Korean Drama

[bag.lover]

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Originally Posted by bag.lover

Press conference of KBS 2TV Monday/Tuesday drama "Strongest Chil-woo" was held on the 4th at the Gwanghwanun KT art hall in Seoul. Led by Eric and Goo Hye-seon, it will premiere on the 9th at 9:55pm.

[Images=chosun/reviewstar/jknews/newsen/daum]

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[bag.lover]

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Originally Posted by bag.lover

(Source: KBS World 2008-05-23) Cast of “The Legend” to Appear on Japan’s NHK TV Stars of “The Legend,” high-rating historical drama about King Gwanggaeto of Goguryeo Kingdom, are invited to appear on a special program for Japan’s premier broadcasting station NHK. Bae Yong-joon, Lee Ji-ah, Moon So-ri, and director Kim Jong-hak will talk about the drama and its making on an hour-long show. Bae played the leading role of Gwanggaeto and Lee and Moon the parts of his love interests. They are scheduled to be in Japan for the “2008 The Legend Premium Event” slated for June 1st in Kyocera Dome in Osaka first, and then fly to Tokyo for the taping of the show. It is very rare for NHK to slot in a show for the main cast members of a foreign drama. Japanese media insiders say that the special programming indicates the high expectations for and popularity of Bae Yong-joon in Japan. The actor has gained a huge following in Japan for his role in “Winter Sonata,” the first Korean drama to win explosive responses in Japan and initiate Hallyu, the Korean pop culture wave. The Japanese entertainment industry is reportedly very excited to have Bae and the rest of the cast in Japan. Even some Japanese celebrities have said in public that they wish to meet Bae. The leader of the Korean Wave is flooded with interview requests and press meetings. “The Legend” has been airing since April 5th at 11 o’clock every Saturday night. Episode 8 is to be broadcast tomorrow, May 24.

[images=BOF/chosun]

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[bag.lover]

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(source: The Korea Herald 2008.06.06)
Wedding date set for celebrity couple



Yoo Jae-seok, a hugely popular comedian and show host, will marry his broadcaster-fiance Nah Kyoung-eun on July 6, Yoo said at a press conference Wednesday.

Nah, who works for MBC, was not by Yoo's side at the conference held in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, as she is on business trip to the United States. About 150 reporters showed up at the event where Yoo, best known as a main emcee of the popular MBC variety "Muhan Dojeon (Infinite Challenge)," fielded questions on their marriage schedules and love story.

The couple first met on the set of "Muhandojeon" two years ago, but, according to Yoo, 35, he didn't even dream of marrying her at the beginning. "I used to say that I wanted to marry an announcer on television, even before I met her. And that made it harder for me to develop the relationship as I wished," said Yoo, seriously but happily, during the press conference.

The veteran entertainer didn't hesitate to give an answer when asked when the two kissed for the first time. "Our first kiss was in the car. It was after two months of dating," he said.

Known for his good-natured and humble style of presenting, quite a few programs Yoo has been emceeing were, and still are, ranked in the top 10 most watched entertainment shows.

Yoo who was discovered in 1991 through a talent search organized by KBS was a late bloomer. Nearly a decade after his debut, Yoo landed a short but regular spot on the Seo Se-won Show that was the real start to Yoo's career as a star comedian.

Once he was recognized for his candor, charm and friendly image, however, offers to host shows rolled in. For years now, he is among television's most sought-after presenters.

Today Yoo is also the highest paid television presenter, reportedly earning 8 million to 9 million won ($8,000-$9,000) per episode. It is estimated that his annual earnings are approximately 200 million won this year.

After the press conference, Yoo made a heart with his hands for his future wife. "I heard my future in-laws didn't expect her daughters would marry an entertainer. But now they feel comfortable about telling our relationship to their friends and relatives. My parents love my fiance of course. You know, she got this sweetness that makes everyone happy," You smiled.

Yoo is currently looking for the right place for their wedding, he said. Yoo's fellow comedian Lee Hui-jae will host the couple's wedding, while singer Kim Jong-gook is scheduled to be the wedding singer.

