Korean Drama

[bag.lover]

^ Some reports mentioned that this Fall's Wednesday/Thursday primetime dramas will be KBS's North-South joint production "Sayuksin", Bae Yong Joon's MBC drama "The Legend" (Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi), and Song Il Guk's SBS drama "Lobbyist". On the 11th, MBC said that the schedule for TWSSG is not finalized yet.

North-South TV drama "Sayuksin" to be broadcast in August
http://forum.purseblog.com/3295271-post294.html

[bag.lover]

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(source: JoongAng Daily)
[Talk of the town]Chatting star does too much talking

July 18, 2007


Saori Jang

Producers of KBS 2-TV’s program “Chatting Beauties” are in dispute with Saori Jang, their Japanese star. The producers claim Sao-ri has violated her contract by neglecting her duties since signing with an entertainment agency.

The show’s producers claim Saori gained popularity after her introduction on the show and this allowed her to make other appearances.

“We informed [Beauties producer] Lee Ki-won of our management contract with Saori, yet he complains that Saori performs in other programs without prior notification,” said a representative from Saori’s agency.

“Her ‘Beauties’ performance fee of 300,000 won could be too low at this point. That’s why performers like Saori are easily seduced by invitations from other programs or entertainment agencies,” said one television industry professional.

Saori’s “Beauties” contract stipulates she must perform between March 1 and Sept. 30. She has been paid for appearances through May 3. If she has violated her contract, she must pay a penalty of three times her performance fee to the show’s producers.

By Nam Seung-ji
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[bag.lover]

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(source: JoongAng Daily)
[TV Review]Speaking Korean like Indiana Jones spells doom

July 18, 2007


“The Magnificent Family,” a Japanese TV drama that debuted in Korea in both dubbed and subtitled versions. [XTM]

Once upon a time, I was naive enough to believe that Harrison Ford was speaking Korean when I saw him playing Indiana Jones on my television. With no knowledge of dubbing technology, I used to watch the film religiously, wondering how the blue-eyed actor could speak the language so fluently. Like any callow child, this was back when I still believed in Santa Claus and wondered how he and Rudolf could find the way to my house when we did not have a chimney. Shortly after setting an ambush for Santa Claus, I discovered that it was actually my parents who put presents under the Christmas tree. Around the same time, I learned the secret behind Ford’s amazing Korean ability.

Now, a couple of decades later, I am worldly enough to give in to the temptation of pirated films.

For films that are mildly interesting, but not enchanting enough to justify the price of a theater ticket, the 2,000 won ($2.20) charged for a pirated DVD is a quite attractive, at least to a material girl like me. However the problem with some pirate DVD purchases is that their subtitles are just a jumble. I am aware that most subtitles on pirated DVDs are done by amateurs. I learned this when I watched a downloaded Japanese TV drama that had lines like “This is my boyfriend’s birthday. Please congratulate!” appearing out of nowhere.

Still, this pirated DVD, “The Night at the Museum,” was particularly memorable. More often than not, the subtitles disappeared from screen to be replaced by lines in parenthesis that said, “I don’t know what they are saying. You figure it out yourself. Sorry!”

Well, that was definitely not what Ben Stiller was saying, and I ended up having to translate the lines for a group of my friends. My desire for an affordable movie night was lost in translation.

With these mixed memories about dubbing and subtitles, I found it notable that XTM, a cable TV network, plans to air the Japanese TV drama “Kareinaru Ichizoku (The Magnificent Family” in both dubbed and subtitled versions. The dubbed version began last week on Thursdays at 11 p.m., and the subtitled version airs on 10 a.m. on Sundays.

Kwak Dae-yun, an XTM publicist who was one of the main figures behind the decision, said that the approach was “the first of its kind on Korean TV.” It’s a first for a cable channel to air a dubbed version of a Japanese TV series, and it’s also the first to air both dubbed and subtitled versions in the same week. Kwak was proud of all these firsts, but the reason behind the decision is less memorable: “It’s like a last resort to boost the ratings for Japanese TV dramas, which have been getting the cold shoulder in Korea,” Kwak said.

Aside from the subtitle/dubbing issue, the broadcast of “The Magnificent Family” deserves some attention, in that it is one of the latest TV dramas from Japan. So far, Korean cable channels, which are free from the government’s ban on broadcasting in Japanese, have aired quite a few series from Japan, only to be disappointed by the startlingly low audience rating. XTM’s response has been to invest the time and budget to import “The Magnificent Family,” which has been top of the audience ratings in Japan this year.

