KDrama Queen

I'm in love...

2011-12-10T23:11:00.002-05:00

...with Nam Gong Min! It rarely happens that I have a kdrama guy crush but this is huge, I didn't get enough of him in Can You Hear My Heart. His voice, his smile, his hair, his dashing suits, OMG this guy is totally underrated. I don't know there's just something about him that makes me go AWWWWWWWWWWW, even if Cha Dong Jo (Kim Rea Won) was the lead I was rooting for Jang Jun Ha aka Maru oppa all the way! This is one of the best kdrama in 2011 in my opinion but that's just me with my Nam Gong Min obsession!

Lee Min-ho - "I want to find a drama where I can find myself" - Part 2

2011-08-24T22:28:00.001-04:00

Lee Min-ho [Starhaus Entertainment]
10: You must have had many thoughts and concerns in portraying Lee Yoon-sung. However, one’s acting may seem a bit unnatural if they have a lot on their mind. What was the one thing that you went with while acting?
Lee Min-ho (Lee): It was very important to capture the essence of the character. I knew that I would be able to portray Lee Yoon-sung without straying away from the script once I knew what he was thinking, his values and the right amount of emotions to express. So I think I tried to express my anger in a way that it would be based on loneliness but wouldn't seem strange.

10: Do you think that there are any points in which you can relate to a character like Lee Yoon-sung who wants to live an ordinary life even though you yourself have enjoyed your popularity and reached stardom through “Boys Over Flowers?
Lee: Lee Yoon-sung is quite a sad individual even from a third person's point of view. He lived a life that he didn’t want since the day he was born and never received any love from his parents. I think it’s only normal that he wants to live a normal life.

10: You said you thought of your loneliness while depicting on Lee Yoon-sung’s loneliness. When are you most lonely?
Lee: Before, I was the kind of person who enjoyed meeting strangers. I used to be very cheerful and friendly and tried to get to know a person in a broader sense but a lot of those characteristics faded away after I got a lot of attention from the audience. I began to avoid people if I felt slightly uncomfortable with them and I was sad with myself because I was struggling to think of things to talk about with a friend who I met after a year. At times, I even wondered whether this was the right way to live. I’m not sure where this loneliness comes from and as much as I put in my efforts to find a solution, I think it'll be difficult to do so if I stay an actor.

10: It seems as though you've started the second round to your career, after receiving a lot of attention for “Boys Over Flowers,” through “City Hunter” by showing a new side to you. What does starring in “City Hunter” mean for you career-wise?
Lee: I feel that I was able to show my potential as an actor through “City Hunter” and I had a strong image of being a 'pretty boy' after starring in “Boys Over Flowers.” I guess you could say that I was able to take a step closer to obtaining the title as a real actor. After “City Hunter,” I have been offered many different roles in not only cheerful productions but also in works that give off a serious and lonesome vibe. It feels as though my range of acting has expanded.

10: What kind of actor do you think has great potential?
Lee: I believe it is one who is able to express their emotions freely. An actor is someone that is able to maintain and express the character’s emotions effectively and leave an impression whether it is in a two or three hour long movie or in a 20-part drama. I honestly think that it [being an actor] is hard. (laugh) But I think one can pull it off if they have honesty and the audience can see it as well. I want to be able to express it just right without being too straightforward or weak.

10: What do you want to try for your next production?
Lee: I want to try acting a loose-ended acting. Like a loser who always visits a comic book store. (laugh) Or maybe do a film like “Twilight” where I can play someone that people can relate to although it's an imaginary world.

10: What are your reasons for wanting to play those kinds of roles?
Lee: I used to live my life just like those characters up til my middle and high school years. I used to drag around my slippers. (laugh) But I lost of a lot of those characteristics as I became an adult and I want to find those traits again through those roles. I feel like a lot of the fans want to see who the real Lee Min-ho is. I feel confident that I can pull off that role by bringing out my experiences.

10: You are now in your mid-twenties. Are you eager to get older?
Lee: Many male actors say that they are in a hurry to become 30 but I like myself now where I’m stuck between being a young man and an adult. I feel like I’m not limited to expressing myself. Maybe a person’s real appeal shows once they hit their thirties but I will probably be sad if my young image disappears. Honestly, I don’t even like the fact that time is going by right now. (laugh)

Source: http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?sec=ent5&idxno=2011081219181785418

Lee Min-ho - "I want to find a drama where I can find myself" - Part 1

2011-08-24T22:25:00.001-04:00

10: I heard you faced many difficulties and was even injured by debris while shooting "City Hunter." Have you recovered?
Lee Min-ho (Lee): I hurt my leg from glass shards because they installed too much explosives for explosions. I have somewhat healed from that injury but my body is still wrecked and I am still covered with bruises. That was how hard of a time I had. (laugh)

10: "City Hunter" ended with your character Lee Yoon-sung living and your foster father Lee Jin-pyo (Kim Sang-joong) dying. What are your thoughts about the ending?
Lee: I think that the ending was similar to what Lee Yoon-sung was like. Lee Jin-pyo died while Lee Yoon-sung is someone who can't be selfish and I don't think it would've matched if the show finished with a completely happy ending. The final scene where it showed Lee Yoon-sung running about the city himself suited him well. I think he would've been happy after that. (laugh) He will probably be able to go on with his life hiding about just like in the original comic.

10: Some say that in the final episode Lee Yoon-sung reconciled with Lee Jin-pyo even though he was brought up as a tool for revenge. How was it having to immerse yourself fully for most of your scenes with Lee Jin-pyo throughout all 20 episodes of the show?
Lee: I had to break up my emotions so they'd be evenly distributed throughout the show. I didn't want to audience to lose interest thinking that Lee Yoon-sung's emotions were becoming weak towards Lee Jin-pyo. For the conflict between Lee Jin-pyo and Lee Yoon-sung, I felt that Lee Yoon-sung needed something different other than just powerful since Lee Jin-pyo was a strong character from beginning to end. It's one of the reasons why I held back in showing the sadness and anger whenever Lee Yoon-sung met Lee Jin-pyo rather than showing the force through my eyes. And then I let those emotions blow up in the scene where Lee Yoon-sung tortures himself after he finds out that Lee Jin-pyo had kidnapped and raised him for revenge. After that I wanted to show that Lee Yoon-sung was trying to understand Lee Jin-pyo.

10: You decided to take part in "City Hunter" early on. What do you think is the difference between the Lee Yoon-sung before and after working on the show?
Lee: At first, I wanted to start off as someone who is more depressed than now. I thought that someone like Lee Yoon-sung who was someone that was dark and hardly laughed will probably change after working at the Blue House and meeting Kim Nana (played by Park Min-young). However, it turned out to be the other way around. (laugh) Most of the scenes where Lee Yoon-sung and Kim Nana are bickering were shown in the beginning in order to highlight the melodramatic storyline because the director felt that action series had a better chance of failing.

10: You have shown a variety of emotions with your relationship with Kim Nana like how you would annoy her one minute, then become somewhat jealous and cold towards her. It seemed as though you reflected on all your experiences from your past works to do so.
Lee: I have become quite familiar with it and I know that I can pull it off because the bickering relationship between Kim Nana and Lee Yoon-sung is just like any relationship between a girl and a guy in other dramas. I put my trust in the director during those scenes in the middle that were lovey dovey. (laugh) Because he is someone that can create a beautiful scene. And Park Min-young and I were able to create those scenes because she was someone I could act comfortably with. I'm kind of sad that I wasn't able to treat Kim Nana in a more adult-like and manly manner because of how the show ended for Lee Yoon-sung. And there wasn't much to show after Kim Nana found out that Lee Yoon-sung was the City Hunter. The only thing that he could do was to ask her to wait for him till he was done with his mission. I also feel sad that we couldn't prolong our bickering relationship because it might have kept up the tension from before a bit.

10: "City Hunter" is a completely different genre from KBS' series "Boys Over Flowers" and "Personal Taste." What did you focus on the most for "City Hunter" since it had more action sequences and the main characters in the show were different from your previous works?
Lee: What I kept in mind was to adequately divide the emotions that are expressed in the relationships between the characters. The relationship and between Lee Yoon-sung and Kim Young-joo change and the emotions between the two kept piling with every episode. Kim Young-joo was supposed to turn around coldly when he meets Lee Yoon-sung after his father Kim Jong-sik gets in a car accident because of him. But one might feel sorrow looking back on Lee Yoon-sung's relationship with Kim Young-joo. We revised that part because it was important to put emphasis on the sadness felt by Lee Yoon-sung due to the fact that someone got hurt because of him. I wanted to express every emotion that is felt when I interacted with the characters.

10: What do you do when the way you understood the character is different from the script?
Lee: First, I'm the kind of person that worries about things by myself and then I consult with others after coming up with my own conclusion. Even for "City Hunter," I was worried about many things but I went over them to see what was different after meeting with the director. I honestly think that's just my personality. I usually worry about things by myself when I have a problem and I talk about it with other people later on.

10: Lee Yoon-sung's action sequences weren't as extravagant as the ones other leading male heroes put on.
Lee: I think that's also my inclination. I like unexpectedness instead of going overboard when showing something, just like how I don't want to force sadness for a sad scene and express my anger in a calm manner. I don't even like movies or dramas with pretentious elements. I also wanted show the strong action sequences in a light and simple way, without anything unnecessary and I'd say the spoon and stairwell action sequences were great. I really liked how I had to show seriousness and urgency for the action sequence in the stairs even though it was a tight space and there was one light.

10: There must have been many dangerous scenes but I heard you hardly used a stunt double.
Lee: I did about 80-90 percent of the action scenes. I was greedy and performed most of the scenes except for the ones where Lee Yoon-sung falls from a high building or jumps over walls. I insisted on doing them [dangerous scenes] even though the production crew told me that I didn't have to.

10: Lee Yoon-sung is someone who longs for his family's love and is interested in societal problems though he lives for revenge. That is how much more complex he was on the inside.
Lee: I feel that Lee Yoon-sung is someone who has this deep loneliness. His fate is tied down to revenge but he gets really sad and goes through a hard time when someone gets hurts because of it. I acted out Lee Yoon-sung thinking about the loneliness that I go through as an actor and I tried not to forget that feeling throughout. As for the interaction with Kim Nana, Kim Young-joo (Lee Jun-hyuk) and Lee Jin-pyo, I tried to naturally express the emotional changes Lee Yoon-sung would go through depending on the people and situations he would be in with his loneliness at the basis.

※ Any copying, republication or redistribution of 10Asia's content is expressly prohibited without prior consent of 10Asia. Copyright infringement is subject to criminal and civil penalties.

Source:http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?sec=ent5&idxno=2011081219122782502

Download City Hunter

2011-08-24T22:21:00.000-04:00

Where to download City Hunter with megaupload links: here

Lee Min Ho dating "City Hunter" co-star Park Min Young

2011-08-24T22:16:00.000-04:00

SEOUL: Korean actor Lee Min Ho has finally gotten himself a girlfriend, and the lucky girl is none other than Park Min Young, his co-star from the recently-concluded drama "City Hunter".

Their agencies confirmed Tuesday that the two have been dating for over a month after shooting ended.

Apparently, love had blossomed between the two on the set, but Lee and 25-year-old Park only started going out after shooting wrapped up in July.

