Korean Drama

[bag.lover]

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(source: The Korea Times 08-07-2007 16:35)
Skull, TVXQ Hitting Overseas Charts

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter

Korean pop artists are now hitting the charts, scoring hits in the U.S. and Japan. Reggae artist Skull made a surprisingly strong showing in the U.S. music charts, with his first single "Boom Di Boom Di." The catchy reggae song has gained popularity with the help of the visually stimulating animated music video.

According to his manager Morgan Carey, Skull's single is now number five on the Billboard R&B/ Hip Hop sales chart and number 17 on the Hot Singles sales chart. Skull is also featured in the Reggae section of iTunes, the biggest online music store in the U.S. Carey took the unconventional approach to promoting Skull, by starting him out in the urban music scene and introducing him to hip-hop audiences.

With Skull's initial success in the Billboard charts, there are already rumors of Skull's possible collaboration with pop superstar Mariah Carey. However, Morgan, who is Mariah's brother, said nothing has been confirmed yet.



Meanwhile, Korean boy bands appear to be flourishing in Japan's competitive pop music industry.

Popular group TVXQ debuted at number one on Japan's Oricon daily singles charts Aug. 1, with their single "Summer Dream." Another group SS501 ranked fifth with their first Japanese single "Kokoro" on the same day.

TVXQ, known as Tohoshinki in Japan, has already released 12 singles, which mostly landed the Oricon top 10 charts, and two Japanese-language albums in the last two years. However, this was the first time the group's single has debuted on the top spot. It is also said to be the first number one ranking by a Korean male group in the Oricon charts.

TVXQ recently toured Japan for their "2nd Live Tour 2007 Five in the Black," holding 16 concerts throughout the country.


The hottest boy band in Korea, TVXQ, climbed to the top spot in Japan's daily Oricon charts. / AP-Yonhap

On the other hand, SS501 also seems to be attracting many Japanese fans. The group's first Japanese single "Kokoro" ranked fifth in the Oricon charts, a surprising showing considering they had only debuted in Korea in 2005 and in Japan last year.

TVXQ and SS501's strong showing is particularly impressive since they were up against new releases from Japanese boy band Hey! Say! 7 and more well-known groups like Chemistry, Aqua Timez and Spitx.

No doubt boosted by K-pop's popularity abroad, top K-pop stars SG Wannabe, Epik High, Lee Hyo-ri and Seeya performed at the Big 4 concert held at the Manhattan Center in New York City on Aug. 4.

The Big 4 concert was aimed at showcasing the different sides of K-pop, such as ballads from SG Wannabe and Seeya, hip-hop music from Epik High and dance songs from Lee Hyo-ri, to an American audience.

The same artists are scheduled to perform at the Colosseum, Caesars Palace Hotel in Las Vegas on Aug. 11.

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[bag.lover]

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(source: The Korea Times 08-07-2007 18:20)
‘D-War’ Sets Local Box Office Record

By Bae Ji-yeon
Intern

"D-War," a science fiction blockbuster produced by comedian-turned director Sim Hyung-rae, attracted a total audience of 2.95 million in the first five days of its release, breaking the local box office record set by "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End."

Short for Dragon War, the movie depicts a legendary Korean monster that the two main protagonists must prevent from turning into a dragon. It was released last Wednesday at 689 screens nationwide.

The Hollywood blockbuster "Pirates of the Caribbean" attracted 2.71 million during its first week, while the domestically produced "The Host" _ which a record 13 million people saw last year _ pulled in 2.64 million during the same period. Bong Jun-ho directed "The Host."

The 2007 adventure film, the third in the "Pirates" series, sees the crew of the Black Pearl rescuing Jack Sparrow from Davy Jones' Locker and then fighting the East India Trading Co. led by Cutler Beckett and Davy Jones, who plan to extinguish piracy.

D-War saw 743,645 tickets sold nationwide on Sunday, and another 350,000 on Monday, bringing the total office box to 3.3 million during its first six days in theaters, according to movie producer and distributor, Showbox /Media Plex, Inc.

