Korean Drama

[bag.lover]

(source: CHOSUN)

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[STAR * mini-documentary] (2) Rain

* (2002)
* [Sangdoo Let's Go to School] (2003)
* [A Love to Kill] (2005)
* concert tour (2006)

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[STAR * mini-documentary] (3) Lee Byung Hun
(1) early days (94)
(4) filming location of drama [Beautiful Days] (1997) {wrong info}
(3) movie [JSA] (2000)
(4) returning home from oversea filming with Song Hye Kyo (2003)
(5) visiting Japan for movie [A Bittersweet Life] (2005)
(6) filming location of movie [Once in a Summer] (2006)
(7) press conference of movie [HERO] (2007)


Actor Lee Byung Hun debuted in 1992 with drama [Asphalt My Hometown, Asphalt] (KBS). He won Newcomer Award at KBS Acting Awards with [Tomorrow Love] (KBS) in the same year. After signing exclusive contracts with SBS, he starred in a series of TV dramas including [The Legend of Car God] ('95), [White Nights 3.98] ('98), [Happy Together] ('99), and [Beautiful Days] (2001), [All In] (2003). [Beautiful Days] was very popular in Japan, Lee Byung became Hallyu star [Byonsama].

Very active in films, he starred in movies such as [JSA] (2000), [Bungee Jumping of Their Own] (2001), [Addicted / The Poisoning] (2002), [Everybody has a Secret] (2004), [A Bittersweet Life] (2005).

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[bag.lover]

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(source: BROasia 2007-08-09)
Actor Lee Sun Ho, to become Joseon's greatest warrior



Lee Sun Ho who appeared in 'Snow Queen' as Kim Jung Kyu, Hyun Bin's best friend and prodigy, will transform into Joseon's greatest warrior.

He will be playing General Jang In Hyung who gave up his position despite having the best swordsmanship due to revolutions in the upcoming 10 episode series 'The 8th' which will be aired on Channel CGV in October.

Lee Sun Ho says, "I have been training at action school for more than 5 hours a day for the fighting scenes in the series. I am taking the position of learning from the great seniors that I will be acting with."

Based on the novel 'Wonhaeng' following the eight days of Jung Jo in the midst of revolution will also star Kim Sang Joon, Park Chul and others.

Lee Sun Ho who debuted through 'Snow Queen' also appeared recently in the MBC drama series 'Air City' and various other commercials.

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[bag.lover]

(source: Edaily SPN, Chosun)
On the 8th, TSG Production revealed 7 photos of blockbuster drama "Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi / The Four Guardian Gods of the King" (MBC).


^ Actor Bae Yong Joon


^ New actress Lee Ji Ah


^ Actor Yoon Tae Young


^ PD Kim Jong Hak


^ Actress Moon So Ri


^ Actor Choi Min Soo

[bag.lover]

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(source: The Korea Times 05-08-2007 20:50)
Newcomer Lee Ji-ah to Play Bae Yong-joon’s Love Interest

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia


Lee Ji-ah will appear in the new MBC historical drama “Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi” (The Legend) with Bae Yong-joon.

New actress Lee Ji-ah will star opposite hallyu star Bae Yong-joon in the upcoming MBC historical drama "Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi" (The Legend).

Lee will play a key role in the drama, as part of a love triangle involving the drama’s lead characters played by Bae and actress Moon So-ri. "Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi" (The Legend) is about the life of the 19th king of Goguryeo and the characters of the Four Gods. Bae plays Dahm Deok, who will become the king, while Moon plays his first love Seo Gi-ha.

Lee has been described as having the beauty and charm of top actresses Shim Eun-ha (Christmas in August; Trap of Youth) and Go Hyun-jung (Sandglass, Spring Days). The 26-year-old actress is majoring in graphic art design and is reportedly fluent in English.

The drama is currently filming on location in Jeju island and will start airing on MBC June 25 {delayed to September 10}.

"The Legend" is one of the most anticipated dramas because of its storyline and big budget, which is reportedly around 43 billion won. It is also attracting a lot of attention since it is Bae’s first drama since the Asia-wide hit "Winter Sonata."

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[bag.lover]

Quote:

(source: tour2korea 7-24-2007) Currently, Rain is concentrated on filming a movie by the Wachowski brothers in Berlin, Germany, called ‘Speed Racer’.

