date : January 5, 2012
Runtime :120 min.
Directed by: Kwon Chil-In

Synopsis:

Gina, the former leader of once popular girl band “Purple,” hosts a radio show called “Wonderful Radio.” When the producer of the program is sacked over low ratings, a new guy comes in to fill his shoes. Jae-ik is a cold, unfriendly man who only drinks iced coffee even in the winter. The easily irritable man and the conceited former diva are bound to get on each other’s nerves at every corner. During another argument with her producer, Gina comes up with an idea for a new feature - inviting a listener to the studio to read out their story and sing a song. The feature turns out to be a surprise success. Over time, Jae-ik and Gina learn more about each other’s past and wounds and gradually they grow closer. Then, Mira entered the picture. She used to be in the same band with Gina and hates her to the core. In an evil effort to take the DJ job from Gina, Mira spreads rumors that Gina plagiarized her songs. Gina hears about the spiteful accusation during the show and bursts out cursing on air. Gina is deeply hurt and Jae-ik is disappointed. In order to mend her broken heart, Gina decides to write songs again.

[source: http://koreanfilm.or.kr ]

Trailer:

 Gallery:

“The King and the Clown” Enters Deauville Asian Film Fesitval

The smash hit Korean film “The King and the Clown” will be shown at the Deauville Asian Film Festival.

International movie magazine Screen said on the 22nd that the Lee Joon-ik directed “The King and the Clown” and the Lee Yoon-ki directed “A Very Special Guest” will be screened at the 9th Deauville Asian Film Fesitval in France.
The festival runs from March 28th-April 1st.

source: kbs world

Technorati tags : The King and the Clown, Korean film ,Asian film

Lee Jun-ki Dons 80s School Uniform for New Movie

Popular actor Lee Jun-ki (25) will don a 1980s high school uniform in the new movie, “Brilliant Holiday.”

He is set to play Kang Jin-woo, a regular student who took part in the Gwangju May18th Democratization Movement in1980.

Production costs for the Kim Ji-hoon-directed “Brilliant Holiday” has already amounted to 10 billion won. The movie, which was shot over 5 months last year, stars Ahn Sung-ki, Kim Sang-gyeong and Lee Yo-won.

Lee Jun-ki expressed his enthusiasm over the movie and his role in it, saying he was excited to work with established actors and help tell an important story.

source: kbs


Technorati tags : korean movie, Lee jun ki ,Brilliant Holiday ,korean actor

Lee Makes Big-Screen Comeback After 3 Years

Actor Lee Jung-jae will return to the big screen by starring in '1724 Kibang Nandongsageon.' The actor recently said he feels alive as an actor whenever he takes on more "energetic" roles.

At a recent press conference, the actor said he felt significant pressure because of his sophisticated urban image. He said he overcame his stress by practicing hard.

On the Andre Kim labeled clothes he wore in the movie, Lee said he had asked the famous designer to design something for him and that he was more than happy with the results. Talking about the film, he said the audience will have the chance to experience a faster-paced, unique-style movie as the film was alternatingly shot with 10mm and 6mm cameras.

The story revolves around the most sought-after gisaeng during the early 18th-century Joseon Dynasty. Lee co-stars with other top actors, including Kim Suk-hoon and Lee Won-jong. The film will open nationwide in May.

source: KBS global

Related Tags: Lee Jung jae/korean actor/Andre Kim/korean movie

Hollywood Filmmaker Shows Interest in Remaking "The Host"

Renowned Hollywood filmmaker Michael Bay is interested in producing a remake of the movie "The Host," according to Hollywood film producer Roy Lee, who bought the copyrights to a future remake.

Lee said the script of the upcoming remake of "The Host" is currently under adaptation and that the major production firm Universal Pictures would produce the remake.

Lee has so far remade a host of Japanese, Hong Kong and Korean movies in Hollywood including "The Ring," "The Grudge" and "The Lake House." Currently, he is preparing the remakes of the Korean movies "My Sassy Girl," "Old Boy" and "The Poisoning" in addition to "The Host."

Lee will present on the popularity of Korean culture overseas at the Seoul Digital Forum on May 31.

source: kbs grobal

Related Tags: The host/ Korean movie/ Korean films/ Michael Bay/ Hollywood

Over 80 Korean films to be shown at American Film Market

SEOUL, Oct. 30 (Yonhap) -- Most South Korean films released this year, including Lee Joon-ik's "Radio Star" and Kim Ki-duk's "Time," will be entered in the American Film Market this week in an effort to find foreign buyers, the market's Web site said Monday.

The American Film Market that opens Wednesday in Los Angeles will screen 85 Korean films among the 589 films it offers over nine days, it said.

The Korean list reflects a wide spectrum of local productions, ranging from the gender-bending monster movie and blockbuster hit "The Host" by Bong Joon-ho, human drama "Radio Star," to the real-life film about a disabled man, "Barefoot, Gibong" by Kwon Soo-kyung.