Prior to the announcement from their agencies, the couple were rumoured to be seeing each other, after pictures of their frequent meetings surfaced on the Internet.

Lee and Park first met while filming 2007's high-school drama "I Am Sam", where Park was the lead actress and Lee in a minor role with the supporting cast.

Agencies' reps have requested that the media and fans give the young couple more privacy as they are still in the getting-to-know-each-other-better stage.

- CNA /ls
Source:http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/entertainment/view/1148609/1/.html

City Hunter - Just Gonna Stand There

2011-08-24T22:09:00.002-04:00

City Hunter - I told you not to fall in love with anyone

2011-08-24T22:08:00.000-04:00

City Hunter OST download

2011-08-24T22:01:00.000-04:00

Link: Here

City Hunter Stills

2011-08-24T20:59:00.000-04:00

Somehow I liked City Hunter more than I thought I would, even if the last episodes were so so...but the ending makes it up for everything. I found that the ending was kind of abrupt and closing up everything too fast. I wanted mooooooore...!

Never thought that Lee Min Ho and Park Min Young would go out in real life but guess that they are now! Such a cute couple.

Even looking handsome in the shower.

When did they start to fall for each other?

if in love... like them Ost Download

2011-03-03T19:59:00.000-05:00

Lee Na-young to star in new TV series with Rain

2010-06-07T01:52:00.000-04:00

포토스크랩포토구매

Korean actress Lee Na-young [Asia Economic Daily]

Korean actress Lee Na-young has been cast in upcoming KBS TV series tentatively titled "The Fugitive," making her first small screen comeback in six years.

According to various industry sources, the actress is set to play the female lead opposite Rain, who is also returning to the small screen for the first time since starring in the 2005 SBS drama "A Love To Kill."

Lee's agency remained cautious about the news, however, saying they are "in negotiations" but has not yet finalized the deal.

"Fugitive" will be directed by noted television producer Kwak Jung-hwan and written by Chun Sung-il, the duo behind the recent hit TV series "The Slave Hunters."

Lee, 31, first rose to stardom with TV series "Ruler of Your Own World" (MBC, 2002) and was last seen on the small screen in "Ireland" (MBC, 2004).

She has also starred in several notable films such as "Please Teach Me English" (2003) and "Maundy Thursday" (2006) and "Someone Special," for which she won best actress at the 25th Blue Dragon Film Awards.

Reporter : Park Kun-ouc kun1112@
Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>
Source:here

Rain becomes 1st Korean to score win at MTV Movie Awards

2010-06-07T01:46:00.000-04:00

Multi-talented entertainer Rain has become the first Korean celebrity to score a win at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards, according to his agency J. Tune Entertainment on Monday.

J. Tune announced in a press release that the singer and actor was named "Biggest Badass Star" at the awards ceremony, held Sunday (U.S. time) in Los Angeles.

Rain picked up MTV's signature popcorn trophy for his star turn in last year's martial arts pic "Ninja Assassin," beating out high-profile nominees such as Angelina Jolie, Channing Tatum, Chris Pine and Sam Worthington.

The star, who had previously said that he was happy just to even be attending the event, delivered the following message through the agency after his big win.

"I think everything I endured while shooting 'Ninja Assassin' is coming to fruition. I would like to thank the fans who have given me enormous support from the bottom of my heart," the actor was quoted as saying.

Born Jung Ji-hoon, Rain has released six studio albums to date and performed at numerous concert tours throughout Asia and in the U.S. including a sold-out concert at Madison Square Garden.

He has been busy building his career in Hollywood over the past few years, making his debut through the Wachowski Brothers' pic "Speed Racer" in 2008 and following it up with a lead role in "Assassin."

Last March, he scored a triple win at the Green Planet Movie Awards, picking up trophies for "10 Outstanding Asians in Hollywood," "Asian Cultural Ambassador of the Year" and "Best International Entertainer (Asia)."

Rain will be returning to Korea tomorrow evening.

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

Rain wins MTV's Biggest Badass Star Award 2010

2010-06-07T01:38:00.002-04:00

Rain just won the Biggest Badass Star MTV Movie Award for his role in Ninja Assassin. This just proves how crazy Rain fans are. He won against Stars like Angelina Jolie, Chris Pine, Channing Tatum and Sam Worthington.Congratulations Rain!

Jang Dong-gun, Ko So-young in Star-Studded Wedding

2010-06-01T02:03:00.000-04:00

Korea's starriest couple finally tied knot on Sunday. Actor Jang Dong-gun and actress Ko So-young, both 38, got married in the Dynasty Hall in Hotel Shilla in central Seoul at 5 p.m. in front of some 600 guests.

At a press conference in the afternoon before the wedding, Jang appeared in a black tuxedo by Tom Ford and Ko, who is three months pregnant, was dressed in white Oscar de la Renta wedding dress.

"We were grateful for the interest from fans, although there were times when the pressure was getting too much," Jang said. "But at least for today, we are very grateful. People say you get really nervous when you walk down the isle, and the whole wedding experience starts to sink in. We went to the hospital a few days ago, and the baby is healthy. We don't know yet whether it will be a boy or a girl, but personally, I hope it is a girl resembling So-young." Ko said, "I feel great today. We'll have a great life together."

The wedding itself was private, and some 70 bodyguards were on duty at the wedding hall. World-renowned florist Jeff Leatham was flown to Korea to oversee the arrangements, and Hotel Shilla senior vice president Lee Boo-jin, who is friends with Ko, directed the overall flower decoration. Former culture minister Lee O-young officiated at the wedding. Jang met the respected scholar through his son, Lee Sang-moo, who directed Jang's latest film "The Warrior's Way." Actor Park Joong-hoon hosted the event with singer Shin Seung-hoon singing the congratulatory song.

The couple spent the night at the hotel and set off on a five-day honeymoon in Bali, Indonesia. They will live in a villa in Heukseok-dong, Seoul.

/Courtesy of AM Entertainment

Source:http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/05/03/2010050300663.html

Lee Hyori is TOP Girl

2010-02-06T13:42:00.000-05:00

Miss Diva is still sexy as ever.

Will It Snow for Christmas Episode 7 and 8 caps

2010-02-05T03:08:00.000-05:00

I like the fact that there's no real evil bitch character in the story, not like other dramas where the bitch is trying to steal the guy from the main girl. Other than that, the drama mainly focuses on the relationships and there's not much of a main plot going on like East of Eden or Iris for example.

I like her character, very strong as a business woman but very insecure and vulnerable when it comes to love.

The end of episode eight was kind of predictable since he has to let her go somehow, but still how can he do it to her! The writers are evil, guess they have to come out with a new twist to fill out the other 8 episodes.

Will It Snow for Christmas Episode four caps

2010-01-30T04:08:00.000-05:00

Episode four has some really cute scenes and also cliche and exaggerate scenes as well. For example when Kang Jin `saved` Ji Wan from the car while the car was still miles far away. It might be a reflex of him to save her but come one, the car is not blind.

What do you when you see a girl not wearing shoes in winter sitting on the street? You go and get her a pair of the latest UGG and bring it to her of course, just like that, simple no?

And you put some cute tapes on the brandname to hide it aha. It's cute, UGG should pay Go Soo for doing ads for them.

Cha Kang Jin to Han Ji Wan :

"Have you heard often that you're like an idiot?

What abot a moron?Pathetic?Simpleton?

You're heard that a lot, haven't you?"

Jang Dong-gun, Ko So-young rumored to wed in May

2010-01-23T23:18:00.000-05:00

Korean star couple Jang Dong-gun and Ko So-young [Asia Economic Daily]

Top Korean actors Jang Dong-gun and Ko So-young, who admitted to their two-year romantic relationship last November, are again sparking rumors of a wedding in May, according to various reports surrounding the couple.

First, there was talk among industry sources that Ko was seen around Seoul, shopping for a wedding dress at high-end bridal shops.

Then producers of "ENEWS" -- which airs on Korea cable channel tvN -- reported that an employee at one of the wedding shops had said the 37-year-old actress had been eyeing American bridal brand Kenneth Pool. ENEWS even went as far as to predict that Ko "will choose a simple, romantic dress."

However, representatives for the star couple dismissed the rumor, saying that "there are no plans for a wedding."

There had been similar talk and sightings of the actress shopping around for a white gown shortly after the two went public with their relationship last year. But their agencies had denied the rumor, saying that Ko had accompanied her former stylist who was engaged to be married.

Jang and Ko, both 37, met as co-stars in the 1999 film "Love Wind, Love Song". They were seen together for the first time at the airport two weekends ago, returning from a trip to Hawaii with close friends.

Jang, who recently underwent a knee surgery, is scheduled to start shooting the film "D-day" in June.

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

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I didn't know Jang Dong Gun had a girlfriend in the first place!Fan girls, don't cry...I'll keep my tears for when Wonbin is getting married.

"Slave Hunters" continues to draw larger audience

2010-01-23T23:14:00.000-05:00

KBS2 drama "The Slave Hunters" [KBS2]

KBS historical drama "The Slave Hunters" tightened its grip on the small screen this week as the top-rated show continued to attract more viewers.

According to TNS Media Korea on Friday, "Hunters" scored a viewership rating of 33.7 percent on Thursday, surpassing its previous high of 30.8 percent the previous week, to become the most-watched show last night.

The drama has fared well since its premiere on January 6, its ratings breaching the 20 percent mark in its first week of going on air.

Statistics by AGB Nielsen also revealed that the Wednesday and Thursday prime time drama recorded ratings of 32 percent, a 1.2 percent gain from the previous day.

Other evening dramas, MBC's "Woman Who Still Wants to Marry" and SBS's "Will It Snow on Christmas?" trailed behind the traditional drama with ratings of 5.2 and 10.2 percent, respectively

"Hunters" follows the story of slave hunter Dae-gil who is played by Korean actor Jang Hyuk and also stars actor Oh Ji-ho and actress Lee Da-hae.

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

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I have yet to start watching this drama! Will finish Will it snow for Christmas first.

Lee Byung-hun questioned by authorities all night

2010-01-23T23:11:00.000-05:00

Korean actor Lee Byung-hun [Asia Economic Daily]

Top Korean actor Lee Byung-hun -- who is currently engaged in a legal battle with his former girlfriend -- was questioned by Korean authorities last night, according to a source at Seoul Central District Court.

"We summoned Lee and with his consent, held an investigation from 8 p.m. on Wednesday evening through 5 a.m. the next morning," an official with the Korean Prosecutors' Office was quoted as saying on Thursday. He explained that the night-long questioning was regarding the two lawsuits filed by the actor and one filed against him.

On December 8, a Korean-Canadian woman by the last name Kwon -- who claimed to be a former girlfriend of Lee's -- had filed a lawsuit against the Hallyu star, saying she was allured into a sexual relationship based on false promises of marriage. She asked to be paid KRW 100 million won in physical and psychological damages and also reported to authorities that the actor had taken part in illegal baccarat gambling overseas.

Lee took counter legal action through his legal representative Kim & Chang, suing the woman for libel and asking the police to investigate multiple threats that he had received regarding his relationship with Kwon.