"The sold-out spree is continuing as news of the spectacular special effects and computer graphics in the film have been spreading by word of mouth to other movie fans," said an official of Showbox.

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[bag.lover]

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(source: The Electric New Paper, Singapore)
Madcap housekeeper + hoity heiress = INSTANT FAME
Han Ye Seul's first lead role propels her to stardom

By Chang May Choon
August 07, 2007


In Couple Or Trouble, Korean actress Han Ye Seul's character goes from snooty heiress to garishly-dressed housekeeper after losing her memory.

POMPOUS heiress Ana Jo is rude, bossy, egocentric, and some would say, walks like a penguin.

So when Korean actress Han Ye Seul decided to play her in the TV drama Couple Or Trouble late last year, she had expected her army of detractors to gun her down with criticism.

But, to her biggest surprise, all she got were rave reviews and a ticket to instant stardom.

Her snooty catchphrase 'kko ra ji ha go nen', which means to say 'look at you' with disdain, even got voted the most interesting trendy phrase in a poll in South Korea.

Clearly amused, Ye Seul, 25, told The Chosun Ilbo: 'I was ready for any criticism from viewers, but instead I'm getting very friendly responses and I'm really surprised.'

Born in the US, she returned to South Korea in 2001 to pursue a modelling career before crossing over to TV, where she was panned for poor acting skills.

But she has managed to prove herself this time, and was even named Kim Hee Seon's successor. The latter is famous as Korea's No 1 beauty.

In the drama, which is adapted from the 1987 Hollywood film Overboard starring Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, Ye Seul transforms from snooty princess to outlandish pauper after losing her memory in a yacht accident.

HILARIOUS

A comedy of errors ensues when she gets tricked to become a handyman's (hunky Oh Ji Ho) garishly-dressed live-in housekeeper, but can barely keep her fiery temper down.

Fans raved about her animated expressions and uproarious antics, like bullying the dog and getting high on jajangmyeon (bean paste noodle) and makgeolli (milky rice wine).

In one rainy-day scene where she bashes her co-star Ji Ho with a shovel due to a misunderstanding, she reportedly hit him so hard that she nearly broke his nose.

For Ye Seul, the drama was also a journey of discovery into the finer craft of acting.

Couple Or Trouble marks her first leading drama, after playing supporting roles in titles like Forbidden Love and Typhoon In That Summer.

To appear more convincing as the aloof Ana Jo, she even spent three months learning how to speak in a lower pitch than her usual voice.

She told Innolife.com: 'I have no talent in performing, so I must fill in the gap with hard work.

'From the director to the scriptwriters, everyone is concerned if I bring out the character's arrogance and indifference, so I have to give it my best shot.'

She added that she used to feel like a 'pampered child' in showbiz, but now she has become more serious about acting.

However, Ye Seul was also quick to add that she is 'completely different' from her screen alter-ego.

'In real life I'm gentle, soft-hearted, and I rarely get angry.'

Reflecting on how she used to be a flak magnet, she said: 'The reason why I had so many detractors was that I became a star so fast.'

Now, she wants to be a credible actress more than just a star.

Her next step is her first leading film, the romantic comedy Prudent Miss Shin.

Filming will begin later this month. She plays an advertising executive who dreams of marrying the right guy to change her destiny.

So, is she seeing anyone in real life?

Ye Seul was once linked to superstar Jang Dong Gun after shooting a commercial together in New Zealand in 2005, but he clarified they were only colleagues.

More recently in April, pictures of her holding hands with a cute guy surfaced on the Internet and spawned talk of a new romance.

But it turned out to be another advertisement. The guy in question is not her new beau, but a new artiste also signed to her management agency.

Couple Or Trouble is now showing on VV Drama (StarHub Ch 55) at 10.30pm on Sundays. The DVD version, entitled Fantasy Couple, is also available in stores here.