"Woman on the Beach" and "Time" by Hong Sang-soo and Kim Ki-duk, acclaimed but commercially underrated South Korean directors, will also be shown in L.A.
"Time" and "The Host" have been selected to be screened in the AFI Los Angeles International Film Festival along with "Family Ties" by Kim Tae-yong.

South Korea's movie industry has shown a steady growth since the mid 1990s, with its annual production now surpassing 80 movies. Their overseas sales last year reached US$76 million, up from US$7 million in 2000.

"The fact that most of the Korean movies go to foreign film markets suggests that they now have a mature sales network and also that there's a growing demand abroad for Korean films," Hwang Dong-mee from the public Korean Film Commission said.
The American Film Market is considered one of the largest of its kind in the world along with one at Cannes. South Korea's Pusan International Film Festival inaugurated its own Asian Film Market this year.

credit rubie soompi
hkim@yna.co.kr(MORE)
Source: Yonhap News
http://www.afi.com/onscreen/afifest/2006/fulllineup.aspx#intfeature
http://english.yna.co.kr/Engnews/20061030/670000000020061030114113E2.html

East-Meets-Western Offers Hope for Korean Film Recovery

A poster for the film 'The Good, the Bad,
the Weird.'

Invited to the Out of Competition section of the 61st International Cannes Film Festival, the Korean movie "The Good, the Bad, the Weird" screened at the Grand Theater Lumiere on Saturday (local time), giving the world its first glimpse at the potential of a bold new genre -- the Korean Western.

Warmly received, a reporter from U.S. film industry magazine Variety wondered why a U.S. distributor had yet to be decided for the movie, while Hollywood actor and director Mel Gibson's Icon Entertainment International snapped up the U.K. distribution rights.

"While In Competition puts an emphasis on the spirit of the times, Out of Competition can be considered the 'flower' of the festival in terms of popular films," the film's director Kim Jee-woon said at a press conference at the Palais de Festival earlier Saturday. "I think the invitation of my movie proves that Cannes recognizes the new experiments being made in Korean commercial cinema."

The Korean movie was in good company in the Out of Competition section, screening alongside Steven Spielberg's "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull", DreamWorks Animation's "Kung Fu Panda", and Woody Allen's "Vicky Cristina Barcelona", suggesting that Korean adventure and comedy movies may have finally overcome the crisis of confidence they have suffered.

From left, director Kim Jee-woon and actors Jung Woo-sung,
Lee Byung-hun and Song Kang-ho pose as they arrive
for the screening of their film 'The Good, the Bad, the Weird'
at the 61st International Cannes Film Festival
on Saturday in Cannes. /AFP

Reminiscent of Sergio Leone's 1966 classic "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly," "The Good, the Bad, the Weird" follows three men hounding each other across the Manchurian desert in the 1930s in pursuit of a treasure map. It has drawn attention since production started as it stars three of Korea's top actors -- Song Kang-ho (the Weird), Lee Byung-hun (the Bad), and Jung Woo-sung (the Good).

"The movie reflects Koreans' desires to advance into the Chinese continent beyond the narrow Korean Peninsula," Kim said, brought to life in the wild chase scene on the open Manchurian plain.

The W20 billion (US$1=W1,048) movie is expected to rescue Korea's film industry, currently suffering a dismal slump. The screening at Cannes gave grounds to those expectations, serving as a first step to a recovery of confidence.

Credit:englishnews@chosun.com

source : Chosun
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/...0805260009.html

Tags: korean movie/Lee Byung hun/Jung Woo sung/Song Gang ho

Korean film "The Naked Kitchen" invited to Berlin film fest

Korean film "The Naked Kitchen" has been invited to the 60th Berlin International Film Festival, according the movie's producer Soo Film on Wednesday.

"Kitchen" will be shown in the Culinary Cinema section -- a non-competitive category which recognizes films revolving around the themes of food and love, nature and the environment -- at the fest on February 18, Soo explained in a press release.

The film, helmed by director Hong Ji-young, portrays the love triangle which occurs in a restaurant kitchen between characters played by actors Shin Min-ah, Joo Ji-hoon and Kim Tae-woo.

Hong had written the film adaptation of "Antique," a novel by Japanese cartoonist Fumi Yoshinaga, which had also shown at the same category in Berlin last year.

The festival, which started in 1950, is considered one of the most prestigious film events in Europe, alongside Cannes, Venice and Rotterdam. The fest will be held from February 11 to 21 this year.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Ha Ji-Won, Do I Look Like a Pianist? ‘Babo’ Film Preview

Wire-to-Wire Films, together with director Kim Jeong-Gwon and cast, held a press conference at Gangnam’s Imperial Palace Hotel to promote their latest release on January 28.