By Lee Yong-sung
(danlee@heraldm.com)

~~~









[images=hankyung/starnews]

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[bag.lover]

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Originally Posted by bag.lover

ha Jung-woo, Satoshi Tsumabuki [image=starnews/chosun]

Kraze, IMJ float "Boat"

Written by Han Sunhee
Wednesday, 04 June 2008

SEOUL -- Korean actor Ha Jung-woo, star of the "The Chaser," has teamed up with Japan's Tsumabuki Satoshi ("Tears for You") in a new movie co-production "Boat".

Scripted by Watanabe Aya ("Maison de Himiko") and helmed by Kim Young-nam ("Don't Look Back",) pic tells a story of two men who are involved with a smuggling business in Japan. Ha takes the role of a warm-hearted man who struggles to make a living, while Tsumabuki plays a Japanese man who helps him. They are confronted with an unexpected accident while kidnapping a Korean woman to Japan.

Production is managed by Korea's Kraze Pictures and Japan's IMJ Pictures. Kraze's Lee Jun-ho and IMJ's Osamu Kubota are credited as producers.

Each company will be responsible providing its half of the $2 million production cost. In Korea, an investment company Michigan Venture Capital is attached as a main investor. The firm has recently plunged into film industry through a partnership with Showbox in "The Chaser" and "GP506." The Korean Film Council is also partly supporting the co-production.

Local distribution and international sales companies are not yet confirmed, but Showbox holds a priority right over distribution. Lensing starts on June 28 in Japan's Niigata, with an anticipated theatrical release in the first half of next year.

http://www.varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/6221/

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[bag.lover]

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(Source: Variety)
Kim to direct remake of France's "Max"

Written by John Hopewell and Patrick Frater
Wednesday, 04 June 2008

Investment from outside the U.S. continued to fuel high-profile projects at Cannes, as Kim Jee-woon, the sought-after Korean director whose "The Good the Bad the Weird" wrapped the fest's special screenings, signed to helm a remake of 1970s French classic "Max et les Ferrailleurs" (Max and the Junkmen).

Thriller is the first to be advanced under a three-picture deal between France's StudioCanal and Lion Rock Prods., John Woo and Terence Chang's Los Angeles production shingle. The Asian filmmakers plan to tap into the Gallic conglom's extensive library of French and English-language titles for possible remakes. "I'm a big fan of French noir, especially Claude Sautet's films, and I'd like to move this one to modern times," Kim tells Variety.

Sautet's "Max" had the titular lonesome detective (Michel Piccoli) setting up some small-time thieves to pull a heist, thinking he'd arrest them and boost his flagging reputation. But Max falls for the gang leader's gal, played by Romy Schneider.

"It will be important to concentrate on the two central characters' relationship and keep the emotions," Kim says.

Pic, to be titled simply "Max," will be made as an English-language retread scripted by Howard Rodman and possibly set in the U.S. Budget and casting have yet to be determined, though StudioCanal says it would aim for significant star power and delivery in spring 2009.

Kim says "Max" will be his next helming gig.

"Max" is set up as a production involving Zip Cinema's Lee Eugene, Chang and Woo, and Black Mask Prods.' Hugo Bergson-Vuillaume. StudioCanal's senior veep Ron Halpern will take an exec producer credit. Kim, Lee and Chang are CAA clients.

Development to date is covered by StudioCanal. It's envisaged that "Max" will be fully financed by StudioCanal, which may take international rights.

The Kim deal ties down one of Asia's brightest young helming talent. The reported $17 million budget of "The Good ... ," an energetic Korean Western, is on the high side by Korean standards. Its enthusiastic Cannes reception looks set to broaden Kim's considerable following.

'Kim's one of the best directors working today," Chang says. "He can do anything."

Echoes StudioCanal CEO Olivier Courson, "I was incredibly impressed by 'A Bittersweet Life,' and the solitary character there has parallels in 'Max.' "

The "Max" redo also underscores the ranging ambition of StudioCanal's amped-up production strategy under Courson. It's a forceful reminder that, with movies in the mid-budget range or below, a bevy of Gallic companies are moving in on key talent. And their radar's not limited to Europe.

StudioCanal remains fully committed to producing high-profile French films, usually in the $11 million-$19 million range, Courson explains.

But it will also make "auteur films with commercial potential, and more entertainment-driven, 'biggest-budget' films. For the latter, at $60 million-$70 million, we're look for U.S. partners," he adds.