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[bag.lover]

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(source: airirang Showbiz Extra - Inside Scoop)
Han Ji-min to Star in New Historical Drama

Beautiful actress Han Ji-min (Capital Scandal, Great Expectations, Wolf, Resurrection) has been cast as the king's lover in the upcoming period drama, "Lee San - Great King Jeongjo." Han Ji-min, who has been enjoying soaring popularity in both TV dramas and films, will star opposite Lee Seo-jin, who has also been cast as King Jeongjo. Han Ji-min will play a court lady becoming King Jeongjo's favorite concubine by stealing his heart. Producer Lee Byung-hoon who also produced mega hit dramas like, "Jewel in the Palace" and "Huh Joon," will be spearheading the new historical drama. Hence, some even speculate that Han Ji-min may become another "Lee Young-ae" through the "Lee San - Great King Jeongjo." Han Ji-min, who looks fabulous in the Korean traditional costume 멖anbok', is expected to ooze her feminine charm in the drama.

If you are ready to be mesmerized by the beauty of Han Ji-min, don't forget to watch the upcoming series.


^ KBS2 drama [Capital Scandal]'s Han Ji-min & Kang Ji Hwan
(images from innolife)
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[bag.lover]

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(source: airirang Showbiz Extra - On Location)
Daughter-in-law's Golden Days


^ Kim Ji-hoon, Lee Soo-kyung (images from innolife)

Always full of bubbly energy, Lee Soo-kyung joins the ever-maturing actor, Kim Ji-hoon in a brand new TV drama. The name of the drama? <Daughter-in-law's Golden Days>!

Time to meet the cast and watch them in action... ON-LOCATION takes you behind-the-scenes.

It's a fun drama threaded around the romance that grows between Lee Soo-kyung and Kim Ji-hoon. But that's not the only story! It also tells the tale of some very particular families.

Lee Soo-kyung plays "Cho Mi-jin," a young career woman who's intelligent and very straightforward. Even in front of adults, she's not afraid to speak her mind.

The lucky man who receives the FULL force of her adoration and love is "Lee Bok-soo," the character played by Kim Ji-hoon. "Lee Bok-soo" is the eldest of a family who owns a restaurant specializing in pork hock. The two get married and they try to adjust to living a life with parents who are strict about tradition. Besides the happy-go-lucky couple, there's another character that we should keep our eye on! She's "Soo-hyun," a beautiful married woman who can't help being attracted to another man.

Actress Song Sun-mi is in charge of playing, "Soo-hyun." She brings her character to life with a new vigor and promises to show audiences a new side to her acting.

Dark, round, plastic-framed glasses and a silly hairstyle. Seo Young-hee grabs the attention of viewers with her on-screen makeover! Seo is "Bok-nam" , a shy young lady with a tendency for quirkiness.

"Bok-nam" is an oddball who writes for television. THIS is definitely a part of Seo Young-hee that we hadn't seen before!

If you couldn't tell already by their character's names, "Bok-soo" and "Bok-nam," Seo Young-hee and Kim Ji-hoon are siblings in the drama.

Both are attempting character-types they've never tried before, so a lot of people are wondering how they'll do - THEY'RE just excited to be challenged by a new drama.

"Cho Mi-jin" and "Lee Bok-soo"! All day long, they quarrel and at night, THIS is what they do? They must be exhausted! I couldn't just leave them be - (I jumped in to try to stop them.)

Now, time to watch Lee Soo-kyung in action!

It was scary just watching the scene - it looked like she had done some heavy prepping for the part.

The struggle continued until finally, they rolled down the stairs - But who's that? Who's that, watching from a distance with a smile on their face?

"Bok-soo" can't handle the whining from his girlfriend and bangs his forehead against hers! MY forehead hurt from watching that!

Kim Ji-hoon - it's too early for you to be smiling about missing a fall down the stairs! Lee Soo-kyung is JUST getting started! There's a lot more where that came from like this!