At one point during the press conference, actress Ha Ji-Won revealed, “I am actually a beginner when it comes to playing the piano. I had to take intensive training from composer/pianist Noh Yeong-Shim for the film.”

The movie ‘Babo’ is Director Kim Jeong-Gwon’s 2nd film after ‘Ditto’. The movie is a melodrama portraying a heartwarming love story of a man who has a less-than-average intelligence (played by Cha Tae-hyun). ‘Babo’ is to open in theaters nationwide on February 28.

source: tour2korea

Related Tags: Ha Ji won/korean actress/korean movie/Cha Tae hyun

Architecture 101 [ Korean Movie 2012 ]

Genre : Melodrama, Romance
Starring : Uhm Tae-woong, Han Ga-in, Lee Je-hoon, Bae Suzy
Release date : March 22, 2012
Runtime :118 min.
Directed by: Lee Yong-ju

 Synopsis:

In his college days, aspiring architect Seung-min (Uhm Tae-woong) fell deeply in love with classmate Seo-yeon (Han Ga-in). However, fate denied them the opportunity to stay together forever. Now a successful architect, Seung-min has not spoken to Seo-yeon since that time. However, one day she suddenly reappears in his life, asking him to design a replica of her childhood home. Moving back and forth from past to present, the affections and heartaches between Seung-min and Seo-yeon slowly unfold, and it appears that fate may give their love a second chance.
[source: http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr ]

Trailer:

 Gallery:

Spellbound [ Korean Movie 2011 ]

Genre : Romantic Comedy
Starring : Son Ye-jin, Lee Min-ki
Release date : December 1, 2011
Runtime :114 min.
Directed by: Hwang In-ho

 Synopsis:

Jo-gu, a street magician, meets a miserable girl, Yu-ri, during one of his performances, and she winds up the inspiration for his “Horror magic show.” The show becomes wildly popular and Jo-gu is now a successful magician with a model girlfriend. Yu-ri begins working as an extra on the show but the darkness inside her, something her teammates sense, keeps her from truly connecting with anyone else. Jo-gu’s attempt to include her during dinner turns into a disaster when she gets blindingly drunk. Jo-gu calls Yu-ri the next morning, but when the phone disconnects with a weird noise, he starts to worry. When Jo-gu finds her, she confesses the long story behind her gray, wan face. Since surviving a high school car accident Yu-ri has seen the ghosts of dead schoolmates and her one-time best friend Joo-hee. Joo-hee is a ghost, following her everywhere and scaring the people around her, leaving her totally isolated. Even Yu-ri’s family eventually fled, leaving her behind to live alone in a tent, speaking only to a friend on the phone sometimes. During the course of Jo-gu’s failed attempts to find the lonely Yu-ri a boyfriend she resigns herself to the idea of her solitary life is best in the grand scheme of things. And though Jo-gu is sometimes scared witless himself, the pair starts to develop feeling for each other. Now consumed with jealousy, Joo-hee becomes a threat during the show and prompts Yu-ri to head off to join her family to save Jo-gu. Is getting away going to be that easy, or does Joo-hee have more tricks up her sleeve?
[source: CJ Entertainment]

Trailer:

 Gallery:

Jang Nara Sheds 7 kg for Movie

Jang Nara, the Korean wave (hallyu) singer and actress, lost nearly 7 kilograms to shoot for "The Sky and the Sea,'' which will be premiered in late October.

Ju Ho-sung, Jang's father and also an actor, said in a recent press interview that his daughter suffered from the drastic drop in weight (from 45 kg to 38 kg), which led to some health-related problems.

While in China, in particular, Jang was taken to a hospital after collapsing due to anemia at an airport.

Yet the 28-year-old reportedly wants to keep her current weight after being praised for looking prettier.

In the movie, the first for Jang since starring in "Oh! Happy Day!'' in 2003, she plays the role of an autistic child whose musician parents die in a traffic accident. Jang lost weight to fit the role of a pale and slender girl.

Jang started her career as a child actress, and is now highly active in China, having stints in singing and acting.

source: koreatimes.co.kr

Tags: korean actress/Jang Nara/korean movie

Jeon Ji-hyun Takes a Big-Screen Gamble

Many Korean star actresses of the small screen have dismally flopped in movies although they achieve brilliant success and earn astronomical amounts of money in TV commercials. Now Jeon Ji-hyun is taking the gamble, returning to the silver screen with “A Man Once a Superman” directed by Chung Yun-chul.

She follows in the perilous footsteps of Kim Tae-hee , who recently appeared opposite Seol Kyung-goo in “Fight.” It attracted a mere 300,000 viewers amid controversy over Kim’s poor acting skills, which have been in question since her debut.

Ko So-young, whose beauty defies age, was also unlucky in films. Her movies “A.P.T” and “Go Go Sister” were both failures. And Moon Geun-young, once considered the queen of the small screen and the nation’s little sister, fell flat on her face with “Love Me Not.” After a long rest, she announced her return to TV soap opera.