"We want to make international titles that are very ambitious and very entertaining. Thrillers fit both descriptions," Courson says.

Further titles will be produced by Will Clarke at StudioCanal's U.K. subsid Optimum Releasing. During Cannes, Clarke announced Brit redos of "Brighton Rock" and 1981 French hitman thriller "Le Choc."

Courson says StudioCanal is "highly interested" in working with Asian talent. Last year, it produced Wong Kar-wai's "My Blueberry Nights." It's now preparing a Johnnie To-helmed remake of "Le Cercle Rouge." That pic, budgeted at roughly $35 million, has a start date of Sept 20.

StudioCanal confirmed its Neil Moritz-produced remake of "Escape From New York" remains on course, even after New Line Cinema's downsizing.

http://www.varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/6222/

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[bag.lover]

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Original Korean Article: Starnews 06/01 20:20
English Translation Credit: HanCinema

Bae Yong-joon, Interview in Japan, "I have thoughts of marrying but it's not working out"



On the 1st, after the three-hour "The Legend Premium Event 2008 in Japan" held in Osaka Kyocera Dome, Bae Yong-joon held an interview with Korean reporters for about thirty minutes in the waiting room. Director Kim Jong-hak of "The Legend" was also there. The following are questions and answers that were exchanged.

-Thoughts on the event held today, with 35000 fans?

Even in the disappointment that came with the end of filming, Director Kim and I said that it was over yet. But now, I have a real feeling that it's over. It was nice today. I was able to meet my family in Asia eye-to-eye. And it was better that I was able to come with the director and fellow actors from "The Legend" this time.

-You also referred to your next work at the event today. (Bae Yong-joon said, "I want to give a different kind of feeling with my voice on the animation of "Winter Sonata" and there's nothing certain, but I'm looking into a drama that is a remake of a Japanese comic".)

I haven't signed anything yet. So it would be difficult to say anything.

-You were hurt while filming "The Legend". How is your health now?

It's still a little uncomfortable to walk. I am getting shots on my knees. For my shoulders, we have to wait 1-2 months and I may have to get surgery. I was seriously hurt during filming of "The Legend" ten days before the end, but I couldn't go to the hospital because I thought I would have to put on a cast, which would stop filming. It hurt so much that I couldn't sleep, and I took pain-killers so I could film. I went to a hospital once after getting hurt, and all the nurses were attending to the emergency patients, so I had to put in pain-killing shots myself (laugh).

-Director Kim said "Bae Yong-joon is faithful to his emotions and pursues perfect acting".

Firstly, I'm grateful. I think I have to stay truthful to my emotions because I can't act. Truthfully, I was surprised as I saw Director Kim working on this work. Director Kim was also hurt during filming, and even though he was in a bad condition, his leadership was outstanding. I sometimes call him father, and sometimes, he feels like a friend. (At this, Director Kim said, "While filming "The Legend", I realized that Bae Yong-joon is here because of his own work and acting. He's a great actor. If it is possible, I would want to work with him again".)

-It's known that you will lend your voice to the animation of "Winter Sonata", which plans to air next year.

That's right. It's planned to do it in Korean, but I have thoughts of also doing it in Japanese.

-In addition to your arrival in Japan, you filmed your fans with a digital camera today too.

I really like taking pictures. I've wanted to take pictures of my family (fans). I am also thinking of making a book introducing famous places in Korea to foreign tourists. This book will have pictures that I took myself.

-You are keeping your long hair that you had for "The Legend".

When my next work is decided, I will change my hair accordingly. There are many uncomfortable aspects about long hair, like using a lot of shampoo and taking a lot of time to dry (laugh).

-While filming "The Legend", there was talk about trouble with Director Kim.

That's not true at all, and that's all because of reporters (laugh). My relationship with Director Kim is very good. He is sometimes like a friend and sometimes like a father. During filming, we also talked about medicine that was good for us (laugh).

-Marriage plans?

My friends and juniors are all marrying, and I do have thoughts about it. But it's not working as I want it to (laugh). Even at home, my parents are talking about marriage. Last year at the MBC Acting Awards, I said I wanted to marry within three years, and I still have that desire. Introduce me (laugh).