<Daughter-in-law's Golden Days> is an engaging weekend drama that portrays the comic side to the ever-changing culture of marriage! This family overcomes the usual conflict between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, until the new bride is accepted into the family. Make sure to keep an eye on Lee Soo-kyung and Kim Ji-hoon!

http://www.arirang.co.kr/Tv2/Showbiz...n&sys_lang=Eng
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[bag.lover]

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(source: airirang Showbiz Extra - News Extra)
Daniel Henney Looks for His Father

After a looong break away, the handsome Mr. Daniel Henney returns to the silver screen! There's a sad story behind those sorrowful eyes, and today he shares that story with us.

See that booth waaaaaay over there? Daniel Henney's inside! What's he doing over there?

With this new movie on his hands, Henney's trying to deepen his roots as an actor in Korea. Can you tell us about the character?

"My Father" is based on a true story. 22 years after being adopted by parents from the U.S., a young man returns to his native country in search of his real parents. He finally finds his father. His father is an inmate on death row.

Playing the role of Henney's real father, is actor Kim Young-chul. They actually looked somewhat similar, good looks and the same spirit in their eyes!

After having spent so much time together for the film, Kim Young-chul and Daniel grew close- it's as if they're really family! Though separated by the partition, we could still see the sorrow that bonded the two.

A movie that has an overwhelming sense of sadness. It's enough to fill the audiences with sorrow, too! That was the movie poster shoot for "My Father"! Henney is more determined than ever to show the public he HAS what it takes to be the best. You won't have to wait much longer, "My Father"'s coming to theaters soon!


(image from Cine Line, innolife)

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[bag.lover]

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(source: airirang Showbiz Extra - Cinema Spotlight)
No more ghost films this summer

The horror and tragedy that takes place in a hospital in 1942. And a mysterious murderer who returns to a hospital after 25 years. Today, we introduce you to two great horror films that will send a chill down your spine, this summer. Let's take a sneak peak at "Epitaph," and "Return."

Upon competing their studies in Tokyo, In-young and Dong-won, a married doctor couple, return to the Anseng Hospital, one of the finest hospitals in Kyungsung in 1942. Meanwhile, Jung Nam, an introverted second-year intern, finds it difficult to adjust to the hospital life. And one day, a series of horrific murders takes place in the hospital.

Along with the dead body of a high school girl, who committed suicide, Asako, a nine-year old girl, who survives a car accident that kills her entire family, are taken to the hospital. Since then, an inexplicable fear begins to engulf the hospital.

Now, let's take a look at "Return." 10 Year-old Na Sang-woo wakes up unexpectedly during heart surgery.

After the operation, Sang-woo starts to show extreme behavior and even kills a child. Shocked by the accident, Sang-woo's parents decide to seal his memory by hypnosis.

Twenty five years after the accident, surgeon Ryu Jae-woo receives an unexpected visit from his childhood friend Kang Wook-hwan. Since then, a series of mysterious events unfolds before Jae-woo.

Let's go back to the story of "Epitaph" again. Jung-nam who is about to marry someone he doesn't love falls in love with a beautiful corpse. And genius doctor Soo-in becomes obsessed with treating Asako, who is haunted by ghosts. And Dong-won discovers a shocking truth that his wife In-young does not have a shadow.

Now, the following is the story of "Return." Jae-woo comes into conflicts with anesthetist Jang Seok-ho and psychiatrist Oh Ji-hoon.

Moreover, his wife becomes the victim of serial killings that take place around him. He, however, realizes that all this tragic events are related to Na Seang-woo. So among them, who do you think is Na Sang-woo who has returned after 25 years' of disappearance.

No more ghost films this summer! Beat this summer's sweltering heat with two great horror films,"Epitaph," and "Return" which have created yet another paradigm of horror. This wraps up today's Cinema Spotlight. We'll always bring you the hottest and latest movies every Thursday. Until then, Bye Bye~

http://www.arirang.co.kr/Tv2/Showbiz...i&sys_lang=Eng
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[bag.lover]

Gong Yoo to enlist on October 9th?
There are reports of actor Gong Yoo (Coffee Prince, One Fine Day, Hello My Teacher) enlisting for his military duty on October 9th. His management agency said that Gong Yoo has not received his draft notice, therefore, it's not confirmed whether he will enlist. Once the compulsory military service details are finalized, they will officially announce it; there's a possibility of him filming a movie or TV series after completing drama "Coffee Prince".