Rain in Berlin



(STARNEWS/CHOSUN)

[bag.lover]

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(source: CHOSUN Aug.10,2007 07:07KST)
Fans Eagerly Await Wedding of Kim Hee-seon



The biggest buzz in the entertainment world these days is the news of actress Kim Hee-seon's coming wedding in October. Kim denied the news when the Sports Chosun first reported it in May, saying marriage was "premature" although she did acknowledge that she was in love. She was first introduced to would-be husband Park Ju-young at a gathering of friends in January. Kim says she was attracted to the kind, considerate and humane Park. She's open about her feelings, revealing them on a personal homepage decked with pink heart emoticons and a mood indicator set at "I love you." Her stunning looks and candid and cheerful personality have been loved by fans for years.

Kim has been named by plastic surgeons several times as Korea's most beautiful woman. She debuted as the MC of SBS Music Charts in 1993 during her second year of high school. Her succeeding dramas and films include "Tomato", "Mister Q", "A Far and Away Nation" and "Bichunmoo." The fashionista speaks openly and doesn't seem to care of what others think of her. She recently said, "I'd like to get married if I find the right one. A happy family is my biggest goal in life." The all-Korean girl has announced her love affair and it's only natural for people to wonder if she will really tie the knot.

After the news of her love affair first surfaced the spotlight went straight to Park. When it was revealed that he's the son of the owner of Larksan Group, Internet message boards filled up with questions about Larksan. The August issue of Woman Chosun magazine says Larksan CEO Park Sung-gwan has nothing but praise for his would-be daughter-in-law. Park refused to deny the rumor of the marriage in an interview with the magazine, although he did say, "Hee-seon is most important and I hope the facts will be confirmed through her."

The news of her wedding has graced the covers of a number of Chinese magazines and portal sites as well. The Today Morning Express in Zhejiang province reported that talk of her affair has been hot gossip since spring. "Kim has reportedly fallen for Park's gentlemanly but wild personality," it wrote. Sina.com said, "Park is a handsome young entrepreneur who has studied abroad. He's also been named as having the best body by a men's magazine in July last year." She's been loved by many Koreans but now Kim has become the lady of one man. All eyes are on her October wedding.

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[bag.lover]

(from NEWSIS/CHOSUN/STARNEWS)
[8/9/2007] Press confrerence of MBC's weekend drama [Kimcheed Radish Cubes] (Ggak-Du-Gi) starring actress Yoo Ho Jeong (Outrageous Women, Rosemary), actor Kim Seung Su (Jumong), actress Kim Bo Kyeong, actress Park Shin Hye (Prince Hours, Tree of Heaven), actress Lee Min Jeong, actor Kim Heung Su (Princess LuLu), etc. This 50-episode drama will premiere on August 18th at 7:55pm.

[bag.lover]

(source: NEWSEN)

Official posters of drama [Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi / The Four Guardian Gods of the King] (MBC).

[Kai Lien]

Thanks for all the latest news bag.lover. I can't wait to see BYJ in that new series.

[bag.lover]

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(source: BROasia 2007-08-10)
'The Legend' poster revealed



The poster for the fantasy historical drama series 'The Legend' which is scheduled to air on September 10th was revealed.

The two posters revealed on the 10th feature the three main characters as well as a charismatic Bae Yong Joon as Dam Deok.

The symbol in the background is the official 'The Legend' logo, designed based on a Goguryeo mural combining the four gods. They each represent north, south, east, west, and altogether the world and the image of the sun surrounding it signifies the king that does not die.

The style of the Chinese characters in the logo was taken from the actual inscription on King Kwanggaeto's monument as well.

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[bag.lover]

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(source: The Korea Times )
Television Debate About 'D-War' Fuels Up Korea

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter


A captured scene of the 100-minute debate on "D-War" that aired on MBC Friday. / Courtesy of MBC

The summer heat sizzled up as a 100-minute debate on the Korean blockbuster movie "D-War" televised live early Friday morning summoned an explosive public response via the Internet. As various film experts discussed comedian-turned-director Shim Hyung-rae's fantasy film _ with one bashing it as "unworthy of criticism" _ thousands of Netizens voiced their opinions through the MBC program's Web site.