A day after Kwon had filed the lawsuit, the actor and his agency BH Entertainment issued a press release claiming that anonymous male callers had been threatening to expose false details about the actor's relationship with Kwon unless Lee paid them KRW 2 billion won. The actor did however admit to having a romantic relationship with the woman in a hand-written message that he had posted on his official website.

Lee, 39, has long been considered one of the most successful actors in Korea with dozens of television dramas and films under his belt. He had a particularly successful year in 2009, making his Hollywood debut in action flick "G.I. Joe", co-starring with Josh Hartnett and Takuya Kimura in "I Come With The Rain." He also led a star-studded cast in blockbuster drama "IRIS", for which he picked up the grand prize at KBS Acting Awards.

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>
Source

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This reminds me of his character in Iris where he was being held and questioned by NSS!

Will it Snow for Christmas episode 3

2010-01-17T02:41:00.000-05:00

I'm watching Will it Snow for Christmas starring Go Soo and Han Ye Seul right now. After watching IRIS it is hard to find another drama that matches the same level. I can't stay that it it something out of the ordinary, but it is a cute drama and I enjoy watching. Your typical love triangle story, two guys one girl and a bunch of drama in between. I admit that I watch it mainly because of Go Soo. Who can resist such an eye candy? He looks slimmer now I find and even handsomer than before!

Chuno - Slave Hunters Megaupload Download

2010-01-16T01:01:00.001-05:00

This is a new drama starrring Lee Da Hae and Jang Huk. The ratings are pretty high for the first four episodes and it'll continue to raise!

Chuno Episode 1 Megaupload
Chuno Episode 2 Megaupload
Chuno Episode 3 Megaupload
Chuno Episode 4 Megaupload
Chuno Episode 5 Megaupload
Chuno Episode 6 Megaupload
Chuno Episode 7 Megaupload
Chuno Episode 8 Megaupload *new*

use hjsplit application to join megaupload files

IRIS Teddy Bears

2010-01-03T19:20:00.002-05:00

This has to be the cutest ever. Do you recognize them all?

Iris Subtitles episode 18,29,20

2010-01-03T18:43:00.002-05:00

Hello, I found those subtitles for Iris since they're not out on on With Love S2 yet.

IRIS episode 18 sub - Download

IRIS episode 19 sub - Download

IRIS episode 20 sub - Download

Iris Ost Download

2010-01-03T17:37:00.003-05:00

I just finished watching Iris, the ending is sad but kind of predictable for kdramas. Still, i wanted a happy ending!!!

Don't Forget - Beak Ji Young
Hallelujah - Big Bang
Can't I Love - Seo In Young
Can't You Come Back - December
Dreaming Dream - Kim Tae Woo
Love Of Iris - Shin Seung Hoon
How Do I Hold Back The Tears - Lee Jung Hyun
너라서 좋았다 - Zi Hoon

link

[INTERVIEW] Hyun Bin

2009-11-25T00:58:00.001-05:00

Actor Hyun Bin, who plays the role of a megalomaniac in the film "I Am Happy", poses during an interview with 10Asia. [Chae Ki-won/10Asia]

For some reason, it is hard to think of Hyun Bin's smiling face. And it is not simply because he is playing the role of a poor and agonized man wanting to escape from his dire situation but ends up in a hospital after diagnosed as a megalomaniac in the recent film "I Am Happy." Hyun's role in TV series ranging from MBC's "Ireland" in 2004, KBS' "The Snow Queen," "The World That They Live In" to MBC's "Friend, Our Legend," were all characters who were mostly suppressed in some way or is facing a dead end. Even in the romantic comedy drama "My Name is Kim Sam-Soon", he successfully portrayed the sorrowful pain that his character had deep in his heart. For this, Hyun came to be acknowledged as an actor with a dignified presence at the young age of 28 and the time spent with him was an opportunity to confirm this. He did smile frequently though, opposite from expectations.

10: A year has already passed since we met while you were shooting "The World That They Live In."
Hyun Bin (Hyun): I've been extremely busy these days. Usually I'm not such a workaholic, but I've been offered with great roles one after another, and thus the past year or two meant constant work for me.

10: In fact, the film "I Am Happy" was completed before shooting "The World That They Live In." How did you feel after watching the film again after it was selected as the closing film at the 14th Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF)?
Hyun: It was the same in that it was stifling. (laugh) However, I had a chance to watch it more closely unlike during the PIFF, when concentrating wasn't easy.

10: What do you mean by when you say it was stifling?
Hyun: The movie it self is depressing and miserable. It's hard to put it in words, but I could say it may be something similar to wanting to drink in the middle of the night for no specific reason? (laugh)

10: But you chose to take on the depressing plot. (laugh) Well, the character from the original novel "Mr. Cho Man-deuk" written by the late Lee Chung-joon is not only a man in his late 30s but the situation he is placed in is also very painful.
Hyun: I got to read the initial scenario before seeing the book, but the character had originally been set to be older and he was also in a slightly different situation. But while reading the depressing scenario, I found myself smiling. It wasn't because it was funny, but for some reason I couldn't help myself from smiling. I told director Yoon that I really want to play this role and that I'm queerly attracted to it.

10: Man-soo from "I Am Happy" has a dull look in his eyes even before he is diagnosed with megalomania. He neither has a chance to recover from poverty nor does he have a dramatic story. Why did you choose to dive into such hardship by selecting a plot which is surely not popular and is not much that you can obtain from?
Hyun: The scenario was different from others. I couldn't predict whether I can successfully play out Man-soo's character or not. And although it may seem irresponsible, I couldn't tell the director surely that I would be able to take on the role and do a good job of it. Rather, I told him candidly, "I am not confident that I will be able to do this well, but I will do my best." I guess I wasn't wrong in thinking that there would be a lot of lessons to learn.

10: What exactly did you learn?
Hyun: The film came to me at the exact time when I had to look back on myself once in a while. While shooting, I asked myself whether I'm happy or not. I asked myself about happiness, myself and things about my career. Of course, I wasn't able to find an answer. (laugh) It's hard to find an end to these questions. But, the process, the two or three months or so, did have a great impact on me. Though I don't know how others will evaluate my acting, the film itself was valuable time for me.

10: You acted as a mad man in this movie unlike Kang-gook from "Ireland" or Tae-woong from "The Snow Queen" who controlled their emotions rationality. What was it like to pretend to be 'insane'?
Hyun: It was painful. Like I told director Yoon, the entire process of shooting the film was distressing and painful. But what was interesting was that I was able to gain a deeper fun out of such pain. Acting as characters in my previous works, in fact, involved me pulling out a certain aspect within myself or exaggerating it. Man-soo and I, however, did not have a single similarity including the situated environment or personality. Therefore, I discussed with the director regarding Man-soo's looks or movements. Doing so helped me to endure the painful moments.

10: The pain Man-soo went through when he was receiving electric shock therapy was also delivered straight to the viewers. The moment when his face gets red-hot without being able to make a single sound was especially impressive.
Hyun: I thought hard on how I should portray such pain while being tied to a bed. I read books and saw movies that deal with megalomania, got information from the director and met patients who are suffering from it. My face turned red because I was really holding my breath and in the process, I once spat out the mouthpiece because I had stopped breathing.

10: So after so much studying about megalomaniacs, what do you think is the line that separates a 'normal man' from a megalomaniac?
Hyun: It's just a matter of seriousness. Everyone is mad in some sense. I think it's all about figuring out for what and to what extent a person is mad.

10: Then, do you think you've 'gone too far' compared with others? (laugh)
Hyun: Well, I don't think I've gone that far. (laugh)

10: It seems people would call you a workaholic.
Hyun: No, this is a special situation. In the early days of my acting career, I used to take breaks for almost 6 months after finishing a drama or film despite having nothing to rely on.

10: You've received a lot of attention since your debut and have continued to see success. What were your thoughts when you first started acting?
Hyun: I started doing plays in high school and continued to do theater in college when somebody asked me to go to an audition and I got signed on for a role. I took a leave from school and did a movie. At the time, I just thought I was acting in front of a camera instead of on a stage. Like I had just found a new space for acting. I would have continued to feel that way if my movies did well, but it got flopped when we were about 60 percent into shooting so I started getting more ambitious. I was on a leave from school, working hard, and I didn’t want to go back to school just like that. So I started preparing for this industry. I also wanted to be compensated for all the time I spent away from school. (laugh) Honestly, it was different from theater but fun in its own way. I started thinking that I wanted to give it a real shot.

10: You sound like you want to be in control of your career, as if you're saying “I will be the one who decides when I'll retire.”
Hyun: If I didn’t want it for myself, I would have just given up. (laugh) But I met some good people at the time and I was able to continue working. I’m always grateful that I’ve been blessed with good people around me.

Actor Hyun Bin [Chae Ki-won/10Asia]

10: To have good people around you, they have to like you first.
Hyun: They made me like them. I’m not the type of person who says things like, “I love you”. (laugh) But I will call them and ask them how they’re doing every now and then. I don’t go out and hang out with certain groups of people, I just keep in touch with people that I have worked with.

10: What do you do in your free time after you've finished a project?
Hyun: I get rid of everything from my previous role. I only look at things for my next role after I’ve gotten rid of the things related to my previous role. I feel like I’m not giving it my all when I pay attention to other things, even just for a few days, so I try not to look at other projects or shoot commercials when I’m working on something. I sometimes I get into trouble because of that. (laugh) When I finish a project, I do things that I didn’t have time to do and when my next project has been set, I prepare for it. If I need to exercise, I exercise. If I need to play the piano, I play the piano.

10: When you say you “get rid of things”, it feels like you’re not using the things you’ve gained from the experience or naturally have in your talent. You have your good looks, but you neither try to discourage it nor flaunt it.
Hyun: To be honest, I’m not conscious about it. If there is anything that I do for my appearance, it is that I try to watch my weight a little. You might find this hard to believe but I weighed 80 kilograms on the first episode of “My Name Is Kim Sam Soon”. I usually lose about 4.5 kgs by the time I finish a project, so I start off with a little extra weight. Then I’ll weigh 76 kgs even if I lose some weight. (laugh) Other than that, I balance my muscle mass according to the circumstances. If there is a scene I need to work-out for, then I'll get rid of body fat and fill the body weight with muscle. But in case of “The World That They Live In”, I felt that a television drama director wouldn’t have time to go to the gym, so I didn’t work out at all.

Actor Hyun Bin [Chae Ki-won/10Asia]

10: How would you judge your own looks?
Hyun: I'm not too sure about anything else, but I have a face that easily changes with a different hairstyle or makeup. That I like. And I’m grateful when I hear people say I'm handsome or a pretty boy but I really don’t care for such words that much. There are many guys around me who are much more handsome than I am. (laugh)

10: You must get a lot of offers which try to take advantage of your star power as Hyun Bin, but you seem to avoid taking those offers in particular.
Hyun: I do get such offers but I think they just weren’t my type of work. I don’t mean to say they were good or bad, I just wasn’t attracted to them. I can’t abandon my so-called star power completely, but I don’t want to be led by it either.