Another factor that makes Kwak hopeful is that it stars Takuya Kimura, who is one of the top singers and actors in Japan, with a large fan base in Korea. Based on the novel by Toyoko Yamazaki, who is also the author of the hit drama “The White Tower,” the show explores the love-hate relationship between the father and son of a well-off family in postwar Japan.

Kwak said, “By airing the dubbed version, I expect to get more viewers, including the older generation, who have an antipathy against the Japanese language [from the Japanese colonial rule over Korea].”

He added that the dubbed version scored a high rating in its first week. I don’t want to disappoint Kwak, but it felt more awkward to see Kimura speaking in Korean in the dubbed version, now that I’m now old enough to know that there is no Santa Claus, Harrison Ford cannot speak Korean and neither can Takuya Kimura.

By Chun Su jin
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[bag.lover]

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(source: The Korea Times 07-17-2007)
Korea Losing Attractiveness in Tourism


The following is the second of three articles on the troubled Korean tourism industry. _ ED

By Kim Rahn
Staff Reporter

A survey showed that 44.4 percent of foreigners visited Korea for travel and 42.7 percent came for business in 2003.

The ratio, however, was reversed in 2005. About 42.3 percent of visitors were tourists and 43.7 percent were businesspeople, the survey conducted by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) said.

The change shows that Korea is losing its tourist "appeal," indicating the need to develop new attractions, both tangible and intangible.

Tangible Attractions

Korea has no Rocky Mountains, Niagara Falls nor Palace of Versailles. Tourist attractions such as Insa-dong, Myeong-dong and Namdaemun market have remained the same for decades _ insufficient to bring repeat visitors.

Building resorts like in Guam or the Philippines are not a viable solution due to Korea's weather that includes a chilly winter, experts say.

"The attractiveness of Korean tourism seems to have been weakened compared to neighboring countries _ China is preparing for the Olympic Games, Hong Kong set up Disneyland and Macau is raking in casino money. Asian nations that used to be strict on the entertainment business are becoming more open. Even Singapore will open casinos in 2009," Cho Minho, a tourism professor of Hanyang University said.

He welcomes the plan to invite large-scale entertainment facilities such as Disneyland and Universal Studios.

"Setting up such theme parks is an investment and we need to invite both domestic and foreign investment. But Korea's condition for investment is not good due to numerous restrictions and regulations," Cho said.

"The government tries to control everything and its late response to investors sometimes spoils the projects. The government needs to create an environment conducive to investment, not trying to tell businesses what to do. The Macau authorities made a bold move to remove regulations to attract tourism investment," he said.

Intangible Attractions

There have been signs that "hallyu," or the Korean Wave, is waning.

According to the Korean Broadcasting Institute, exports of soap operas topped $102 million in 2005. But they decreased by 15.5 percent to $85.8 million in 2006, with no monumental pieces such as "Winter Sonata" and "Jewel in the Palace" being produced.

It is the first time for the figure to drop since 1998 when data collection started _ the annual average growth rate of exports was 89.7 percent between 2002 and 2005.

A cultural phenomenon is categorized as a fad, fashion or trend according to the period it lasts, Cho said. "Hallyu seems to have been a fad, which lasts one to two years. Korea failed to foster hallyu as a mega trend," he said.

Another problem is that the country does not have unique and new images that represent contemporary Korea.

A recent survey conducted on 1,115 foreign travelers by Seoul City showed that kimchi, a half-century-old item, is the most representative image of Korea in tourism, with more than 20 percent selecting it.

Noting this, the KTO developed the tourism brand "Korea, Sparkling" in April, which will be used for tourism purposes like India's "Incredible India" and Japan's "Yokoso Japan."

Former KTO President Kim Jong-min said that image is an important factor in boosting tourism competitiveness and that a tourism brand should be able to generate an emotional response.

Niche Market

Surveys show 90 percent of foreign tourists visit Seoul, indicating travel to Korea is travel to Seoul. "We should make use of Seoul's resources. We can provide more shopping opportunities to inbound tourists through a tax refund system," Cho said.

Seoul City is also coming up with various urban development projects with the aim of attracting 12 million foreigners by 2010. For example, under the Han River Renaissance project, improvement of accessibility and strengthening of tourism infrastructure will help make the area a major tourist attraction.

Cho also said Korea's medical science, which is famous for technical excellence and low prices, could become another tourist attraction.

Last month, 80 Chinese doctors visited Korea to learn plastic surgery skills as many Chinese women come to Korea for double eyelid and nose surgery.

According to KTO's survey in May, 19.9 percent of 207 Korean-Americans in Los Angeles said they visited their motherland for medical treatment, and 46.3 percent said they did so because of low medical fees. They said Korea has competitiveness in implant surgery, plastic surgery and Oriental medicine.