After opening across some 690 screens nationwide Aug.1, the movie smashed local box office records by drawing in over 4.18 million moviegoers in just nine days as of Thursday, said distributor Showbox/Mediaplex.

Hosted by Professor Son Seok-hi of Sungshin Women's University, debaters questioned whether or not "D-War" is a source of hope for Korean films. The panel included Peter (Gwang-su) Kim Jho, CEO/producer of production company Generation Blue Films; cultural critic Jin Jung-gwon who is also a Chung-Ang University professor; Ha Jae-geun, cultural critic; and Sports Chosun reporter Kim Cheon-hong.

Jin attacked "D-War," saying that it owes its large following to ``the patriotic appeal of a Korean film making a Hollywood debut, and director Shim Hyung-rae's pride for the domestically produced computer graphics." He further explained that the film, having only concentrated on computer graphics, lacks a plot and "is unworthy of criticism."

Alongside Jin, Kim Jho pointed out "D-War's" problematic marketing technique of utilizing elements unrelated to the film. To this, Kim Cheon-hong defended the film by saying that there is nothing wrong with employing patriotic requests, and that it is ultimately the audience's decision to watch a film.

The 100-minute talk stirred up Netizens, and even prior to its airing, Internet users posted some 7,000 entries on MBC's Web site. The number of posts added a further 4,500 during the live show and 5,000 after the debate ended.

Although many Netizens negatively criticized "D-War," they expressed disapproval of Jin's reasoning. One user, Hong Heon-pyo, wrote, "Critics must be ruthlessly objective, but Mr. Jin Jung-gwon said there was no need to even criticize the film." Hong rejected this notion, reasoning that patriotic marketing wouldn't even work unless the film was entertaining in the first place, and over four million people have already seen the film.

Another user, Lee So-yeong, criticized Jin as being unprofessional and rude for saying "It ticks me off that this big mess of a movie is receiving such one-sided support."

Yet another viewer, Kim Yun-sang, defended Jin, saying he was the only one to give a clear answer during the debate.

However, one Netizen, Park Kyeong-hwan, questioned the reason for holding the live talk in the first place. "There was no such debate when admissions for 'King and the Clown' surpassed 10 million. I don't understand why such a debate is necessary when 'D-War' has only drawn over three million viewers," wrote Park.

Nevertheless, according to AGB Nielson Media Research, the TV debate scored a high following of 4.7-percent, up threefold from the program's usual view-rate. Meanwhile, a poll by a major online movie database www.maxmovie.com revealed Thursday, prior to the talk show, that 76.2 percent or 2,240 out of 2,938 of those surveyed agreed that "D-War" is a source of hope for Korean films. 10 percent, or 295, answered that it was not, while the remaing 13.7 percent, or 403, said they did not know.

The film's wide following, spreading like wildfire across the peninsula, immediately marked Shim's computer graphic venture on the map as a major blockbuster. But "D-War" is a "blockbuster" in the larger sense: Regardless of its positive or negative reviews as a motion picture, it has made a momentous social impact.

That is to say, although the film's continued success has yet to be observed, both here and abroad, the fact that "D-War" has inspired a heated debate on national TV, and that it has evoked immense public response, testify to the film's cultural significance.

Meanwhile, director Shim Hyung-rae, may not mind the negative criticism about his latest release. "I once told someone from Columbia Pictures that 'Spider-Man 3' was not much fun and that the plotline wasn't well woven-together, but he said, 'So what? It made money.' There is no 'perfect' movie. There may be an 'almost perfect' film, however," he said confidently about his work, during a press conference July 23 in a Seoul theater.

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[bag.lover]

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(source: http://www.arirang.co.kr/)
Week's New Movie Premieres

Turning to what's playing at movie theaters nationwide. Horror is rising as a popular theme this summer. We have two Korean horrors, plus animation and fantasy adventures from the U.S. More from Son Heekyung.

First up this week is the mystery thriller "Return." The film was ranked first at some of the country's major ticket sites and is receiving rave reviews largely because of the unique subject matter. The horror film "Return" revolves around a 10-year-old boy born into a rich family. He unexpectedly wakes up during surgery and is able to feel the pain cutting through his stomach. After the operation, his behavior changes for the worse. He murders a child and ends up in isolation at a hospital. The mystery is finding out which of the four doctors in the film was, in fact, the boy 20 years ago.