-If there's something you want to say to your fans in Korea and Asia.

I believe that the love I receive not just from Korea but from Asia is undeserved. If I cannot repay the love I receive through my acting and movies, I want to repay it some other way. When I find out how, I will let you know.

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[bag.lover]

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Lee Yeon-hee Becomes Song Seung-heon's Lover Again In New Drama

Following "2008 Love Song" MV, Lee Yeon-hee and Song Seung-heon will cooperate again in MBC TV drama <East Of Eden> which is planned to broadcast this August.


[image=sportsseoul]

Netease Entertainment Exclusive Coverage（編譯/蓓兒) Lee Yeon-hee and Song Seung-heon will work together again after "2008 Love Song" MV.

Lee Yeon-hee will appear in MBC TV drama <East Of Eden> (script: Na Yeon-sook, PD Kim Jin-man) which is scheduled to air this August. <East Of Eden>, a big production with an investment of 25 billion Won, depicts the story of two men who were born at the same time in the same hospital and their crossed destiny and revenge. Lee Yeon-hee plays Kook Young-ran, the daughter of a successful and ambitious casino godfather Kook Dae-hwa (Yoo Dong-geun). She will shred her pure and cute image in movies "M" and "My Love" and become a matured, confident, and successful woman.

Leon Yeon-hee said that she's very happy to be able to take part in a very good work; she hopes to be able to cooperate well with the elders. She wants to interpret this role well, more hard work and efford are needed. She looks forward to meet the viewers with her new image. <East Of Eden> (a historical drama using the 60's as its background) gets a lot of attention even before the stars were confirmed. Currently, the four lead stars Song Seung-heon, Lee Yeon-hee, Yeon Jeong-hoon, and Lee Da-hae are confirmed. Filming is planned to start in mid-June in Hong Kong, Macao, and other filming locations.

On the other hand, Lee Yeon-hee, Song Seung-heon, and Park Yong-ha will meet Japanese fans at "2008 Love Song Premium Concert" on June 7th at Japan's Saitama Super Arena.

[Translation of Netease article: by me]

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[bag.lover]

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Source: Javabeans

East of Eden completes its love geometry
June 5th, 2008 // by javabeans



MBC's upcoming East of Eden looks to become the next big-budget, high-profile drama of the year, with recent cast additions of two lovely ladies to act as romantic interests for lead heartthrob Song Seung Heon: first, crying queen Lee Da Hae, and now Lee Yeon Hee.

The story concerns the stories of two boys born into the same hospital at the same time (the other being played by Yeon Jung Hoon) and their intertwining fates (shades of Autumn in My Heart? Just don't tell me he's got a long-lost sister he falls in love with too). Lee Yeon Hee plays the daughter of the casino head with whom Song Seung Heon falls in love; this is their second time acting together after the "2008 Love Song" music video.

Lee Da Hae rounds out the love square; although it's not explicitly stated, I'm speculating purely based on current career trajectories that Lee Da Hae plays the main love interest and Lee Yeon Hee the tragic second fiddle. (Because stories like this — switched at birth! revenge! heartbreak! — scream tragic melodrama. All fifty-some episodes of it.)

East of Eden premieres on MBC in August. Will this highly anticipated project live up to the hype, or fizzle like so many supposed surefire blockbuster hits before it?

Via Mk.co.kr

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[bag.lover]

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(Source: KBS World 2008-06-06)
Actors Voice Opinions on U.S. Beef Import



Celebrities have joined a large part of the Korean people in speaking out against the import of U.S. beef. Famed actor Seol Kyeong-gu of “Silmido,” “Oasis,” and the “Public Enemy” series has voiced his support for anti-U.S. beef protestors, especially high school students. He has said that he realized that the future of Korea is bright when he saw students expressing their opinions in public.

In the meantime, Seol’s latest film “Kang Cheol-jung: Public Enemy 1-1” includes a scene in which Seol’s character mentions mad cow disease. The scene was filmed in February, before the mad cow disease controversy broke out. He says the day he shot the scene was the day he stopped eating meat. He added that the government should be more judicious in dealing with the public outcry against the U.S. beef import. “Public Enemy 1-1” is scheduled to be in theaters on June 19th.