(source: chosun, Edaily SPN)

[bag.lover]

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(source: CHOSUN Aug.8,2007 06:58 KST)
Yoon Eun-hye Goes From Girl Group to Boy Actor



Few people would think of the now defunct girl band Baby V.O.X. looking at singer-turned-actress Yoon Eun-hye. In her third and latest drama "The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince" (following "Princess Hours" and "The Vineyard Man"), she solidified her acting talent, successfully pulling off her role as a tomboy pretending to be a man.

"I'm more attracted to unusual roles," Yoon says, "but of course confidence should come first. In all three dramas, my parts weren't necessarily a typical heroine. I'm working hard so I don't have any regrets." In the show, Coffee Prince is a coffee shop that hires only male waiters. Yoon plays Go Eun-chan who pretends to be a guy in order to get a job there.

Most viewers of course won't be fooled by Yoon as a "man." But she's still a lot of fun to watch, as Yoon studied how men act to play the role. To get that husky voice, she's said to have sung at the top of her lungs at a karaoke hall. "After I got the part, I keenly observed how men act and talk and practiced mimicking them. I thought it would be more effective on screen to portray more of a tough kind of fellow. On set, the crew just considers me a guy."

Choi Han-kyul, played by Gong Yoo, doesn't know Eun-chan is a girl and develops feelings for the person he believes is a boy. The drama tackles homosexual love carefully yet provocatively. "I never thought of it as homosexual while doing Eun-chan and Han-kyul's hugging and kissing scenes," Yoon says. "People say it's astonishing and shocking, but not for me. I'm a girl and Eun-chan is a girl, that's all."

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[bag.lover]

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(source: JoongAng Daily)
[Talk of the town]Hair raising refusal causes loss of face

August 08, 2007

The chance of a lead role in a promising soap opera or movie is unquestionably a golden opportunity for actors to demonstrate their potential. Thus Kim Ah-joong (picture below) and Cha In-pyo must have felt awful for declining such offers on account of their hair.


Kim Ah-joong

After her success in the movie “200- Pound Beauty,” Kim gladly accepted the lead role of Ko Eun-chan in “Coffee Prince,” a popular drama that boasts an audience rating of 30 percent ― until she realized that Ko was a cross-dressing young woman. This meant that Kim’s long, shiny hair had to be cut. Kim’s manager, Kim Eun-joo said, “Unfortunately, as a shampoo model, Kim is forbidden to get a haircut at any time under the shampoo contract.”

Cha In-pyo also missed his chance to perform in “May 18,” the box office success about the Gwangju uprising. Already acquainted with both the film’s director and distributor after his part in “Mokpo Harbor,” Cha seemed perfect for “May 18.” However, he was promptly replaced, when the director decided his curly hair was not fit for the role of a strict teacher. Yoon Eun-Hye and Son Byung-ho snatched up the respective roles.

By Lee Seung-eun

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[bag.lover]

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(source: JoongAng Daily)
[Talk of the town]Ice princess fried by Web heat

August 08, 2007


Kim Yu-Na

Beware of the wrath of the Korean teeny bopper.

The cable TV show “School of Rock” last week, Lee Hyuk, 24, told his costars that national figure skating champion Kim Yu-Na had rejected his friendship request on the social networking site www.cyworld.com. Lee, of the boy band Super Junior, claimed she declined his offer while the two were shooting a school uniform advertisement together.

A query for Kim’s Cyworld “mini homepage” topped lists in many Korean Internet search engines as angry fans wrote hateful messages on the page. “You should apologize on TV, you bitch,” wrote one Super Junior fan. On her blog, Kim, 16, denied that she had refused Lee’s amiable online overtures.

Lee, whose real name is Park Jeong-soo, recanted his prior statements on air a few days after the vitriolic comments against the ice princess shook the online community. On the radio program he regularly hosts, Lee said he got carried away because he wanted to pump up the liveliness of the show. He apologized to Kim and her fans for causing them grief.