From left Jeon Ji-hyun, Kim Tae-hee, Ko So-young and Song Hye-kyo.

Song Hye-kyo, meanwhile, did not meet the expectations of fans in the movie “Hwangjiny”, although her performance was slightly better than those of some fellow actresses and it drew 1 million moviegoers. But that was not enough for the producer to make profit from the production, which cost W10 billion (US$1=W937).

Jeon Ji-hyun is well aware of what she is up against. In fact, she has been there before, with the failure of “Daisy” two years ago. So the new movie is clearly a critical juncture in her career: that is why she chose to work with director Chung Yun-chul and actor Hwang Jung-min, both renowned for their superb achievements.

But the road ahead is not easy. “A Man Once a Superman” will be released on Jan. 31, coinciding with other potential blockbusters like “Once upon a Time”, “Radio Days” and “The Game.” Will she be able to break the jinx?

source: Chosun Ilbo

Related Tags: Jeon Ji Hyun/korean actress/korean movie/Kim Tae-hee/Song Hye kyo/Moon Geun young

Posters for new romantic comedy "First Love" revealed

Movie poster for upcoming romantic comedy "First Love" [CJ Entertainment]

Movie posters for an upcoming Korean romantic comedy tentatively titled "First Love" were unveiled today.

The first poster reveals Korean actor Gong Yoo holding a name card to help find Lim Soo-jung her first love while the latter shows Lim hugging a giant heart.

Based on a musical which has been performed over 1,200 times on stage since its premiere in 2006, "First Love" is about Seo Ji-woo (Lim) who during her trip to India re-encounters her first love and asks for the help of Han Ki-jun (Gong Yoo) to search for him.

Lim made her debut as a model in 1998 and rose to stardom after starring in the horror film "A Tale of Two Sisters." She later starred in the hit TV series "I'm Sorry, I Love You" and films "Lump of Sugar" and "WOOCHI."

Born Gong Ji-cheol, Gong Yoo made his debut with a role in KBS' TV show "School 4" in 2001. He appeared in several dramas such as "Hello My Teacher" and "The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince" and movies "My Tutor Friend" and "She's On Duty."

The movie is set to open in local theaters in December.

Reporter: Lucia Hong luciahong@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Won Bin Becomes ‘Actor of the Year’ for Two Consecutive Years

Gallup Korea conducted a survey to select the “Actor of the Year,” and Won Bin has been chosen as the best actor for two years in a row. Gallup Korea said on December 22 that they had conducted a survey with 1,728 respondents from both men and women aged 13 or older across the nation from November 18 until December 6 to ask the best movie star of the year, and Won Bin obtained 11.3 percent of the votes. Gallup Korea let the respondents select two actors and counted the total votes.


Won Bin obtained explosive popularity with his appearance in the movie “The Man From Nowhere” last year, and he received the greatest support again even though he did not appear in any movie this year. Actor Park Hae Il, who appeared in the movie “Arrow, The Ultimate Weapon,” has been ranked second by obtaining 9.5 percent of the votes. According to the Gallup’s analysis, the handsome actor Won Bin received great support from teenagers (24.3%) and the twenty-somethings (18.4%), and the actor Park Hae Il with a friendly image obtained great support from the thirty-somethings (17.7%) and the forty-somethings (10.6%). Actor Jang Dong Gun, who was listed second, dropped to third, but he is the only actor who has been included in the top five for four consecutive years. Actress Kim Ha Neul, who played the role of a blind woman in the movie “Blind,” ranked in fourth place by obtaining 8.2 percent of the votes, and the actor Kong Yoo, who presented excellent acting in “Crucible,” ranked in fifth place by obtaining 5.8 percent of the votes.

In addition, Lee Byong Hun (4.8%), Song Kang Ho (4.8%), Ha Ji Won (3.1%), Ahn Sung Ki (3.0%), and Han Seok Kyu (3.0%) were included on the top ten. Actor Han Seok Kyu has not appeared in a movie this year, but he seemed to regain his image as a successful actor by his appearance in the SBS drama “Deep Rooted Tree” that has been obtaining huge popularity. Actors such as Won Bin (2010), Lee Byong Hun (2009), Song Kang Ho (2008), and Jeon Do Yeon (2007) have been named as “Actor of the Year” of Gallup Korea up to now.

source: KBS Global

The Old Garden [ Korean Movie 2006 ]

Genre : Drama, Romance, Melodrama
Starring : Ji Jin-hee, Yeom Jeong-ah
Runtime :112 min.
Directed by : Im Sang-soo

Synopsis:

Hyun-woo steps out of prison after a 17-year sentence for his anti-government activities. During his long imprisonment, everything has changed even his fellow anti-government protesters have become mundane. His mother then tells him of the death of Yoon-hee, who harbored and loved him right before he was caught 17 years ago. To cherish memories with her, Hyun-woo goes back to the place where the two had spent a few months together like a couple of honeymooners. Reading through Yoon-hee’s diaries and letters, Hyun-woo discovers that she was the only one who remained loyal to him to the end. Because of her faith and love, the despair and loneliness that Hyun-woo felt after his imprisonment is slowly healed. He also discovers that Yoon-hee left him another gift behind – their daughter.
[source: http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr]

Gallery:

My sassy girl ost

01. Intro
02. I Believe - Shin Seung Hun
03. Love & Longing
04. Episode 1
05. bi nae ri neun bam - ?
06. Hands Of Time - Ueda Masaki
07. Episode 2 (Bip Bop)
08. ee byul joon bi - Kim Jo Han
09. Big Money - Big Money & X-Teen
10. gyuh ool na geu ne
11. Episode 3 (geu nyuh eh saeng il)
12. ja jang ga (Lullaby)
13. sarang neu ggim - Jo Kyun Chan
14. Another Life (Intro)
15. Another Life - Deen
16. Behind Of You (Instrumental)
17. Episode 4 (Reg Time)
18. Lost Memory
19. gat eun mam eu ro - Various Artists
20. I Believe (With Piano)

Source: Soompi Forums

If you like it go buy the CD too. Support the industry.

Technorati tags : korean movie ost , my sassy girl

Lee Byeong-heon's threatening' bloody muscles' in Hollywood

The still-cuts from the Korean Waves star, Lee Byeong-Heon's first Hollywood debut film, "I Come with the Rain" were finally released.

Recently, the photos were uploaded to an American film site, in which Lee Byeong-Heon showed off his powerfully built body. His bloodied body and the bloodthirsty expression were frightening.

"I Come with the Rain" is directed by Director Tran Anh Hung ("Mui du du xanh" -"L'odeur de la papaye verte" ("The Scent of Green Papaya"), "Le Van Loc" ("Cyclo")) and is a collaborate work between France and America. Lee Byeong-Heon is appearing as a head of Hong Kong mafia.

Other casts include a Hollywood star, Josh Hartnett; a Chinese star, Daniel Woo; and the top Japanese actor, Kimura Takuya. Director Tran Anh Hung's wife, Tran Nu Yen-Khe, is also appearing as Lee Byeong-Heon's wife in the film.

On the other hand, Lee Byeong-Heon is still in Los Angeles to shoot a film "G.I.Joe" which is based on a popular animation.

source: hancinema , Naver

Related Tags: Lee Byung Hun/korean actor/korean star/Daniel Woo/Kimura Takuya/I Come with the Rain

Kim Yoon Jin, returns to Korean movie screen through film 'Seven Days'

Kim Yoon Jin who has risen to international stardom through the U.S. drama 'Lost' will return to the Korean movie scene through the film 'Seven Days.'

Prime Entertainment who will be distributing the film commented on the 28th, "Kim Yoon Jin will be starring in the crime thriller 'Seven Days' as the lawyer Yoo Ji Yeon who must save her daughter within 7 days."

This is her first appearance since 'Diary of June' which opened in 2005.

Director Won Shin Yeon of 'Seven Days' will portray a female lawyer who must prove the innocence of a criminal sentenced to death within a week to save her daughter.

The movie will start filming in late April and is scheduled to be released in the fall.

photo chosun

source: broasia

Technorati tags : Kim Yoon Jin, korean movie ,lost

Lee Min-ki tapped to play lead in new Yoon Je-kyun pic

Korean model/actor Lee Min-ki [Asia Economic Daily]

Korean model and actor Lee Min-ki has been chosen to play the male lead in a new production by blockbuster director Yoon Je-kyun, according to the movie's producer JK Film on Thursday.

"We have finalized our selection and Lee Min-ki will play the lead for the new picture," Yoon, CEO of JK Film, told reporters on Tuesday of his choice for the film tentatively titled "Quick."

"Quick" is an action movie about motorcycle racing and will be helmed by director Jo Beom-goo, whose works include action comedy “Riverbank Legends” and “The Bad Utterances.”

Lee Min-ki made his debut in the entertainment industry in 2005 with his role in the drama “Be Strong, Geum Soon!” followed by appearing in the series "I Really Really Like You" and "Evasive Inquiry Agency."

He also stepped into the big screen with appearing in "A Good Day to Have an Affair" and in the Korean blockbuster "Haeundae," which was the highest grossing Korean film last year.

Reporter : Ko Kyoung-seok kave@
Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Park Young Ha To Star in Remake Drama of Movie ‘Tianmimi’

Hallyu star Park Young Ha has been cast as the male lead in the remake drama of the Hong Kong movie ‘Tianmimi,’ the production company Verdi Media reported in the news on May 27.