Another hot actor has posted his thoughts on the U.S. beef import deal. Hot actor Kim Rae-won, the star of soon-to-be-aired drama “Sikgaek (Gourmet Chef),” wrote on his personal homepage that he is concerned about food safety and imported beef like the rest of the Korean public and came to realize the superiority of the Korean cuisine and tradition through the filming of “Sikgaek.” He added that he learned why Korean beef is so superior to other beef while preparing for his role as Seong-chan, an aspiring chef in the drama. The posting wrapped up with his plea to remember the hard work Korean livestock farmers have put into raising the cattle.

Drama “Sikgaek,” based on the comic book series under the same title, will air its first episode on June 16th.

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[bag.lover]

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(Source: KBS World 2008-06-04)
Top Show Host to Wed in July


[image=edaily]

Korea’s hottest show host Yu Jae-seok held a press conference on Wednesday (June 4) to announce his plan to wed MBC announcer Na Kyung-eun on July 6. Na was not at the press conference because she is in the U.S. filming for her story on “Never-ending Story.”

Their wedding has been the most anticipated event in the Korean entertainment business since Yu admitted that Na and he were dating. The two first met on the set of Yu’s flagship program “Infinite Challenge” on MBC two years ago. At the time, Na was a faceless voice, who presented challenge missions behind the scene. Their courtship was anything but easy, because Na’s parents were rather reluctant to have a son-in-law in show business. However, his sincere personality and steadfast love for Na won them over in the end.

Yu said that he proposed to Na by giving her an engagement ring in his car. The wedding will be hosted by fellow comedian Lee Hwi-jae. Yu have also asked singer Kim Jong-gook to sing at the wedding. The union of Yu and Na is expected to be one of the most spectacular weddings in recent years.

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[bag.lover]

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(Source: KBS World 2008-06-02)
Magicians Protest over TV Program



An association of Korean magicians sent an official letter of protest to the production team of “Sponge 2.0” at KBS 2TV. The entertainment/information program “Sponge 2.0” has been airing a corner that reveals the secret to certain magic acts. A magician by the name of Choi Hyun-woo has been showing how the trick is done step by step.

In the letter the Korea Magic Industry Promotion Society lodged its protest over the reckless disclosure of magic tricks and asked KBS to make public apology and stop the segment. The magicians claim that explaining the secrets to magic acts hurts the Korean magic industry by turning people away from the wonders of magic and diminishing the prestige and integrity of Korean magicians on the international stage.

In the meantime, a magician held a one-person demonstration in front of the KBS building on May 30th, denouncing the program’s revelation of trade secrets. Also award-winning magician Lee Eun-kyul, currently serving his military duty, has posted on his personal homepage his scathing criticism against the program for betraying the ethical code of magicians.

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[bag.lover]

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(source: The Korea Herald 2008.06.06)
Foreign fashion brands flood Korean market

This is the second of a three-part series on Korea's textile and fashion industry. - Ed.

Oh Soo-hyun, a 28-year-old party planner in Seoul, had a very good reason to leave work one day last week.

"Zara, my favorite fashion brand, recently opened its first store in Seoul. I had to go there and check what they have in the store," Oh said.

For Oh, who does not hesitate to call herself a fashion-forward kind of gal, a visit to the Zara store was a must whenever she went on an overseas trip. She used to show off to her friends Zara items she had bought abroad.

But Zara, one of Europe's largest fashion retailers, has arrived in Korea. Owned by the Spanish apparel giant, the Inditex Group, Zara opened its first two stores in Seoul last month. It formed a joint venture with Lotte Shopping Company Ltd. Zara owns 80 percent of the Korean unit.

Widely known for its chic but affordable line of trendy clothes for women and men, Zara has already made inroads around Asia, opening stores in Japan, China, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines in recent years.



"Korea's fashion market is really interesting," said an official of the Inditex Group. "Korean customers will appreciate the strategy of the Inditex Group, which responds to customers' demands with attractive designs, the best quality and affordable prices," the official said in an e-mail interview with The Korea Herald.