Kim recently placed third at the 2007 ISU World Figure Skating Championships, setting a benchmark for Korean skaters, who have never won a medal at world events. Lee’s group Super Junior earned accolades shortly after their 2006 debut, accumulating a long list of music awards.

By Renee Park
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[bag.lover]

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(source: JoongAng Daily)
[TV review]The beauty of familiar tunes and old Song

August 08, 2007


“National Amateur Singing Contest,” a long-running show with homely fun. [KBS-TV]

There is a certain beauty in things that are always there. They may not demand your attention, but come rain or shine they are a presence. Their sheer existence brings a certain degree of warmth. This is the kind of comfort and charm that the TV show, “National Amateur Singing Contest” brings to Korean audiences every Sunday at noon on KBS1-TV.

The show tours around small towns, visiting a different one each week to stage a singing contest. There are no hotshot singers or top orchestras, but the makeshift stage allows the locals to make the most of what may be their one and only TV appearance. Winning the show hardly guarantees being a Korean idol, but they are the heroes for a day and that seems to be enough for performers who like their day jobs.

As one of the longest-running TV programs, the show has been on-air since 1980, aging together with the M.C. Song Hae. Song, whose name in English befits the nature of the show, is now 80. He started his career as a singer and comedian, but there is no argument that he is now inseparably associated with the show.

The singing contest is not “must-watch TV” but it has become a pleasing part of the Sunday routine. I have never stayed in to watch the show, but I run across it in restaurants, where waitressing ajummas ignore my requests for extra kimchi because they are concentrating on singing (and sometimes dancing) along with the show’s songs. I don’t criticize the ajummas for this because no one has the right to take away their Sunday fun.

The enthusiasm of the locals on stage is contagious, and viewers smile at their amateur dancing and singing. It’s also a chance for locals to boast about their town, and it has become the show’s routine for several people to bring their regional specialty, like peaches or rice cakes, to share them with the M.C. and the band.

In this homey atmosphere Song, the grandpa-next-door M.C., sometimes allows little boys or girls on stage, which happened during the latest episode, which took place in Yeongi, North Chungcheong. Six-year-old Miss Kim So-yeong was glad get an unexpected payment of 10,000 won ($11) in exchange for showing off her dance moves, which made the audience and TV viewers smile.

Other contestants on the show included Lee Seon-dong, 66, who introduced herself as the “person who would improve the county’s livelihood if she was president” and “a big mama who loves to tap dance.” Another impressive contestant was the 93-year-old Oh Sun-chang, the president of the county’s group of the elders. Song bowed to the white-haired gentleman and they sang together when the contestant’s voice began to grow hoarse near the end of his tune. From a 47-year-old office worker to a 20-year-old job seeker, the contestants had a good time, regardless of the prizes. Some contestants had no singing talent, and they had to leave the stage when the judges rang the bell, but they retired from the stage with winning smiles.

There are about a dozen contestants each week, and the audience, mostly their friends and families, holds banners like, “Way to go, Charisma Park!” or “You’re the best, my friend!” So the show is not a simple singing contest, but a feast day for the town.

People may call it a hillbilly show, yet many still watch. AGB Nielsen Media Research last month announced that this show is ranked top among weekend entertainment shows, despite steep competition from programs with hotshot stars that air primetime. The show has won an audience rating of 10 percent for years, proving that it is nationally beloved show many years in it yet.

“This show is like your home, where you can enjoy yourselves in comfort,” said Song on last Sunday. I agree and I hope the show will be still there when I am 64.

By Chun Su jin
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[bag.lover]

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(source: JoongAng Daily)
A high kick into top gear for a new star

August 08, 2007


Park Hae-mi is enjoying her popularity as a musical and TV star. By Kim Seong-ryong

The popular sitcom “Have No Fear, Kick High” is memorable largely because of Park Hae-mi’s refreshing laughter.