According to a person in the production company, the drama “Tianmimi” will be made in collaboration with writer Oh Soo Yeon, who has written dramas such as “Winter Sonata” and “Autumn Story,” together with production director Jo Young Soo, who made the drama “Oh! Pil-seung, Bong Soon-Young.” As soon as the female lead is cast, it will begin filming from the end of July. The target date for airing will be around the end of this year and the broadcasting station has not yet been decided.

The melodrama movie “Tianmimi” was made in 1996 by director Kexin Chen, and actor Liming and actress Maggie Cheung played the main male and female leads. The movie was a great success in Asian countries and it ranked atop the rankings in Korea among movies that people want to watch again.

A person in the production company said, “As the movie ‘Tianmimi’ has already proven itself by its three billion movie fans in Asian countries, we will do our best to produce a good drama with a Hallyu star and production staff members to make another Hallyu drama.”
source: KBS Global

Heartthrob Daniel Henney Confesses Early Sins

With short hair and jeans instead of a suit, Daniel Henney looks relaxed and approachable. The man who in just two dramas -- “My Name is Kim Sam-soon” and “Spring Waltz” -- captured the hearts of millions of Korean women is now promoting his first feature film, “Seducing Mr. Robin,” which is released on Dec.7. The Chosun Ilbo spoke to the 28-year old.

Don’t you think that you are playing on women’s fantasies a little too much? In this movie, your character is a Harvard graduate and CEO of a foreign company.

“It’s a misunderstanding. Having read the screenplay, I thought he was such an ass. Too cold and stubborn. Later in the movie, a little human touch is added to the character, but the part is different than my previous roles, which were more warm-hearted.

” Your fans praise your gentleness and sweetness, best represented in your smile.

“Like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, everybody has two sides: good and bad. I showed my true self through Henry in ‘My Name is Kim Sam-soon’, but I showed only my good side.”

What kind of guy is the rest of you?

“When I played basketball in college, I used to be a greedy player. I only thought about winning. I didn’t go so far as to take steroids, but I went on a protein diet to build up muscle, and got all the way up to 220 pounds (around 110 kg). When I was a high school student, I threw eggs at school buses for no reason. I was the captain of my basketball team, but I ended up getting a seven-game suspension. It was a time when I was full of dissatisfaction and greed.”

read more

Ku Hye-sun's first feature pic "Magic" invited to JIMFF

Official poster for Ku Hye-sun's film "Magic"

Korean actress Ku Hye-sun will be presenting her first feature film "Magic" at the 6th Jecheon International Music & Film Festival (JIMFF) next month, according to her agency YG Entertainment (YG) on Monday.

YG announced in a press release that actress-turned-director has been invited to show her film at JIMFF, to be held in the city of Jecheon in North Chungcheong Province from August 12 to 17.

JIMFF -- a music and film festival held under the concept 'harmony among movies, music and nature' -- introduces various music films from Korea as well as overseas. "Magic" will be presented in a section called 'Today In Korea's Music Films.'

Set in an art school, "Magic" is a story about the passion and competition among young musicians and features various music genres including classical music, folk songs and Korean pop music. Two notable tunes in the film are reinterpretations of traditional folk melody "Arirang" and "You In My Arms" by the late Korean singer Yoo Jae-ha.

"Magic" was previously shown at the Jeonju International Film Festival earlier this year prior to its theater release on June 24.

In June, the actress was also awarded the "Spotlight Award" at the 12th Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia for her 2008 short feature "The Madonna."

The pic had been shown at several film events last year including the Asiana International Short Film Festival, the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival and the Pusan Asian Short Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award.

Ku, 25, had originally planned to debut as a singer with South Korea's major talent agency YG Entertainment but she started acting in several TV dramas and made a breakthrough with a role in 2006 KBS TV series "Pure in Heart".

She then became a household name throughout Asia after starring in the mega-hit TV series "Boys Over Flowers" (KBS, 2009) as the character Geum Jan-di. Ku is also a talented singer and songwriter, artist, novelist and scriptwriter.

She will be returning to the small screen through upcoming TV series "The Musical," in which she plays a medical student who dreams of becoming a musical actress.

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Song Hye-kyo ponders new film by Lee Jung-hyang

Korean actress Song Hye-kyo may be returning to the big screen through a new film by director Lee Jung-hyang, best-known for 2002 hit pic "The Way Home."

"She is considering appearing in director Lee Jung-hyang's new film but it has not been finalized," an official at Song's agency Eden 9 Entertainment told Asia Economic Daily over the phone on Tuesday. "It is hard to decide on her next project since we have not been notified of when the movie she is currently filming in China will end."

Lee Jung-hyang's upcoming movie, which remains untitled, is a story about the conflicts and growth a television producer experiences after losing her fiance in a hit-and-run accident.

It is Lee's first film since "Home," which turned then-child actor Yoo Seung-ho into a household name, became a local box office hit eight years ago.