10: In that regard, “Friend, Our Legend” (“Friend”) is something you said you chose to do even though you knew people would talk about it unfavorably.
Hyun: That’s right. People told me negative things about it even before I started working on it. (laugh) I hadn't even set my foot in the water and heard a lot of things. People told me it would be better if I didn’t do it. The film left such a strong impression and the acting by my senior actors had been so good that I was told I would have a tough time even if I pulled off the character Dong-soo. A lot of people were against me taking on the drama, but I just went ahead with it and did it.

10: But as the movie enters the second half, you did establish a different character than the one played by Jang Dong-gun in the film. What sort of character did you want to express Dong-soo as?
Hyun: I created a more sensitive Dong-soo since the drama version had a lot of melodrama elements, especially with Jin-sook, added into it. The tone of the drama was more mellow because even with all the fighting scenes, I would either be showing tears before or after the fight or my relationship with Jin-sook would be revealed which would soften the atmosphere. I think the biggest difference was the melodramatic side to Dong-soo.

10: When you look back it now, what did you gain from doing “Friend”?
Hyun: I think the most significant thing was that I was able to work with people like director Kwak Kyung-taek and his staff on the story that I had dreamed about doing since 2001, even before my debut. The whole process, from the reading sessions, shooting and monitoring afterwards, creating facial expressions and building on the character, and the people I worked with.. I gained a lot from the experience.

10: You must've not been sure of what you would gain from the experience when you first started. Are you the type that goes ahead with a plan and think later?
Hyun: I usually am. If I like something, I just go ahead with it. If I decide that I want to try doing this project, I don’t really pay attention to other circumstances. Whatever the consequence, that comes later so I just make a choice and do it.

10: But since you are acting in an entertainment business, having luck is as important as putting in your own efforts. Sometimes, things don't turn out the way you had anticipated and lead you onto a completely different direction. Do you have any fears about choosing which role you'll take on next?
Hyun: No. If I go way off track, then I can just walk back. Whatever role I take on, I don’t know what will happen. And once I take on a role and start shooting, there are always bound to be people who are keeping an eye on the overall situation. So if everything continues to move along and they give me the green light, I'm guessing it means that I'm doing alright. Hence when say that “I am not responsible for the ratings or the number of viewers", which I always say, is really is because the outcome isn't dependent on me. My part is to do my best in front of the camera til the end, before the results come out.

Actor Hyun Bin [Chae Ki-won/10Asia]

10: You said that you weren’t trying to make some sort of calculated transformation in the film “I Am Happy”. It really does seem you weren't under the pressure to transform yourself but rather just taking on different roles every time.
Hyun: People tell me that my acting has gotten much better since doing “I Am Happy”. I think it’s because I had a lot of time to think by myself with this movie. It’s not easy to get rid of everything that was embedded in your body from your previous role but luckily, I think that I have been meeting the directors, one after another, who have helped me do that. Directors Yoon Jong-chan, Pyo Min-soo, Kwak Kyung-taek, Kim Tae-yong -- they all want something new. They don’t want to see the acting pattern of Hyun Bin that everyone is so familiar with. So I have no choice but to get rid of them. But it’s not like I can wash everything away completely so I just push them back for a moment. Someday, as I get older and keep acting, I think I will be able to use them all very well.

10: You are preparing to shoot the film “Manchu” with director Kim Tae-yong. That movie was first made in the 1960s. The original film was a melodrama about a fugitive and a well-behaved female inmate. What do you find attractive about the new role?
Hyun: The scenario was entertaining, and I thought that if this story was written in the 1960s it must have been a very sophisticated film. This is actually the fourth remake of “Manchu” but I have intentionally stayed away from watching the previous movies. I’m going to prepare for the movie on my own before going into shoot and watch everything at the very last minute.

10: Your co-star is actress Tang Wei of “Lust, Caution”, so you must get a lot of questions about that. But what truly worries you the most at this point, ahead of going into shoot?
Hyun: Language, of course. It’s a global project so everything is conducted in English, 100 percent. I’ve experienced language barriers when I did “Friend” so it’s even more overwhelming. The Busan dialect I used in “Busan” is Korean but it still lessened my emotions in my acting because I was worried about the language. So I’m worried about how much emotion I’ll be able to deliver in English, which isn’t my native language. I did a reading with Tang Wei before I came to Korea and had a talk with her, but I think it’s important to overcome the language barrier not just with my acting partner but with the entire crew as well because most of them are foreigners too. I’m going to try to get rid of the language barrier by practicing with an English tutor before filming starts. And from what I’ve discussed with the director, my character is someone who came to the U.S. three years ago so he doesn’t need to speak like a native and so I’m going to focus on delivering the emotions first. That makes me feel a little easier about the part.

10: You said that you want to be remembered by the names of your characters than as Hyun Bin. But when your play the characters, what people remember is the sense of trust that comes with the name Hyun Bin. Isn’t that ironic?
Hyun: I used to hate that, to be honest. When people called me “Kook” and not Hyun Bin after “Ireland” ended, I hated that. I thought that I should be called by my real name Hyun Bin back then and it was such a stupid thought. (laugh) But after “My Name Is Kim Sam Soon” ended, people kept calling me “Sam-shik” instead of my own name. After a while, I gradually realized how wonderful and lucky it was to be called that. So from a certain point on, I felt much happier when people called me by the names of my characters and not by my own. That’s all I need.

Reporter: Choi Ji-Eun five@10asia.co.kr
Photographer : Chae ki-won ten@10asia.co.kr
Editor: Linda Kim lindakim@asiae.co.kr, Lee Ji-Hye seven@10asia.co.kr, Jang Kyung-Jin three@10asia.co.kr
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>
Source

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How does this man not work out and still look sexy? I want to know his secret!

Go Soo at White Night Conference

2009-10-21T02:54:00.002-04:00

Go Soo is back! Did you miss him, I loved him since Green Rose.

Go Soo appeared at the press conference of his new movie "White Night" on October 21th in Seoul. He still looks good but he surely lost weight.

Actor Ko Soo [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

Kang Hye-jung says Tablo always supportive

2009-10-20T18:32:00.000-04:00

Actress Kang Hye-jung speaks during a press conference for her film "Kill Me" at a CJ CGV theatre in Seoul, South Korea on October 20, 2009. [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

Actress Kang Hye-jung publicly expressed her affection for her to-be-husband Tablo on Tuesday, saying she is invigorated by his consistent support for her.

Kang made the remark at a press conference for her new film "Kill Me" held at the CJ CGV theatre in Apkujung, Seoul.

"I am happy to be getting married but sort of in a daze too," said the 27-year-old actress who will have a private wedding on October 26.

In early September, Kang and the popular hip-hop duo Epik High leader had announced they would get married this month and have a baby on the way. They had dated since late last year.

Kang is a critically acclaimed actress who first rose to stardom for her role in "Old Boy" by Park Chan-wook which took the Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2004.

Her new film "Kill Me", a romantic comedy about a hired killer who falls in love with his client, is set for release on November 5. Actor Shin Hyun-joon of "The Gingko Bed" and "Marrying the Mafia" will co-star in the movie.

Reporter : Lim Hye-seon lhsro@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Wonder Girls becomes 1st Korean group on U.S. "Top 40" rotation

2009-10-20T14:05:00.000-04:00

The Wonder Girls [Chae Ki-won/10Asia]

Idol group the Wonder Girls may be working its magic in the United States, becoming the first Korean group to enter the rotation playlists of some of the top 40 American radio stations, according to their agency on Tuesday.

"Of the 167 'Top40 Radio Stations' located throughout major U.S. cities, their U.S. debut single 'Nobody' has entered the rotation playlists of 18 stations," said JYP Entertainment. A song which goes on the rotation list will play at least once or twice a week for a month.

JYP also said that according to an airplay analysis chart by music website Mediabase, 'Nobody' was played over 65 times by radio stations between October 12 to 18 to increase the group's airplay ranking by 16 spots from the previous week to No. 107.

"From what we've seen so far, we expect to seem them enter more rotation playlists and their airplay ranking to increase," JYP explained.

The popular five-member group released their first U.S. digital single in late June and performed the opening acts for all 53 shows of the Jonas Brothers' U.S. tour. 'Nobody' is the English version of the song originally released in Korea which was a hit throughout several countries Asia.

Reporter : Park Kun-ouc kun1112@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Photos of Lee Jun-ki in "Hero" unveiled

2009-10-20T03:55:00.000-04:00

Major broadcaster MBC on Tuesday unveiled photographs of the characters to appear in upcoming TV series "Hero", starring Hallyu star Lee Jun-ki.

The photos, taken at MBC Dream Center studios in Ilsan, showed Lee and the cast members posing as the characters they will play in the drama.

Lee, as energetic journalist Jin Do-hyuk, is seen wearing comfortable clothes while co-star Kim Min-jung, who plays a cop in the drama, has a gun and handcuffs as accessories.

"Hero", about a group of young heroic characters fighting against a corrupt society, is set to air in Korea starting November 11.

The 27-year-old actor became a household name in 2005 playing a woman-like clown in the hit film "The King and the Clown" and was recently voted the most popular Korean Wave star in China.

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

Singer Se7en prepping for comeback

2009-10-20T03:54:00.000-04:00

Singer Seven [MBC]

Singer Se7en is in preparations to make a comeback to the local music scene for the first time since 2006, according to his agency on Tuesday.

"He has recently been recording songs for his next album to be released in Korea," an official at YG Entertainment told 10Asia over the phone.

The official added that a single could be released ahead of a regular album, although she could not confirm the exact timing. "It will all depend on how good the song is -- the comeback may be delayed if the song isn't good enough," she explained.

The 24-year-old singer had last released a fourth album in Korea before heading to the United States to expand his career. He released his first English single "Girls" featuring Lil' Kim in March this year.

Since his debut in 2003, Se7en has enjoyed a successful career not only in Korea but also throughout several countries throughout Asia including Japan, China, Thailand and Taiwan.

Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Rain to represent Korea on CNN special

2009-10-20T03:52:00.001-04:00

Singer and actor Rain and CNN anchorwoman Anna Coren. [J.Tune Entertainment]

Asian pop sensation Rain, set to appear on CNN's "Talk Asia" this week, was invited on the show after being selected as a representative figure of Korea, according to his agency on Monday.

CNN decided that the 27-year-old singer and actor plays a leading role in promoting Korea globally and picked him to appear on the show during this week's "Eye on South Korea", a week-long special program focusing on various aspects of the country including its economy and culture, J.Tune Entertainment explained in a press release.

Anna Coren, one of CNN's main anchorwomen, met with Rain to talk about his career, personal life, his ongoing Asia tour and upcoming Hollywood film "Ninja Assassin".

The show, set to air on Wednesday, will also contain a documentary-type segment featuring Rain's concert in Korea on October 9 -- containing footage from behind the scenes and the concert itself.

Rain started his career with major talenthouse JYP Entertainment but left the agency in November 2007 to start his own entertainment company J. Tune Entertainment.

He has released several albums in Korea and starred in movies and TV series, most notably dramas "Full House" and "Sang Doo! Let's Go To School."

He debuted in Hollywood last year with a supporting role in "Speed Racer" and will star in the upcoming "Ninja Assassin", which is set for a worldwide release in November.

Credits : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr
<ⓒ10 Asia All rights reserved>

Hyun Bin's new film "Happy" to open Nov 26

2009-10-20T03:51:00.002-04:00

Korean actors Hyun Bin and Lee Bo-young at PIFF [Asia Economic Daily]

Korean film "I Am Happy", starring Hallyu star Hyun Bin and Lee Bo-young, is set to open on November 26, according to a press release on Monday.