Growing market

Besides Zara, a number of global specialty store retailers of private label apparels are set to enter the local market in the coming years. They include Sweden's Hennes & Mauritz, widely known as H&M, Britain's Topshop, and Forever 21, an American brand established by the Korean-American businessman Chang Do-won.

In 2006, imports of finished apparels amounted to $4.18 billion, up 15.8 percent from a year ago. The figure is expected to increase this year and next year, according to the Korea Federation of Textile Industries.

Experts say the impact of the continuous arrival of foreign fashion brands will be major.

"Foreign brands will have an enormous impact on the local fashion market," said Kang Hee-seung, a senior analyst with Good Morning Securities.

"The market size will eventually grow, but small local businesses may have difficulty because of the fierce marketing war in the fashion industry," Kang explained.

Experts say that local retailers are rushing to bring in more foreign brands, instead of dealing in local fashion brands.

Shinsegae International Co., the country's largest fashion importer, has recently acquired the exclusive right to distribute the Gap and Banana Republic brands in Korea. The affiliate of Shinsegae Co., operator of the country's third-largest department store chain, plans to open at least 40 Gap and Banana Republic stores over the next three years.

Shinsaegae International currently holds exclusive rights for 23 brands, and it posted sales of 276.3 billion won ($276 million) in 2007. Lotte Shopping is another big player in the market. Before forming its partnership with Zara, it successfully launched the Japanese brand Uniqlo.

Experts say that the newly arriving foreign brands will have to compete with homegrown brands, as well as other foreign retailers such as Spain's Mango, Hong Kong's Giordano and Japan's Uniqlo, which have already established their foothold in Korea.

Secret of success

The success of H&M and Zara is ascribed to their marketing strategies - selling trendy products at reasonable prices.

Kang of Good Morning Securities says that global companies are able to cut their prices by taking full advantage of cheap labor in developing countries like China, India and Southeast Asian countries.

Under their "fast-fashion" system, they provide customers with new products on a weekly basis and in limited amounts. Experts say this tantalizes customers who often feel that "I may lose my chance unless I buy it now."

And how does fast-fashion work?

Those in the know say that fashion brands like Zara complete the design, production and delivery of their products in just 15 days.

According to a recent industry recent report, Zara's designers create about 40,000 new designs annually, from which 10,000 are selected for production. Some of them resemble the latest couture creations.

Industry watchers point out that a system which allows customers to purchase trendy products at low prices will work well in the Korean market. They note that Korean customers tend to prefer foreign brands so they can convey a sense of having a high social status.

"If the prices of local and foreign products are the same, I would take the latter one," said Kim So-young, a 27-year-old fabric designer in Seoul.

"Foreign products have different designs and colors, and they make me look trendy and special," she added.

By Cho Chung-un
(christory@heraldm.com)

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[bag.lover]

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from Soompi front page http://www.soompi.com/node/17112

Song Seung Hun, Lee Da Hae, and Yun Jung Hoon will lead the MBC drama "East of Eden (에덴의 동쪽)"

by: CindyW88
on: June 4, 2008 8:53pm
tv/film news

6/4/08 – Song Seung Hun, Lee Da Hae, and Yun Jung Hoon will lead the 50-episode Monday-Tuesday drama "East of Eden (에덴의 동쪽)" scheduled to be aired by MBC in August, following the final episode of "Every Night".



This drama portrays the destiny and revenge of two men who were born at the same time and on the same day in the same hospital located in a coal mine village. The time frame is between 1960 and 2000.

YJH plays the prosecutor Dong Wook (동욱) whose fate has been reversed. SSH plays the role Dong Chul (동철). LDH plays the role Hye Rin (혜린) who is very ambitious to become the successor of a news agency. Hye Rin, Dong Chul, and Dong Wook form triangle love relationships.

The PD is Kim Jin Man (김진만) whose previous drama was "Really Really Like You", and the script writer is Na Yun Sook (나연숙). The production cost is around 25 billion Won. The filming sites include Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, China, and Macau.

http://www.mydaily.co.kr/news/read.html?ne...806041216241111