Song, 28, shot to fame throughout Asia after starring in several hit TV dramas including "Autumn In My Heart" (KBS, 2000), "All In" (SBS, 2003) and "Full House" (KBS, 2004) alongside Asian pop sensation Rain. She was last seen in the drama "The World That They Live In" (KBS, 2008) and made headlines for dating her co-star Hyun Bin.

She has also done some work on the big screen including "Hwang Jin-i" (2007), "Poetry" (2008) and Asian omnibus pic "Carmelia" (2010), directed by Jang Joon-hwan and co-starring Gang Dong-won.

The actress is currently shooting Wong Kar-wai pic "The Grand Master" in China.

Reporter : Ko Kyoung-seok kave@
Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Song Hye-kyo Gets a Visit from her friend, Rain

On Nov. 10, Rain, a close friend of Song Hye-kyo’s visited her at Korean Folk Village, bringing her some midnight snacks, which showed a sign of their close friendship.

Rain arrived late in the evening while the staff and actors of “Hwang Gini’, Song Hye-kyo’s new movie, were having dinner and gave Song some yummy snacks.

The women staff looked on a bit enviously as Song thanked Rain for his visit and saw him out to the parking lot.

Both born the same year, Rain and Song Hye-kyo, have developed a good friendship from a previous drama ‘Full House’ in which they both acted together as lovers. This drama had been popular not only domestically but also in other Asian countries.

Rain is now busily promoting his new album and new movie “I'm a Cyborg, But That's Okay”. However, it is been said that he stops by to see Song who has been preparing the transition of her acting style through this new upcoming movie.

The drama version of ‘Hang Gini’ starring Ha Ji-won is now being aired on KBS and gaining much popularity from television viewers, so many people wonder if a movie version will be as exciting as its drama. Song Hye-kyo has been filming this movie in Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do for 4 months without announcing the film locations and its scenes to the media, which brings more anticipation to her fans as well as the media.
source:www.tour2korea.com

S. Korea sweeps Asia-Pacific film fest Festival

2006/11/26The China Post & agencies
South Korea swept the most awards at the 51st Asia-Pacific Film Festival held in Taipei late Friday, winning six awards -- best actor, best actress, best supporting actor, best sound effects, best short film and best editing, while the Iranian film "The Unwanted Woman" won three top honors -- best feature film, best director and best screenplay.

In results announced Friday night, Iranian director Tahmineh Milani clinched top honors with a complicated story about a wife who helps a murderer escape while escorting a young widow on a journey home.
The awards have further established Milani as one of the most influential directors in Asia, despite the Iranian government's suppression of her films at home.

South Korean actress Son Ye-Jin won the best actress award for her performance in "April Snow," about a man and a woman who have an affair after their spouses get into a traffic accident.
Lee Jae-eung of Seoul was honored as the best actor for his portrayal in "Bravo, My Life," which portrays the growing pains of a youngster.
Best supporting actor went to Byun Hee-bong for "The Host," a thriller about a family's fight against a mutant monster.

Host Taipei garnered two awards, with Lu Yi jing winning best supporting actress for her outstanding performance in the feature film "Blue Cha Cha," and the 10 minute "A Fish With A Smile" capturing the best animation award.
The lifetime achievement award went to Run Run Shaw, who founded the famous Shaw Brothers movie company in 1958 with his siblings.

The studio churned out more than 900 Chinese films over the next 30 years.
A total of 53 films from 12 member cities took part in this year's competition.
The other winners at the 51st Asia-Pacific Film Awards are as follows:
-- Best Documentary: Lasting With Time (Hanoi)
-- Best Animation: A Fish With A Smile (Taipei).
-- Best Short Film: Atomic Punch, My Darling (Seoul).
-- Best Editing: The Host (Seoul).
-- Best Art Director: Perhaps Love (Hong Kong)
-- Best Soundtrack: Perhaps Love (Hong Kong)
-- Best Sound Effects: The Host (Seoul)
-- Best Photography: The Banquet (Hong Kong)
-- The Panel of Judges Award: Living in Fear (Hanoi)
--Special Awards: Story of Poa (Hanoi); GIE (Jakarta); and Bilut (Kuala Lumpur)

The award presentation was held at Taipei County's Multi-function Gymnasium, with the participation of senior Taiwan officials, including Government Information Office Cheng Wen-tsang and noted film professionals in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Asia-Pacific Film Festival was launched in Tokyo, Japan, in 1954 to promote cultural exchange in the region. Since then, it has been held every year by one of the festival's 21 member countries.
The Asia-Pacific Film Festival has stolen the limelight from Taiwan's Golden Horse Film Festival, the award ceremony for which was held Saturday evening in Taipei.

The Golden Horse Film Festival is the world's largest film festival for films made by Chinese directors and offers a rare opportunity for directors and movie stars from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and elsewhere to show up on the same stage.