"Happy", based on a Korean short story, is about two wounded souls at a psychiatric ward -- mental patient Man-soo (played by Hyun) and nurse Soo-kyung (played by Lee), the film's distributor DCG Plus explained in the statement.

The film, directed by Yoon Jong-chan who previously made "Sorum" and "Blue Swallow", was the closing film at the 14th Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) which ended Friday.

Hyun, best known for his role in the 2005 hit drama "My Name Is Kim Sam Soon", recently made headlines after admitting to dating top Korean actress Song Hye-kyo, his co-star in last year's TV series "The World That They Live In."

Lee has appeared in several TV dramas including "Save The Last Dance For Me" in 2004 and "Seodongyo" in 2005. She made her film debut last year in "Once Upon A Time".

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

"Boys Over Flowers" planning director Bae Jong-byung

2009-10-20T03:51:00.001-04:00

It was as much of a success as it was problematic. But nobody can deny that the Korean version of "Boys over Flowers" became a phenomenon in South Korea and a successful adaptation for all of Asia.

During its airing, the series was constantly at the center of rumors, unfortunate incidents and controversies -- one of its actresses committed suicide, most of the main characters got injured in car accidents while rushing on tight shooting schedules and the show received warnings from the media watchdog for excessive product placement. "Boys" also received harsh criticism for its unrealistic plot and seemingly discontinuous storyline in parts.

But the 25-part series ended in a success, recording ratings of an average 30 percent while selling to 11 countries in Asia.

"Boys", based on a 37-volume Japanese comic series received a top manga award in 1996 and had been adapted into TV series in Japan and Taiwan.

10asia met with Bae Jong-byung, the planning director of "Boys" from production company Group Eight to get a closer look behind the scenes.

TV series "Boys Over Flowers" planning director Bae Jong-byung.
[Chae Ki-won/10Asia]

10asia: How did you end up purchasing the rights to "Boys Over Flowers"?
Bae: The planning team members at my company strongly recommended I read the comic series in early 2006. I finished it in a fortnight. I thought the plot was childish at first but I became increasingly intrigued and it turned out to be really fun, especially after I saw the Japanese and Taiwanese versions. I knew the original piece had been remade in several countries so I thought hard about what the merits would be to making it into a TV series and I believed the effect would be huge with a Korean cast.

10: It must have been difficult obtaining the rights to such a famous comic series.
Bae: We got in touch with its publisher Shueisha and submitted a proposal simply saying we would make a great TV series. There had been Korean companies which had submitted blank checks or said they will cast top Asian stars but our company didn't have the sufficient funds to. Our company proposed an unbelievably low amount but surprisingly, the publisher accept the proposal without making any major changes to it. I think the publisher just wanted someone to do a good job of producing an adaptation of the original version since they had already made enough money off of it.

10: How did you expect to see profits? Since the Japanese and Taiwanese adaptations were such big hits throughout Asia, you must have known it wouldn't have made money simply by doing well in Korea.
Bae: We didn't really look closely into how we would make money off of it but we did know that the drama would sell as a Korean adaptation of "Boys" rather than as a Hallyu drama. But as soon as we announced in a press release in March last year that we would make the drama, we were contacted by overseas buyers for two weeks requesting for pre-sales. We had expected some sort of response but it was greater than we had expected.

10: How did you finance the production cost of 6.5 billion won for the series? You started shooting even though a broadcaster and airing schedule had not been set.
Bae: In the early stages, we only received investment of about 1 billion won. All the drama funds had been dying out due to deteriorated market conditions. And investors were not willing to make investments into a drama that hadn't decided on a cast with content they are not aware of. We had to go overseas for some of the scenes but we didn't have a wide range to choose from because of our tight budget. One of our company officials used their own credit card to buy our tickets to Macao.

10: New Caledonia is a very unfamiliar spot to us and we heard that the actors had a hard time there.
Bae: We received various proposals from tourism organizations and agencies because "Boys" was a project known throughout Asia. Amongst them, we were looking to shoot in Dubai or New Caledonia because they hadn't appeared in Korean dramas before. But we decided not to go to Dubai for safety reasons. New Caledonia had looked beautiful in the information we had received but it turned out to be a difficult location to shoot at once we got there.

10: In what way?
Bae: We had to take all the shooting equipment because nobody had ever shot a drama there before. We wrapped everything in dozens of wooden boxes but the airport and freighters at New Caledonia panicked saying they had never received such cargo before. And French was the main language there so we needed dual translation. Prices were also so high that a single sandwich cost over 25 dollars. On top of that, the weather turned bad when we got there so it rained all eight days we were there but the sun was out so some of the crew got sunburnt. We ended up shooting two episodes worth of the drama without almost no sleep. Most of the color you see in the video shot in New Caledonia was corrected. But we didn't receive the video for the part where you can look down on New Caledonia from up in the air. We paid the "Lord of the Rings" crew over 30,000 dollars to shoot it afterwards in good weather.

10: So why did you still end up choosing New Caledonia as one of the shooting locations despite all the trouble?
Bae: With the Japanese and Taiwanese versions already a hit throughout Asia, we felt the need to create more sensational scenes. It felt like we were on a mission to make a 'national drama'.

10: The response was great as soon as it started airing. Had you expected it or what had you not expected?
Bae: We got a 16 percent viewership rating for the first episode. Before it aired, I had declared we would see ratings of over 20 percent within the first four episodes but "East of Eden" was on at the time too so I didn't know the ratings would go past 30 percent. And in Japan and Taiwan, the role Kim Hyun-joong played had usually been popular but I was a bit surprised that the role Lee Min-ho played received more attention. And Kim had been a star opposed to Lee who had not been known that well.

10: The structure of the story started to get shaky towards the end. Some episodes even ended at awkward moments.
Bae: We only had three commercials for the first episode but all 28 slots were filled in by the sixth episode. This shortened the ending point of the drama. The script was never late but these changes and the warning by the media watchdog… they all led to the incomplete endings.

10: You were criticized for excessive product placement.
Bae: But we couldn't do without them at the time. We needed them for the production cost. In the past, a single bar added on the ending scene of an episode used to cost up to 300 million won but the market is dead now. We had to allocate the advertisement depending on what was in the episode that day.

10: What's the deal with your production contract with KBS?
Bae: Each episode costs nearly 280 million won to make and we were usually provided about 150 million per episode. Of the total 6.5 billion won in production costs, KBS provided us with less than 1.5 billion won. So we needed foreign investment and product placement.

10: If the conditions were better, how would you improve on the series?
Bae: The quality. There wasn't enough time to work out details between the producer and writer. It would have also helped to improve the picture and presentation. Time and money were always the main issues.

10: How are sales doing for the series?
Bae: It's been sold to 11 countries in Asia. The series will be aired on cable TV in Japan starting April and then on terrestrial broadcaster TBS starting in July.

Jessica K
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Kim Ha-neul receives warm welcome in Vietnam

2009-10-20T03:49:00.001-04:00

South Korean actress Kim Ha-neul leaves Ho Chi Minh International Airport surrounded
by fans upon her arrival in Vietnam on October 17, 2009. [J.One+ Entertainment]

South Korean actress Kim Ha-neul, who left for Vietnam to promote her hit film "My Girlfriend is an Agent", was greeted by over 100 fans upon her arrival at the airport on Saturday past midnight.

"We were quite surprised by the loud cheering when she walked out the gate. Her fans had been waiting for her although we arrived in the middle of the night," an official at her agency J.One+ Entertainment was quoted saying in a press release on Monday.

Fans also gathered at various venues throughout Ho Chi Minh city the following day to see the 31-year-old actress at premieres and a red carpet event, J.One+ added.

Kim is set to visit Hanoi today to hold additional events including a fan meeting, premieres and press conferences. She will continue her promotional activities in Singapore and Hong Kong from October 26 to 31.

Kim has starred in numerous hit TV dramas and movies, including SBS TV series "On Air" last year and hit film "My Tutor Friend" in 2003 with fellow Hallyu star Kwon Sang-woo.

"Agent", a comedy action film co-starring Kang Ji-hwan, is about a couple who are both hiding from each other about being secret government agents. The film attracted over four million moviegoers in Korea.

Credits : Jessica Kim
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

I Come with the Rain Press Conference with Takuya Kimura,Lee Lee Byeong Heon and Josh Hartnettt

2009-10-10T01:24:00.005-04:00

Stars attended the "I Come with the Rain" Press conference at the 14th 14th Pusan International Film Festival on October 9th.

I have to say that both Lee Byeong Heon and Takuya Kimura had a bad outfit choice witht his. Why not keep it simple but still looking good like Josh Hartnett?

Lee Byeong Heon looks so tiny against Josh!

Won Bin hops onto summer action film

2009-10-10T01:21:00.001-04:00

Korean actor Won Bin has decided to take on action as his second choice of genre since making a comeback to the big screen earlier this year with film "Mother", according to a press release on Tuesday.

The film, tentatively titled "Ah-jjeo-sshii", is about a lonely, reclusive man and his relationship with the only girl who opened up to him. Won will play the lead character, producer Opus Pictures said in the statement.

The movie directed by Lee Jeong-beom of "Cruel Winter Blues will go into shoot at the end of the year and be released next summer.

The 31-year-old actor debuted in 1997 with TV series "Propose" with his breakthrough role coming three years later in KBS drama "Autumn Fairy Tale", in which he co-starred with two other Hallyu stars Song Seung-hun and Song Hye-kyo.

He made his movie debut in "Guns & Talks" in 2001 and has not returned to television since. He last appeared in director Bong Joon-ho's critically acclaimed film "Mother" this year, the first film he took on since completing South Korea's mandatory military service.

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

Source: http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?sec=ent8&idxno=2009100613491372293

The Vineyard Man Ost Download

2009-10-01T13:57:00.001-04:00

Download: here

Tarma The Island OST

2009-09-28T02:26:00.004-04:00

Tracklist:
01. 이어사나 (Ending Theme) / Jane Park
02. Blue Destiny (English ver.) / Allison Feder
03. Hey-Yeah / 하울(HowL)
04. Blue (Love Theme) / 미카 [블랙펄]
05. 반쪽 (With Sunny Side) / After School
06. 그저 말하고 싶어 / 하울(HowL)
07. 꿈길 / 김보령
08. Loveland / U주
09. Tamra, The Island
10. Your Tears (Main Theme)
11. Under The Sea
12. The New World
13. Nanbaru
14. I Am From…
15. Run, Run, Run
16. William
17. Dark Lady

Download Ost: here
Password: nhachot.info

Style Ost

2009-09-28T02:16:00.003-04:00

VA - Style OST (SBS 2009)
Release date: 2009.08.28
Genre: OST
Language: Korean

Tracklist:
01. Tell Me (Feat. Hanul) - 김진표
02. You & I (Feat. 김진표) - 류시원
03. Hey Hey Ho - 업타운, 우이경
04. 맘보잠보 (With Johnny.G) - 차여울
05. 어쩌다 너를 - Hanul
06. 그대만을 사랑합니다 -서인영, 류시원
07. Edge By Edge (inst.) - 최철호
08. Lady Connection (inst.) - 최철호
09. 느린, 그러나 피할 수 없는… (Inst)
10. Need Some Coffee Break (inst.) - 최철호
11. 처음 만났던 그 때처럼 (inst.) - 최철호
12. 구름 속을 달리다 (inst.) - 최철호
13. Get Back To My Stylish (inst.) - 최철호
14. Red Oasis (inst.) - 최철호
15. 꿈과 그림자 (inst.) - 최철호
16. As Time Goes By (inst.) - 최철호
17. Tell Me (Hanul ver.) - Hanul
18. You & I (JP ver.) (feat. 김진표) - 류시원

Download : here
Password: nhachot.info

Lee Hyori lets it smoking for Cosmopolitan

2009-09-21T21:41:00.003-04:00

Miss Diva Hyori shows us that you still can be hot and sexy with 30! I'm not saying that she's old, I'm sure everyone dreams about having a body like her when reaching that age.