Based on the survey, KTO plans to develop "medical tourism" programs.

Tourist programs that connect Korea with neighboring nations are being promoted to increase the size of the Asian travel market.

Ahead of the Beijing Olympic Games next year, it is expected that travel agencies will develop packages that combine China and Korea, so the nation should take advantage of increasing the number of visitors to Korea, Cho said.

"But it doesn't need to always be Korea-China-Japan. It can be expanded to other Asian nations, like Korea-Vietnam-Thailand. It could be better to form alliances with countries which are not Korea's competitors," Cho said.

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[bag.lover]

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(source: The Korea Times 07-17-2007)
Bae Yong-jun Reveals Character as God’s Son


This picture of Bae Yong-joon, left, and his co-star is taken from a book introducing the TV drama Taewansasingi. / Courtesy of Kodansha

By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter

Photos of actor Bae Yong-joon filming the TV drama "Taewangsasingi" (The Four Guardian Gods of the King) were released through his fan site. In the photos, the actor, widely known by his nickname "Yonsama," was dressed as the character he plays in the blockbuster epic drama.

The photos are published in a drama book, to be released in Japan Tuesday.

In the drama that shows the life of King Gwanggaeto of the Goguryeo Kingdom (37 B.C.-A.D. 668), Bae will play three roles of major people in Korean history: "Hwanwoong," the father of Gojoseon Kingdom founder "Dangun," said to be the son of God who brought water, fire, earth and other necessities for human lives in ancient times; "Jumong," the founder of Goguryeo; and King Gwanggaeto, who was one of the most powerful Korean kings of all time.

The drama was to air in May by local broadcaster MBC, but due to the tight computer graphic work schedule, the airing date was delayed to later this year. It is also expected to air on Japanese broadcaster NHK because of Yonsama's strong fan base in Japan. Kodansha, a leading publisher in Japan, is releasing the book.

Meanwhile, Bae and his costars are still filming.

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[bag.lover]

Originally Posted by bag.lover

Actress Uhm Jung Hwa (Seducing Mr Perfect, For Horowitz, All For Love, Singles, Crazy Marriage), actor Lee Dong Gun (Smile Again, Stained Glass, Lovers in Paris, Sweet 18), actor Park Yong Woo (Beautiful Sunday, For Horowitz, My Scary Girl, World of Silence), and actress Han Chae Young (Fireworks, Only You, Delightful Girl Choon Hyang) co-star in movie "Do You Live with Your Lover Now?" (opening in August).

(source: STARNEWS/chosun)

[bag.lover]

Originally Posted by bag.lover

Lee Byung-heon will hold a showcase to mark the publication of his third photo collection "Paris, a Monochrome Man in a Monochrome City" on July 12, his 37th birthday. The showcase was hosted by a Japanese marketing firm at the request of Lee's Japanese fans. The event will take place in Nihon Budokan in Tokyo.

(source: chosun)
photobook "Paris monochrome man in a monochrome city"


at Budokan on the 12th

[Think2Day]

Thanks bag.lover!

I am a Korean drama fanatic myself.

Recently, I have been watching 'Bad Couple'. It's very funny

[bag.lover]

Originally Posted by bag.lover

In the upcoming movie 'Open City' directed by Lee Sang Ki, Son Ye Jin will act as the boss of a pickpocket organization displaying her femme fatal charm. ... The movie has especially gathered attention as she will be partnering with actor Kim Myung Min of the MBC drama series 'White Tower.'

Kim Myung Min and Son Ye Jin won Best TV Actor and Actress at The 43rd Annual 'PaekSang Arts Awards' (held on 4/25/2007) for their works in "White Tower" (MBC) and "Alone in Love" (SBS).

(^ 1st row)




(from chosun)

[bag.lover]

old DHC Acerola CF with Yoon Eun Hye (Princess Hours) & Kim Sun Ah (My Lovely Sam Soon)



(from chosun)

[bag.lover]

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(source: KBS Global 2007-07-18)
Korean Star Kwon Sang-woo Appears on Japanese TV



A Japanese online sports newspaper reported that Korean heartthrob Kwon Sang-woo will appear on a Fuji TV program. Kwon became popular in Japan with his work in the TV drama "Stairway to Heaven" opposite Choi Ji-woo of "Winter Sonata" fame.

Kwon is scheduled to appear on a program called "FNS 27 Hour TV" on July 28 and 29, as well as "The Adventure King 2007." Kwon's TV appearances are expected to set off another nationwide hallyu boom in Japan regarding a Korean actor.