http://www.mydaily.co.kr/news/read.html?ne...806040826331110
http://www.mydaily.co.kr/news/read.html?ne...803201502491111

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[bag.lover]

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Yeon Jung-hoon Returns With "East Of Eden"

source = Edaily SPN (2008.06.05 17:49)



Actor Yeon Jung-hoon returns after 3-year hiatus, he will appear in MBC TV drama <East Of Eden> with Song Seung-heon and Lee Da-hae. He will play a very rational and elite prosecutor named "Dong-wook". "Dong-wook" and brother "Dong-cheol" (Song Seung-heon) will be in a love triangle with "Hye-rin" (Lee Da-hae).

Yeon Jung-hoon rose to stardom with 2005 MBC drama "Sad Sonata / Sad Love Story". After completing his military duty, he's been seriously reviewing/choosing scenarios and preparing for a return to showbiz.

25 billion Won TV drama <East Of Eden>, a revenge story about 2 brothers who were born in the same hospital but with completely different fate, will premiere in August.

[translation of Chosun article: by me]

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[bag.lover]

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(source: The Korea Herald 2008.06.09)
Yet another Joseon Dynasty hero swoops into prime time slot


[image=chosun]

Is it a time for heroes? SBS and KBS think so. Fast on the heels of SBS' masked marauder, Iljimae, KBS' Chil-woo, a veritable Joseon-style Batman, will swoop into the Monday and Tuesday night time slot on June 17.

Originally set to air tonight, the historical-action miniseries called "Choi Kang Chil Woo (Strongest Chil Woo)" got pushed back a week. News reports indicate that the date was delayed to avoid direct competition with MBC's "Isan," the final episode of which is set for June 16.

But "Isan" is just one of the many challenges that hero Chil-woo faces. With SBS set to crush Chil-woo before he has a chance to put up a fight, KBS needs to pull out all the stops early on to have a chance of winning.

SBS' currently popular "Iljimae" and its upcoming blockbuster "Sikgaek" are formidable foes in the race to get high ratings. And Chil-woo may not have what it takes to beat its competitors.

But singer-turned-actor Eric, who signed on to play the dark hero, disagrees. At last week's press conference, the 29-year old celebrity, also known as Mun Chong-hyok, said, "It is true; there are many similarities (to Iljimae) ... Initial comparisons cannot be avoided, but, with time, that will change. And the two shows do not air on the same days."

As Eric pointed out, "Iljimae" plays on Wednesday and Thursday nights, and "Choi Kang Chil Woo" will play on Monday and Tuesday nights. But will viewers want to tune into these heroes four nights in a row?

After all, both heroes are out for revenge. They both wear masks, carry out their deeds in the night, and were raised by foster parents. Add to that the long-awaited gastronomical epic, "Sikgaek," which is set to play on Monday and Tuesday nights starting June 16, and things are looking bleak for Chil-woo.

But the fight isn't over yet. Eric's star power -- this boy band rapper won audiences over in the hit MBC drama "Phoenix" (2004) -- may draw in a few fans. As this is his first historical drama, Eric has the opportunity to prove he can pull off the complex role of Chil-woo.

This KBS hero is a low-ranking officer by day and an assassin by night. The jovial and happy-go-lucky commoner transforms into the head of an organization of assassins which is trained to punish the corrupt.

If Iljimae is a bit more of a super-powered Robin Hood, then Chil-woo is a medieval Batman. Donning the black eye-mask -- which bears a striking resemblance to Batman's, minus the ears -- this dark hero delivers vengeance with a bite.

Based on the actions of one Kang-byun Chil-woo from the "Annals of the Joseon Dynasty," this historical romance travels back 400 years to bring audiences a slightly comical but mainly serious epic.

"The characters are drawn from fun episodes from the 'Annals of the Joseon Dynasty,' said director Park Man-young at a recent press conference. "This drama is not a fusion drama. Just the action sequences may seem a bit mixed because of the martial arts techniques used in place of more traditional swordfighting."

According to director Park, ordinary swordfighting techniques seemed too cruel, so they opted for less violent martial arts stunts.

But just how far will the hero's superpowers go? Will Chil-woo have some magical weapons, like Iljimae's invisible cloak?

Judging from the preview, this action romance looks more down-to-earth, but audiences will have to tune in to see for themselves.

"Choi Kang Chil Woo" airs on Monday and Tuesday nights on KBS 2 TV at 9:55 p.m. starting June 17.

By Jean Oh
(oh_jean@heraldm.com)

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