South Korea's Tae-yong wins Greek film award

SALONIKA: Korean writer-director Kim Tae-yong won the award for the best feature film at the 47th Salonika International Film Festival on Sunday. Tae-yong, 37, won the 37,000 euro (47,450 dollar) Golden Alexander award for his film "Gajokeui Tansaeng" ("Family Ties"), which followed his 1999 debut "Yeogo Goedam II" ("Memento Mori").

The korean film, which also shared the award for the best scenario and has yet to be shown in European cinemas, describes the chaotic relationships of a family which has been reunited.The second prize, the Silver Alexander and its 22,000 euro (28,200 dollar) cheque went to went to Iranian Mona Zandi Haghighi for her film "Friday Afternoon" ("Asr-E Jomeh") which recounts the tale of two sisters who were reunited after a long separation. Brazilian Karim Ainouz shared the prize for the best scenario with Tae-yong for his film "O Ceu de Suely" ("Suely in the Sky"). American producer Christine Vachon presided over the jury. The official selection included 14 full-length features by young directors on their first or second films.
Source: http://www.thenews.com.pk/update_detail.asp?id=13585

'Man'hardboiled but touching

Won Bin, right, and Kim Sae-ron star in a scene from "The Man From Nowhere.’’ The action drama by Lee Jeong-beom opens in theaters on Aug. 4.

It’s bloody and brutal, and harrowingly so ― as it pins down a soft spot in the hearts of viewers.

While featuring some of the most memorable child acting, this hardboiled action flick really must be kept far away from the young ones. "The Man From Nowhere’’ is quite predictable in many ways, but the manipulative jabbing effect is sorely felt because all the cruelty leaves you as vulnerable as the victimized children in the film. Breathless and flabbergasted, you’re bound to find solace in the tender melodrama, like a parched sojourner at an oasis in the middle of the desert.

Director Lee Jeong-beom has nevertheless crafted a convincing story that stands on its own two feet. Its strength lies in the fine details such as the carefully chosen supporting cast, witty dialogue and zesty comic relief, as well as character development and flashes of impressive cinematography.

Leading man Won Bin, moreover, makes it loud and clear that the project marks the full-fledged flight of his "second life as an actor,’’ which he once said about his international breakthrough role in Bong Joon-ho’s "Mother.’’

In his previous film Won showed that the brightest lights cast the darkest shadows, how the most transparent figures can harbor the most surprising secrets. Here he crosses over to the dark side once and for all, and trades in "Mother’s’’ oafish demeanor for sharp wits and really, really quick feet.

Dubbed "the pawn shop ghost,’’ Tae-sik, haunted by some painful past in his former work as a secret agent, lives in reclusion. He doesn’t say much while running an obscure pawn shop, and doesn’t even care to cut his hair.

So-mi, a neglected 10-year-old who lives next door, however, brightens up his stark existence like a ray of light. "People say you’re a child molester,’’ she says, but knows better about her one and only friend, and always invites herself over for a decent meal or to find refuge when her single mom decides to have a dose of drugs. In turn she does small chores like uploading songs onto Tae-sik’s mp3 player.

Korean cinema in recent years has seen pairings of unlikely duos, and Kim Sae-ron, the little girl with big talent of the Franco-Korean collaboration "A Brand New Life,’’ brings a breath of fresh air to the screen. Though children and animal co-stars are a faux pas for adult actors, since their cuteness steals the lime light, Won has no worries since most of the screen time is devoted to Tae-sik running to So-mi’s rescue.

So-mi is kidnapped by a crime ring when her club dancer mother becomes involved in a case, and Tae-sik, who seems to have discovered a pulse in his deadened heart, cuts his hair so he can run around to save his little friend. The viewer is given several tasks ― to wonder what this deep dark secret of his is all about while worrying about So-mi, who, for the black market organ sellers, is more valuable as a corpse.

When considering the illegal organ trade, films like "Dirty Pretty Things’’ come to mind. The skin-crawling realities of the illicit business was rendered palpable by setting it against a heartrending romance, and "The Man From Nowhere’’ plays at something similar, though with a touch of "Leon’’ with a narrative centered on the bond between a little girl and this "ajeossi,’’ or uncle figure.

Like other characters in the film, the audience may initially wonder why Tae-sik, who isn’t even So-mi’s dad, is willing to risk his life for her. Yet as his secrets unravel the film tugs at the heart for the right reasons, as it touches upon basic human needs, like the yearning for a reason to live, or die, and "jeong,’’ the feeling of fellowship that unites people together beyond blood ties.

Also intriguing is the subplot involving the detective handling the case and a powerful member of the crime ring (performed charismatically by Thai star Thanayong Wongtraku).

credit: Lee Hyo-won(Staff reporter)
source: koreatimes.co.kr

The man from Nowhere's trailer