Sexy or trashy?

Bae Yong-jun Hospitalized with Septicemia

2009-09-21T21:36:00.000-04:00

It has become belatedly known that star actor Bae Yong-jun has been hospitalized with septicemia.

Bae's agency, BOF, said that the actor collapsed on September 17 because of sudden hypotension and has been hospitalized in southern Seoul. The results of examinations showed that he had the initial stages of septicemia, which was caused by his weakened immune system as a result of fatigue and stress.

"Bae Yong-jun dedicated great effort to writing his book recently. He has lost significant weight over the past year. He has been put on an IV and has no other symptoms," added the agency.

Bae has been busy writing a photo essay book about Korea. He has lost more than 10 kg. An event marking the publishing of his book is slated for September 22 at the National Museum of Korea. On September 29 and 30 he is to attend a promotional event for the animation version of "Winter Sonata" in Tokyo, Japan.

Bae's agency said the actor had been exhausted as he had repeatedly stayed up until late at night to finish his book, and had become very sensitive because of many upcoming important events in Korea and Japan, but he would hopefully be discharged from the hospital before the event marking the publishing of his book.

Source: KBS Global

Swallow the Sun Ost

2009-09-21T21:25:00.003-04:00

01.Fate - Trax + Air
02.Voice - Trax + Air
03.Love tears - Z'ta

01.A good day without you - Gavy Nj
02.Don't cry - HowL
03.Pieces of dream - Ezi
04.It's love - Soul Verry

Credits to Soompi

My Fair Lady Ost

2009-09-21T21:19:00.002-04:00

01. Hot Stuff -다비치 (Davichi)
02. 사랑은 어쩔 수 없네요 -윤상현 (Yoon SangHyun)
03. Dash Girl-윤은혜 (Yoon EunHye)
04. 마음을 부탁해-정재욱 (Jung JaeWook)
05. 내 사랑을 부탁해-나윤권 (Nah YoonKwon)
06. Lady(스윙)
07. 숨겨진 이야기
08. 아가씨를 부탁해(탱고)
09. Hot Stuff (연주)
10. 사랑은 어쩔 수 없네요 (연주)
11. Dash Girl(연주)
12. 마음을 부탁해(연주)
13. 내 사랑을 부탁해(연주)

Megaupload: Download

Credits to Soompi

Hyun Bin for Ceci

2009-09-19T17:56:00.001-04:00

Song Hye Kyo's Boy is posing for Ceci Magazine. Can there be another better looking couple?

Kim Hyun-joong Discharged from Hospital

2009-09-19T17:51:00.001-04:00

Kim Hyun-joong of the boy band SS501, who was diagnosed with swine flu in Japan and was hospitalized in Tokyo, was discharged from the hospital on September 15, said his agency, DSP Media. It added that Kim would return to Korea on September 16 and would continue treatment at a local hospital. The agency said SS501's new album activities will be determined according to Kim's recovery.

Kim visited Japan early this month to promote the TV drama "Boys Over Flowers" after SS501 finished its promotion activities in Malaysia. He developed a fever and was diagnozed with the H1N1 virus on September 8.

Source: KBS Global

Han Hyo Joo at New York Fashion Week for La Coste

2009-09-19T02:57:00.004-04:00

Han Hyo Joo being the spokesperson of La Coste Korea attended the La Cost New York Fashion Week show. Do you recognize her? This woman has mad transformation skills! She looks really different from her long black hair with bags days.

Wearing La Coste

Lee Wan is Back!

2009-07-12T23:06:00.002-04:00

Hot sibling of actress Kim Ta Hae is back in the new drama 'Swallow The Sun' and he's never been looking better than before! The last drama that I watched starring Lee Wan was 'Heaven's Tree' which was quite a while ago.

He lost all his baby fat ^^.

Song Hye-gyo Favorite Star in Hong Kong

2009-07-12T23:01:00.000-04:00

A recent poll shows that actress Song Hye-gyo is the favorite Korean celebrity among Hong Kong people. The poll was conducted by the Hong Kong office of the Korea National Tourism Organization on June 11-14 on 1,145 people who attended the 2009 Hong Kong International Tourism Exhibition.

The results showed that Song Hye-gyo received 40.4 percent of the votes. She was trailed by Lee Young-ae at 40.2 percent. Lee took the number one spot in the same poll last year. Other Korean celebrities who were picked by the respondents included Jeon Ji-hyun (31.2 percent), Bae Yong-jun (16.2 percent), singer Rain (14.4 percent) and Ji Jin-hee (12.9 percent).

With regard to the most popular tourist spots in Korea, 68.2 percent of respondents chose Seoul. More than 42 percent cited Jeju and 24.7 percent picked Gangwon Province. With regard to the most impressive experience in Korea, the respondents cited shopping (62.2 percent), food (52.8 percent), natural landscape including flowers (34.6 percent), skiing (34.3 percent) and amusement parks (28.2 percent).

The head of the Hong Kong office of the Korea National Tourism Organization said the results of the poll serve as yet further proof that Hong Kong tourists like shopping and food, and that a growing number of Hong Kong people visit Korea to see flowers.

Source: KBS Global

Four with new SBS-TV show catch flu virus

2009-07-12T23:00:00.000-04:00

Four people working for SBS-TV’s “Swallow the Sun” have caught the A(H1N1) flu virus. The infections were discovered at Incheon International Airport and on Jeju Island early this month. The crew members were returning from Las Vegas, where they had been filming the drama. The four are currently hospitalized, according to the makers of the new series. While the rest of the production crew and cast are not infected with the flu, they are still being quarantined on Jeju Island because of security measures. Ji Sung, the main actor for the drama, is one of the cast members staying on Jeju. Sung Yu-ri, an actress on the show, is said to be in Seoul. She reportedly has no signs of the virus.

SBS decided to postpone the airing of the first episode of Swallow the Sun until today. It was initially scheduled to air yesterday. Swallow the Sun is about four young people who dream of turning the Jeju city of Seogwipo into the Las Vegas of Asia.

By Lee Hae-Joo Contributing writer via INSIDE JoongAng Daily

Tale of ambitious young adults

2009-07-12T22:58:00.002-04:00

With a slew of bankable summer blockbusters charging through the box office this season, it is about time a television series of epic proportions spiced things up on the small screen.

SBS' new Wednesday and Thursday night installment, "Swallow the Sun," promises to do just that.

The latest collaboration between "All In" duo director Yoo Chul-yong and scriptwriter Choi Wan-gyu, "Swallow the Sun" repeats blockbuster-making history, spinning a gargantuan tale of ambitious young adults with big plans and big dreams for Jeju Island.

The scenic island, Las Vegas and South Africa serve as the vast playground on which a star-studded cast that includes "New Heart" star Ji Sung, former girl group Fin.K.L hottie Sung Yu-ri and "Stairway to Heaven" actor Lee Wan play out this mega adventure.

A finely chiseled Ji Sung, who also starred in the hit series "All In" (SBS, 2003), sloughs off his "New Heart" charm for the rugged and rebellious skin of Kim Jung-woo.

Taking on the role of the illegitimate son of a gangster and a female diver, Ji Sung mastered scuba diving, boxing and taekwondo prior to extensive filming that took him from Korea to South Africa and Las Vegas. "I remember riding the truck all day off the beaten path, firing a gun, for the chase scene that unfolded in Africa," Ji Sung recounted unforgettable moments in a press release from SBS.

"For the underwater scene, which was the first one I filmed, I was in the water for eight hours," he recalled. "At one point my eyes got puffy. I swam with one hand and grabbed the gills of a sea bream with the other, struggling for life." "I think I will remember both scenes for a long time."

Behind the scenes, the tough and travel-heavy schedule took its toll on the drama's production crew. According to a press release from SBS, four crew members were diagnosed with the human swine flu virus after flying in from the United States in early July.

Prioritizing national health concerns over the drama, the press conference slated for Tuesday was cancelled and filming was temporarily halted. "All four are confirmed cases of the A (H1N1) virus," said an SBS representative over the phone.

When asked how they were faring, the representative stated that though they showed symptoms of high fever, they were not immobile and that one crew member was fully recovered. In regards to the health of the cast, the representative answered: "They are fine."

According to the press release, after wrapping up filming in Las Vegas the production crew returned to Korea on July 2. One crew member tested positive for swine flu and was placed in the Incheon National Quarantine Station. The following day the production crew joined the film crew in Jeju Island. After receiving tests at the Jeju Island public health center, three more crew members were diagnosed with the H1N1 virus on Monday.

According to the SBS representative, the crew member that was placed in the Incheon National Quarantine Station has made a complete recovery. "Filming may resume, at the soonest, on Thursday," stated the SBS representative.

The first episode was pushed back a day and was replaced by a special that aired yesterday. According to the press release, because plenty of scenes were filmed in South Africa and America, there are no setbacks to the broadcast of the drama for the time being.

Based on the original book authored by the production company's president Kang Chul-hwa of Newport Pictures, "Swallow the Sun" will air its first episode tonight on SBS at 9:55 p.m.

By Jean Oh (oh_jean@heraldm.com) via koreaherald.co.kr

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New drama with Ji Sung, Lee Wan & Sung Yuri? Only hot people! I'm not so updated with dramas these days and I'm sorry for neglecting KDramaQueen. But I'll try to update more often ^_^.

Asia featured at Montreal fest 50 Asian films to feature at fantasy event

2009-07-12T22:56:00.004-04:00

By Patrick Frater

Official Website fantasiafest.com

HONG KONG -- Japanese and Korean films take the biggest bow this week at Fantasia in Montreal, reputed to be the biggest fantasy festival in North America.

The event, which has been extended by two days to include its bulging lineup, opens Thursday with Miike Takashi's "Yatterman" and includes 50 Asian movies in its 115 title presentation, running from July 9 to 29.

Asian highlights include the North American premiere of Park Chan-wook's "Thirst," South Korea's Rotterdam prize-winner "Breathless" by Yang Ik-june, Ning Hao's "Crazy Racer" and a 13-title special section documenting the history of Japan's erotic film genre or "pinku eiga" aka "Pink Movies."

Source: hollywoodreporter.com

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This is so cool that there's an article about it, as the Festival is happening at my Uni = D. I should go.