Park played a high-spirited mother of two children, wife, daughter-in-law and Oriental doctor. In each capacity she exhibited special flair.

Less than a month has passed since the show ended and Park, 44, has been receiving enthusiastic calls from directors and producers.

Right after High Kick ended, Park starred in bonus episodes of “War of Money” and is currently the M.C. of two shows, “The Stories of One Thousand People” and “Park Hae-mi’s Pandora’s Box.”

Park is often called a Cinderella. She made her musical debut in 1984 and has had hard times toiling as an unknown.

“Once, I didn’t have the money to buy milk for my children,” said Park.

But she never thought obscurity was her destiny. She believed that one day she would be a big star. “The more difficult the situation, the more confident I became.”

Park’s confidence was acquired from her mother.

“My mother keeps track of all the family money,” said Park. When the family was pressed for money in the past, it was her mother who was in control. Park wants to be like that.

“She is 70 years old now and still works,” said Park. “I also picture myself working with energy until that age.”

Park’s confidence is what makes her anxiety-free.

Her open-minded and honest personality has also helped her to be a success.

Park said that her parents run nightclubs and casinos. Though some members of the public might frown, Park is unabashed.

“Is running a club something to hide?” she said. “My parents acted fair and square and my siblings and I respect them.”

Under her parents’ influence, Park and her siblings all had dreams of managing a nightclub.

Park revealed her personal story in her book, “The Song of Mamma Mia Donna,” written after her first marriage ended in divorce. She is now married again, to a man who is 8 years her junior.

“If you wrap yourself in layers of secrets, it’s hard to speak in front of the public,” Park said. “You become less truthful.”

Park said that it’s important to be transparent if you want to have a tranquil spirit.

“Plus, when you unveil yourself without being forced to, the public has fewer criticisms,” she said.

Park’s strong will was reflected in High Kick and sitcom fans call her “a nurturer.” Park shared her feelings about that term.

“My TV debut was the SBS drama ‘Dear Heaven’ and I played a mean character,” said Park. “But I had to act out a completely different character in High Kick.”

Although she was offered the chance to appear in a drama written by script queen Kim Su-hyun, she picked High Kick instead because it was more of a challenge.

Park is ready to change again. She is even willing to star as Sin Saimdang, a Korean calligrapher and the mother of Yulgok, a Confucian scholar.

But she has noticed that change is not easy without effort.

Viewers of the two programs say that Park’s M.C.s do not have independent voices.

“I’ll change that gradually,” said Park. Step by step, her goal is to host a talk show under her own name.

Before that happens, Park has a tight schedule.

Her creative musical production, “I Do I Do” is currently running and next week, she will be the classical music commentator for Seoul Youth Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance.

In mid-September, she will perform in Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd” (1979), a thrilling musical by one of the world’s leading composers.

“Sondheim’s piece is extremely artistic and, at the same time, quite experimental. The musical notes are dissonant,” Park said.

Amid the discord, Park finds charm in the characters because they hold the music together.

Park said that she feels she is somewhat similar to the character Ms. Lovett in that both concentrate all their efforts on one thing.

“I have a lot of challenges,” said Park. “Despite my appearance and age, I want to prove that middle-aged people like me can become stars.”

By Yang Sung-hee JoongAng Ilbo
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[bag.lover]

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(source: The Korea Herald)
Zo In-seong to represent Levi's line

Heartthrob Zo In-seong will star in Levi's new Premium Line advertisements. The line, set for release nationwide in mid-August, will target consumers who want a more chic, stylish jean.

"Zo In-seong's trendy fashion sense and his upscale, sophisticated image channel the new Levi's Premium Line well," said Levi's General Manager Choi Kyung-ae.

Zo, known for his romantic roles in the 2003 SBS drama "Shooting Stars" and the 2005 drama "Spring Day," is also known for his impeccable sense of style, often topping celebrity fashion charts with his sleek, modern ensembles.

The trendsetter modeled the line in Tokyo in late July. World famous photographer Yasunari Kikuma shot the ads, capturing Zo in the new jeans.