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[bag.lover]

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(source: BROasia 2007-07-17)
Historical Drama "The Legend" To Film On Anmyun Island



Choongnam Development Agency said on the 17th that the historical fantasy drama, "The Legend," which will air this September on MBC, will be filmed on Anmyun Island in the tourist attraction areas.

In order for this event, the Choongnam Development Agency arranged an agreement with a construction company in the area to build open sets and the like. The construction received cooperation from Tae An district and Choongnam Island to have a filming location, and the construction company will look after the sets.

The open sets will film war scenes, and along with the open sets in Jeju Island, these are expected to become new tourist attractions.

According to the Choongnam Development Agency, this upcoming filming will become a great opportunity for Anmyun Island to gain recognition, and as a consequence, it will also help the tourism business for the island.

"The Legend" is a historical fantasy drama about the 19th king of Goguryeo and his love and life events. It is gaining interest for its director and writer, Kim Jong Hak and Song Ji Na from the drama, "Hourglass," and the appearances from top national stars such as Bae Yong Joon, Choi Min Soo, Moon So Ri, Park Sang Won, etc.

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[bag.lover]

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(source: tour2korea 7-18-2007)
Kim Rae-Won’s Transformation into a Charming 'Sik Gaek'

Kim Rae-Won is to star in ‘Sik Gaek’, a drama under the same title as the original cartoon by Huh Yeong-Man, who was cast earlier for this role. This drama {will begin airing in early August and} is about the intense challenges a young man faces as he works to become a top chef.

‘Sik Gaek’ is a large-scale production made up of 24 episodes, with a huge film set costing approximately ￦5,000,000,000 and a production fee of ￦7,200,000,000, totaling an astounding ￦12,200,000,000. 80% of the drama has been already finished, and is scheduled to air either at the end of this year, or early on next year.

Kim Rae-Won stated, “I’ve been preparing for the role of ‘Sung Chan’, a bright and healthy character with great tenacity and passion for about 2 years and ready to show what I’ve got. The meal that Sik Gaek is preparing is one not to be tasted with the tongue, but to be felt with a warm heart.”


(old picture from STARNEWS/CHOSUN)

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Note the conflicting estimated broadcast period in the article for this drama ("Gourmet").

[bag.lover]

(source: celine.com)
MS SONG BITTERSWEET BY CELINE


CELINE and MS SONG

- THEIR COLLABORATION
For Fall-Winter 2007, CELINE has teamed up with Song Hye Kyo, producing a new version of its Bittersweet bag, that combines both innovation and globalized fashion. The idea was first conceived when Song Hye Kyo, a young and talented Korean actress, spotted the iconic Bittersweet model in a CELINE store. Totally infatuated by its look, Song Hye Kyo decided to use its existing shape and to reinterpret it according to her own whimsical trendy tastes. The creative process for this bag lasted several months. Several months during which Song Hye Kyo was totally involved in this new project and worked with rigorous fervor on the design, the selection of materials, the colours, the embellishments and all the practical details.

- WHY CELINE COLLABORATES WITH MS SONG?
Having travelled extensively throughout Asia, I have found that Asian women have become more active and have obtained more freedom in modern society, explains CELINE's artistic director, Ivana Omazic. Today, I am delighted to have worked closely with Song Hye Kyo for this new creation and to be a part of an innovative project that opens up our company into the world. I sincerely believe this bag represents the new voice of Asian women.


- WHO IS MS SONG?
Song, Hye-Kyo debuted in the entertainment industry when she won the Grand Prize in Sun-kyung Smart, a school uniform company in 1996. She was finishing her 3rd year in high school. It was not long until she starred in her first drama Happy Morning. Since the drama, she continued to star in various dramas and sitcoms. Her first hit was TV drama <Autumn Fairy Tale> where she co-starred with Song, Seung-Hun and Won Bin. The drama quickly became the classic of a love story, which gained enormous popularity all over Asia from Japan, China, Hong Kong to Thailand. Her popularity continued to climb as she featured in another hit drama <All In> which she co-starred with Lee, Byung-Hun. The drama was so popular that the title of the show was registered in Korea's everyday vocabulary. Another big hit drama was a popular TV series <Full House> in 2004. She co-starred with Rain, a Korean singer, and this became another phenomenon in Asia..

[bag.lover]

^ Actress Song Hye-kyo arrived in Hong Kong; she will be attending Celine's Fall/Winter show there in the evening. (pictures from Sun Publication)



^ She's carrying a Chanel bag. Looks like Bubble Quilted Bowler. Petals12, is it? =)