'Swallow the Sun' to Capture Love, Revenge

2009-07-12T22:56:00.001-04:00

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

The new drama “Swallow the Sun” offers first-ever scenes from South Africa.
With Ji Sung, front left, starring as the tough Jung-woo aiming for revenge,
the program will air starting Thursday at 9:55 p.m. on SBS. / Courtesy of SBS

A passionate tale of lovers follows in the heels of "The City Hall," the Cinderella story of public officials with a happily ever after, tonight on SBS.

The new drama "Swallow the Sun" is about young and headstrong protagonists risking their lives for success and love, and also to make Jeju Island one of the most popular cities in the world along their journey.

"Sun" made a buzz months before the actual airing due to its cast, which includes Ji Sung ("New Heart," 2007), and former member of the now disbanded girl group Fin.K.L., Sung Yu-ri, and also the makers of the program, producer Yoo Chul-yong and writer Choi Wan-kyu.

"We chose actors with potential and spirit. They are not only great in acting, but also considerate to everyone working on the set. We have traveled around to bring the best and viewers will get to see the spectacular scenery of Jeju, Las Vegas and even South Africa. We are ready to receive both compliments and critique," Yoo was quoted as saying by SBS.

Indeed, SBS and the drama crew have been stressing the series being filmed in various locations, including Africa, where no other Korean drama has been filmed until now.

The two drama makers proved their star power with the hit drama "All In" in 2003, starring heartthrob Lee Byung-hun ("The Good, The Bad, The Weird," 2008), and Song Hye-kyo ("Full House," 2004), and their collaboration is one reason many are waiting for the first airing.

"Sun" revolves around three main characters: Jung-woo, Su-hyun and Tae-hyuk. Jung-woo, played by Ji Sung, lives his life as a poor orphan until he saves the rich and powerful Jang Min-ho's life. His life takes a turn when he swears to serve Jang and his son Tae-hyuk as a servant, but when Tae-hyuk, played by Lee Wan, starts to demand more than Jung-woo can handle, he starts to wonder if he can continue. Things get complicated when Jung-woo is suddenly sent to prison instead of Tae-hyuk, and his journey for revenge and love begins from the cold ground of his cell.

"I remember the scene where I had to ride a truck and shoot with my gun the whole day. There was also an underwater shoot where I had to stay in the water for more than eight hours, and my eyes started to swell up," Ji Sung was quoted as saying to SBS. The 32-year-old actor trained hard to look the part of the strong and tough Jung-woo, and he said it was all for the best.

"The directors and staff tell me that the harder I train, the easier the viewers will understand my character, and I agree," he said. Another must-see feature is the renowned Canadian circus troupe "Cirque du Soleil," which will offer scenes from behind the set and during the show, the first time in the troupe's history. Actress Sung Yu-ri was the first actor to ever lay foot on the troupe's stage as part of a drama.

"Sun" is actually based a novel written by Kang Chul-hwa, a novelist and also the head of drama production company New Port Pictures. "The book was inspired by a love story I heard during my visit to Jeju Island. I traveled to the island about 120 times, and then Africa, and also casinos to finish the book," Kang said in a separate press statement. Kang added that the title also changed many times to match the story.

"The sun represents many things depending on the characters: For Jung-woo it's success and family, while for Su-hyun it's to become a famous show director. Finally for Tae-hyuk, it's his love toward Su-hyun. We added the verb 'swallow' to bring the determination of the characters trying to fulfill their dreams," said Kang.

Yoo also mentioned that the strong title was one of the reasons why he chose to recreate the book into a drama." It was a page-turner and I just had to remake it into a television series. I hope the viewers appreciate my decision throughout the airings," he said.

Meanwhile, the press conference for the drama had been scheduled Tuesday, but was canceled due to suspicions of H1N1 flu among the crewmembers. "The production team arrived in Incheon last Thursday from Las Vegas. There was a staff member who felt sick and tests confirmed that he had swine flu. Thus, we decided to cancel the press conference and further shoots for the time being as we cited the importance of the health of our staff," the promotion team of SBS said through a press release.

The drama will air on schedule, July 8 at 9:55 p.m. on SBS.

Credits: sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr

Pretty boy Lee shows off his introspective side

2009-07-12T22:54:00.000-04:00

‘King & Clown’ star talks about his rise to celebrity, and fall back to earth

Korean actor Lee Joon-ki talks about his acting career. Although he has starred
in just a handful of films, he is ranked as one of Korea’s biggest box office draws. By Jeong Chi-ho

There are certain things you might expect when meeting a star actor: crazy good looks, fabulous lifestyle and, perhaps, a bit of attitude.

Such was this reporter’s expectation before an exclusive interview with Korean actor Lee Joon-ki on a recent afternoon. Lee, once a young and struggling actor from the port city of Busan, was catapulted to stardom with his impressive portrayal of an androgynous clown in the 2005 hit film “The King and the Clown.”

Today, Lee is ranked as one of Korea’s biggest box office draws. The few films he has made have attracted almost 20 million people, according to the latest figures.

This puts the 27-year-old actor on par with some of Korea’s most successful veterans, like Song Kang-ho, Sol Kyung-gu and Ahn Sung-ki. Yes. The looks were there, although many would agree that Lee’s androgynous features aren’t what you would call typical, bordering somewhere between male and female.

The lifestyle was there, as well, with his entourage serving him one iced Americano after another and attending to his appearance from time to time to make sure that he felt and looked his best.

But it’s pretty difficult to say whether his attitude is typical of his peers. “I’ve had my fall from grace,” Lee said with a serious face and a low voice as he sat dressed for a photo shoot in an impeccable black suit, white shirt and black tie.

“After my performance in The King and the Clown, I found myself at the forefront of this ‘pretty boy’ trend, whether or not that was my intention. Suddenly, people were interested in me, and there was all this praise and criticism all at the same time. Everything was just so overwhelming. I felt like I was floating on air.”

The “pretty boy” look for men has become more popular in recent years and since then Korean pop culture and the industries that support it have never been the same. Men as pretty as (or prettier than) women have become popular icons, and men who take care of their looks are much in demand.

Although the trend is still going strong, it hasn’t guaranteed Lee success. His subsequent films - “Fly, Daddy, Fly” (2006), “May 18” (2007), and “Virgin Snow” (2007) - have either fallen short of expectations at the box office or cast Lee in minor roles, to say the least. He has, however, managed to stay in the spotlight with TV dramas like “My Girl” (2005) and “The Time between Dog and Wolf” (2007).

Fans greet Lee at his Shanghai concerts last month.
Provided by Mentor Entertainment

Looking back, Lee described his early days as a rising celebrity as having been marked by loneliness and failure. "I think I became a bit full of myself with The King and the Clown. Then came the slump and the big fear of ‘what will I do when I stop shining?’” he said calmly. “But I certainly didn’t want to go back, considering all the effort it had taken me to get there. So in a way I had no choice but to gather myself together and push myself to get out of the darkness.”

Many would agree that Lee did have some success in getting out of his slump. His performance in the SBS drama “Iljimae” last year brought him top honors in the 2008 SBS Drama Awards last December.

The epic drama in which Lee plays a heroic thief who steals from corrupt Joseon Dynasty government officials and gives his take to the poor, enjoyed ratings of over 30 percent, and its DVDs sales were twice those of “Jumong,” another award-winning epic drama that was hugely successful here. Iljimae went on to air in Japan, and started its run on Monday on TV Tokyo.

The Japan deal is hardly surprising. Despite his relatively short career, Lee enjoys a fair amount of recognition in China, Japan and other Asian countries. A recent survey ranked Lee fourth as the hallyu (Korean wave) actor with the biggest potential.

Lee says he defines himself as a clown, the role
he played in “The King and the Clown,” the 2005 film
that catapulted him to stardom. [JoongAng Ilbo]

Hallyu refers to the increase in interest in Korean pop culture in other Asian countries. Lee was the representative for the Seoul Hallyu Festival last year.

In response to calls from his Chinese and Japanese fans, Lee held fan appreciation concerts in Shanghai and Hangzhou in China, with attendance up around 10,000. He also plans to present similar concerts in Kobe and Yokohama in Japan. Being a public figure, there aren’t many ways for me to relieve stress. And over the years, I’ve lost some of the people in my life. In that sense, I just want to have fun with my fans. My fans mean a lot to me.”

What was evident in the hour I spent with Lee were his seriousness and intensity, quite unusual for such a young celebrity. He also seems to possess the kind of insatiable ambition and endless tenacity people often attribute to “Gyeongsangdo guys,” guys from the Gyeongsang provinces in the southern part of the peninsula, like Lee.

Growing up, Lee’s family wasn’t rich. Lee says that is what made him who he is today.“I just hated losing,” Lee said, sipping his iced Americano. “I had to constantly fight for things in life. Nothing could be taken for granted. Thinking back, had I grown up in a wealthy family, I think I would’ve taken things more slowly, and approached things in a more relaxed way. Perhaps I would’ve focused more on my studies, too,” Lee giggled, as if he had long ago made peace with his humble background.

Throughout the interview, Lee listened attentively to my questions, digesting them to the fullest, and responded in an extremely firm and thoughtful manner.

The thing he said with perhaps the most conviction came during a conversation about his relationship to his King and Clown character.

“Clowns [in the Joseon era] came from the lower classes, but had such longing for artistic creativity and freedom. Through their performances they could explore such desires, while at the same time bringing people joy,” Lee explained. The King and the Clown ends with Lee’s character Gongil yelling that he will become a clown in his next life. For Lee, the answer would perhaps be the same.

By Kim Hyung-eun [hkim@joongang.co.kr] via INSIDE JoongAng Daily

Wonbin at Gambia photo exhibition

2009-07-04T23:23:00.002-04:00

Wonbin looking sharp in black and white at the Gambia photo exhibition. Wonbin volunteered to work as an UNICEF ambassador in Gambia and this is where the photos were shot.

Lotte World opens 'Star Avenue'

2009-07-04T23:21:00.001-04:00

Taking a full step toward marketing Korea's most sought-after superstars among overseas fans, Lotte World opened yesterday "Star Avenue," a memorabilia hall that displays all things related to celebrities -- just not the stars themselves.

"We believed that we needed something to appeal to the rising number of tourists to Gangnam (southern Seoul) region," said Choi Hong-hoon, public relations team chief for Lotte World.

The opening ceremony was attended by several of the featured stars and hundreds of their adoring fans.

The Avenue, located on the first underground floor near the South Gate of Lotte World, is divided into five different spaces. The "Star Showcase" corner exhibits costumes and accessories donated by the stars, along with a star magazine video featuring the latest celebrity news.

More celebrity PHOTOS at kr.yahoo.com

Nine stars are featured including Rain, Tong Vfang Xien Qi, Big Bang, Park Yong-ha, Song Seung-heon, Choi Ji-woo, Ji Sung and Kang Ji-hwan, along with Japanese celebrity Ikko.

"Star Center", located at the center of the avenue accommodates a huge, 360 degree, high definition screen which features clips of the celebrities.

"Music Star" hall allows visitors to choose and listen to their favorite songs which they can burn in CD format to take as souvenirs. Fans can also send letters using a touch screen program.

"Drama Star" features recreated film sets of popular drama series such as Daejanggeum and East of Eden, where fans can pose next to life-size models of their favorite stars.