Another horror flick from Korea is "For Eternal Hearts." In this movie a male university student falls in love with an attractive woman back in the 1970s. But after the woman meets a tragic death, the man is in for a wild ride as he sees her in his daily life and begins moving back and forth between dream and reality.

Next up is the action film, "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer", an adaptation of an older American comic book series. The adventure film is about four incredible superheroes who are of course on a mission to save planet Earth. Their arch nemesis is the Silver Surfer, an alien, who is trying to destroy Earth. The film is the sequel to the 2005 film "Fantastic Four," and stars Jessica Alba and Chris Evans.

Last up this week is the animation "Surf's Up." The main character of this computer-animated film is a penguin who tries to win a surf contest with the help of a surfing legend. What's unusual about this film is that it's shot in a documentary style that pokes fun at surf documentaries such as the 1960s film "The Endless Summer" and the documentary "Riding Giants" from 2004.

Son Heekyung, Arirang News.
AUG 10, 2007

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[bag.lover]

(source: CHOSUN)


^ Yoon Eun Hye in 2001 & 2007


^ Yoon Eun Hye & Joo Ji Hoon in drama [Goong / Princess Hours]


^ Yoon Eun Hye & Oh Man Suk in drama [The Vineyard Man]


^ Yoon Eun Hye & Gong Yoo in drama [The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince]

[bag.lover]

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(source: http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/)
New HONG Sangsoo film starts shooting in Paris



Well-known director HONG Sangsoo has opened shooting on his eighth film, which will be 80% set in Paris.

Titled Bam-gwa nat in Korean, which translates as "Night and Day", the film centers around a painter who takes an unexpected trip to Paris and encounters various people there. Actor KIM Young-ho (Phantom the Submarine, Spin Kick) takes the lead role, and he will be joined in the cast by TV actress HWANG Soo-jeong (Hur Joon) as his wife and PARK Eun-hye (Jewel in the Palace) as an art major studying in Paris.

The film will be produced by b.o.m. Film Productions, which also produced HONG's last film Woman on the Beach. Shooting opened on August 8 and is expected to last until the end of September.

HONG Sangsoo made his debut in 1996, and is considered one of Korea's most acclaimed arthouse directors. His fifth and sixth films Woman is the Future of Man and Tale of Cinema screened in competition at the Cannes Film Festival in 2004 and 2005.

Darcy Paquet (KOFIC)

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[bag.lover]

Quote:

Turning to what's playing at movie theaters nationwide. Horror is rising as a popular theme this summer. We have two Korean horrors....

(source: http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/)

Wide Awake (Return)
Director: LEE Gyu-man
Main Cast: KIM Tae-woo, KIM Myung-min, KIM You-mi, YU Jun-sang, JUNG Yoo-suk
Release Date: AUG 08 2007
Genre: Thrillers
Synopsis
Due to inadequate use of anesthetics, a young boy experiences "intra-operative awareness" during his own heart surgery, hearing every sound and movement of the procedure. From the scalpel slicing through his body and surgical saw cutting through his rib cage, he remains completely aware! Unable to respond from the muscle-relaxation used during his surgery, the little boy is severely traumatized from this horrific accident. As a result, the child ends up brutally murdering a young girl soon after the incident. The boy is placed in a mental institution. Several psychiatrists find interest in his case, and decide to utilize radical treatment methods in order to cure the child. Through the use of hypnotism, they succeed in sealing the part of the boy's memory, his past and the personality that spawned from it. With this success, the boy is given a second chance and is placed to lead a normal life in society. 20 years later, the man's childhood is once again unlocked from a series of events, and leads to a series of gruesome murders. On a mission to spread the same pain he suffered as a child, the killer becomes cruel yet clever. As the killing continues, each of the memories and the secrets that lie 20 years in the past are slowly revealed.


For Eternal Hearts (Byul-bit sok-eu-ro)
Director: HWANG Qu-duk
Main Cast: KIM Min-sun, CHA Soo-yeon
Release Date: AUG 09 2007
Genre: Romance, Fantasy
Synopsis
Could You follow your love into death? An ordinary college boy Su-young meets an extraordinary girl named Pippi on campus. After he witnesses her suicide, bizarre things begin to happen…