The new line will cater to both the eco-conscious and the stylish with both a basic and an eco line. The basic line uses high quality fabrics and modern washes to create a slim and elegant look. The eco line, made from 100 percent organic cotton, will contribute part of its proceeds to the operation of an environmentally conscious classroom for children.

2007.08.07
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[bag.lover]

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(source: The Korea Times 08-08-2007 17:45)
Japanese Manga Come to Life on TV

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

Japanese "manga" or comic books have long inspired real-life renditions, such as Park Chan-wook's award-winning film "Old Boy" (2003) and recently released psychopath thriller "Black House" starring Hwang Jung-min. These "blockbuster" cartoons have come to life on Japanese TV screens in the form of dramas, and several of the most popular series hit local channels this summer.

Here is a guide to enjoying your favorite comic books personified by popular stars, with looks and grooves like that of cartoon characters.


TV Drama "Nodame Cantabile," based on a popular Japanese comic book of the same title, airs this summer on MBC Movies. / Courtesy of Fuji TV

'Nodame Cantabile'

Airs at midnight, Wednesdays and Thursdayson MBC MOVIES.

"Cantabile" is an Italian musical term that means "songlike." From such singing style unfolds a slapstick drama about the turbulent relationship between two music students. The talented and arrogant violinist and aspiring conductor Chiaki (played by popular actor Tamaki Hiroshi) and carefree, messy and unhygienic Nodame (rising actress Juri Ueno) are two unlikely friends, with Chiaki constantly rejecting Nodame's affections, because, well, she isn't really the most hygienic person around.

But Chiaki sees musical potential in the lax pianist Nodame, and while dealing with her crazy ways he himself begins to warm to her idiosyncratic ways, loosening up his uptight perfectionism. As the two learn things from each other in unexpected ways, they mature as individuals, both as musicians and as a couple.

Tomoko Ninomiya's original comic series won the 2004 Kodansha Manga Award for "shojo" or girl comics. Other than the live action drama, to air here on the MBC MOVIES channel, an animation series hit TVs in Japan earlier this year.



'Hana-Kimi: For You in Full Blossom'

Airs 9 p.m., Tuesdays on Fuji TV.

Mizuki Ashiya is a Japanese-American teenage girl who, on a whim, decides to move to Japan to attend the same school as her idol, a track and field star named Izumi Sano. But alas, Sano attends an all-boys high school. Yet this is no big hurdle for the determined Mizuki, for she completes her disguise as a boy by cutting her long hair short and making a few other physical adjustments.

The drama traces the comic situation of a pretty girl posing as a boy in an all-male school. All the beautiful boy faces onscreen will delight female viewers.

The 23-volume comic series by Hisaya Nakajo is explosively popular in many countries, including Korea and the United States. "Hua Yang Shao Nian Sharo Nu," a Taiwanese drama adaptation, aired last year and is followed by a second season for 2007/2008.



'The Story of Yamada Taro'

Airs 10 p.m., Friday on TBS.

Handsome, intelligent, gallant and athletic, Taro seems to be the modern-day prince charming. He is at the top of his class at a prestigious high school, attended only by the children of the super rich. Naturally, everyone assumes he is a wealthy heir. But looks can be deceiving, for he is really a penniless boy trying to make ends meet for his six siblings and immature mother.

The drama comically traces Taro's daily struggles, such as engaging in a fierce battle to win a croquet. Although Taro never meant to deceive anyone, his charming looks trick everyone into interpreting his humble attitude as a product of good breeding.

The series stars two members of popular Japanese boy band Arashi: Kazunari Ninomiya as Taro and Sho Sakurai as Taro's wealthy best friend Takuya. Based on Morinaga Ai's much-loved comic series, the story has already been dramatized on Chinese television network CTS as a 15-episode drama in 2001, titled "Ping Qiong Gui Gong Zi: Poor Prince Taro."

For more information about "The Story of Yamada Taro" or "Hana-Kimi: For You in Full Blossom," visit www.tv.co.kr or www.folderplus.com.

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