Hours of operation for the Avenue are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The entry fee is 10,000 won although anyone with a Lotte World Adventure "one-for-all" ticket will be able to enter free of charge.

Lotte World in Jamsil-dong of Songpa-gu, which is also home to a hotel, duty-free shop, department store and a musical theater, will celebrate its 20th anniversary on July 12.

When it first opened it was the world's largest indoor theme park. Since then, Lotte World has become a signature amusement destination not only for children, but for adults as well who had eagerly welcomed the opening of the adventure park.

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Lotte World has organized a number of diverse and exciting events, including a "Lotty's Adventure Parade" featuring 200 brightly-lit, airborne actors and dancers. On the day of the actual anniversary there will be a special event where 20 couples (who are 20-years-old) will cut a 20-meter-high birthday cake. There will also be a musical, samulnori (Korean farmer's dance), as well as a lucky draw for overseas trips.

Lotte World and its adjacent Magic Island were the first Korean theme park in 1995 to open at night and, since then, have introduced many daring new rides such as the Gyro Drop (1998), Gyro Swing (2001) and the Atlantis ride (2003). Lotte World went through a major renovation in 2007. As a further expansion of the business, Lotte World plans to open a water park in Jangyu, South Gyeongsang Province in 2011 and will also participate in a comprehensive entertainment complex development in Shenyang, China.

By Lee Joo-hee (angiely@heraldm.com) via koreaherald.co.kr

Se7en Confesses Love for Actress Park

2009-06-13T13:01:00.001-04:00

By Lee Tae-hoon
Staff Reporter

Singer Se7en Wednesday confessed his love for actress Park Han-byul.

The K-pop artist acknowledged on his personal blog that widespread rumors about the union had not been groundless.

"It is true that I and Park Han-byul have been more than just friends for more than seven years since we debuted. I sincerely apologize for having had to deny the rumors," Se7en said in an online message, titled "Let me tell you everything."

"We have been best friends since senior year at high school. Our friendship has remained strong and gradually turned into love."

Se7en, 24, and Park attended the same high school. He explained that he kept their relationship secret to protect Park's privacy. Se7en denied the courtship when photos of them dating were recently leaked from her private Internet message board.

Se7en became a household name in 2003 with his debut album, "Just Listen" He made his acting debut in 2007 in "Prince Hours," the sequel of the mega-hit drama, "Princess Hours," but the ratings for the series were poor. He has tried to enter the American music market, but has yet to find success.

Park made her acting debut in the 2003 hit horror film, "Wishing Stairs.'"She is also the star of the new film, "Yoga School.''

Credits: leeth@koreatimes.co.kr

Lee Byung-hun, most wanted for date

2009-06-13T13:00:00.001-04:00

y Hyun Ji-hyang

Lee Byung Hun in 'A Bittersweet Life' (2005)

Lee Byung-hun was selected as the most wanted boyfriend in Japan, topping a list that includes stars from several countries.

Japanese monthly magazine CREA picked the No. 1 actor to date in Hollywood and Asia. Lee was chosen as the top actor among 40 Asian superstars. Among Hollywood actors, Zac Efron from the movies "Hairspray" and "High School Musical: Graduation" was picked as the best boyfriend.

The magazine introduced Lee's background in film and television dramas, his participation in UNICEF as a special delegate, his educational background and the languages he is fluent in (Korean, English, French and Mandarin Chinese). In addition, CREA announced that Lee's Japanese single album had received the "Best Asian Artist Award" in the 23rd Golden Disk Award Ceremony.

The publication noted that most of Lee's roles on screen were strong and manly, giving Lee his "poker face" image. However, at Cannes, Lee was moved to tears when he received a standing ovation for his movie "The Good, the Bad, the Weird." CREA mentioned this incident, revealing the actor's hidden inner warmth.

"The Good, the Bad, the Weird," along with Lee's other two movies "G.I Joe: The Rise of Cobra," and "I Come with the Rain" are being released in Japan this summer. Lee will spend his summer promoting his movies.

By Hyun Ji-hyang (jenellehyun@gmail.com) via koreaherald.co.kr

Song Seung-heon to Quit His Agency

2009-06-13T12:59:00.001-04:00

"I want to appear in front of my fans with confidence.”

Following his predecessors Bae Yong-jun and Park Shin-yang, actor Song Seung-heon has founded his own talent management agency. He recently expressed his expectations and feelings on his personal Web site. Song wrote that he recently quit all his agencies, which used to be like home to him, and has been preparing to open his own agency. “It took me a while to make this decision, and it makes me feel really sad," wrote Song.

Song says he decided to become independent because he wanted to try many new things. He also expressed gratitude to his former agencies, and said that he had always wanted to expand his realms as an entertainer. "It’s like being home alone without your parents. I’m both nervous and excited to be completely on my own for the first time since my debut. But on the other hand, I’m also very worried. I’ll do my best to meet with you as often as I can and repay your love,” said Song.

Song made a comeback in May through the MBC TV series “East of Eden,” which was a big success. He says that in the future he wants to mature as an actor and appear in a new production as soon as possible. In his message, Song also expressed his grief over the passing of the late President Roh Moo-hyun. He wrote, "The news about Mr. Roh’s death was shocking and sad to all of us. I was always impressed by his efforts to protect ordinary people. It’s heartbreaking to know that we’ll never see him again. I hope that he rests in peace."

Source: KBS Global

Hye-gyo Named Asia Panda Goodwill Ambassador

2009-06-13T12:58:00.001-04:00

Top actress Song Hye-gyo was named the world’s first Asia Panda Goodwill Ambassador and visited a panda base situated in the city of Chengdu in Sichuan Province last Thursday.

Song spent time with giant pandas in the outdoor farm, feeding and playing with them. She was amazed to see real live pandas and spoke of the importance of protecting pandas and other endangered animals. The actress also was told that a panda at the Chengdu base had lived in Korea for three years and had a baby upon returning to China.

Song was awarded the certificate and plaque of Asia Panda Goodwill Ambassadorship in Beijing last Saturday.

Source: KBS Global

'Rain' Appointed Seoul Goodwill Ambassador

2009-06-13T12:57:00.001-04:00

Rain (left) and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon Korean pop icon Rain was appointed as global goodwill ambassador for Seoul in the annex of Seoul City Hall on Tuesday afternoon, receiving the appointment plate from Mayor Oh Se-hoon.

"The brand value of Seoul is literally the brand value of Korea. With Rain, we can enhance the infinite potential of Korea's brand power," Oh said.

Rain donated T-shirts he designed with legend "Infinitely Yours, Seoul" to the city. They will be sold by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, with the proceeds used to help low-income households.

Before the ceremony began, highlights of a video clip promoting Seoul and starring Rain were screened. The video will be aired worldwide on the Discovery Channel.

Credits: englishnews@chosun.com

Won Bin à Paris

2009-05-24T14:45:00.005-04:00

Won Bin is not only in Cannes,France this month for his new movie Mother, but he`s also featured in June`s Bazaar with a photo shoot in Paris.
He's a natural model but the hair must go!

Park Shi Yeon Getting Married to Kim Kang Woo...

2009-05-24T14:27:00.003-04:00

...in Story of A Man. Oh no, the bad guy is getting the girl. I am watching Story of A Man now, it's getting good, love Kyung Tae. Is Park Shi Yeon siding with the evil guy...?

Have you ever seen a bad guy as good looking as me?

'IRIS' to Bring Spy Story to Small Screen

2009-05-24T14:19:00.001-04:00

y Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

The cast of the new drama "IRIS" pose for the cameras at a press conference
held May 12 in southern Seoul. From left, Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-hee, Jung Jun-ho,
Kim Seung-woo, Kim So-yeon and T.O.P. / Yonhap

"IRIS" is gearing up for a new genre of drama ― espionage action. The new series, expected to air in September, has fans anticipating where it will refuel the passion for hallyu.

"IRIS" is not only based on the hit movie "Swiri" (1998), but also stars some of Korea's best-known actors.

Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-hee, Jung Jun-ho, Kim Seung-woo, Kim So-yeon and Big Bang member T.O.P. will appear in the "blockbuster action melodrama," and even the actors said they were worried how the drama makers will pull out all the charms from the colorful actors. "We approached 'IRIS' like it was a spy film, so viewers will get to watch movie-like scenes along with the emotional details that have made Korean drama so popular over the years at the same time," Kim Kyu-tae, the director, said.

"One of the most interesting issues here is the division of South and North Korea. It's something that the world is interested in, but we tend to avoid mentioning the issue. 'IRIS' takes place in the middle of all this, so I believe that's one of the reasons why we are receiving international recognition," fellow director Yang Yun-ho added.

The story takes place in South Korea where Kim Hyun-jun (Lee) and Jin Sa-woo (Jung) are National Security System (NSS) agents and best friends. The two fall for the same girl, fellow agent Choi Seung-hee (Kim) but Hyun-jun ignores his feelings and hopes for his friend's happiness. Things take a drastic turn when Hyun-jun is sent for a secret solo mission and he loses everything, including his friendship with Sa-woo and Seung-hee, and discovers a secret society called "IRIS."

A short documentary showed scenes of the cast and the crew shooting in Japan, one showing Lee screeching down a dam with ~~Kim~~ a child-actor in his arms, and this was one that Lee personally thought as one of the most memorable and terrifying. "It was perfectly safe, but the height of the dam was about 130 meters, and it apparently did make me nervous," said Lee, who is waiting for the releases of the Hollywood movies he appeared in, "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" and "I Come With The Rain."

The series ~~was~~ will be filmed around the world, including places where Korean dramas were never filmed before, such as Hungary, while in Japan, the crew said that they were welcomed with open arms. "I don't know how they knew, but fans were everywhere and I have never felt more grateful for their interest," Lee added.

The support was extra special, particularly in Japan, where Lee is a huge hallyu star. The Akita Prefecture supported the actors and crewmembers with free lodging throughout the shoots.

Kim Tae-hee, a top female star who returns to the small screen after four years, appeared in black mini-dress and said that she tried hard to depict the image of the smart and strong agent Choi. "I lost some weight and trained at action stunt schools with fellow actors. I actually went through many injuries during rehearsals, so I am waiting for a perfect recovery now," she said.

For the usually comical Kim Seung-woo, who plays a North Korean agent, reporters asked him how it felt to act a North Korean, and the oldest and only married actor answered with humor. "North Korean agents are very different from what people may imagine. They don't use different dialects of the Korean language, and are very handsome like me. When I saw the DVD set of the popular television series '24' at one of my friends' house, I felt a bit disappointed and sad. I want this drama to become like '24,' something that you would like to keep and watch every now and then," he said.

Boasting a budget of more than 20 billion won and produced by one of Korea's top production companies, Taewon Entertainment, "IRIS" is aiming for a new chapter in Korean dramas, hoping to attract not only local but also foreign fans as well.

"We feel great responsibility and excitement at bringing such a genre based on the world's last divided country. While men will be attracted to the action scenes, along with the friendship and revenge between fellow agents and enemies, women can connect with the emotional details between the lovely and handsome characters, torn between love and their duties," director Kim said.

"IRIS" will be aired in September on KBS2.

Credits: sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr

T.O.P and Seung-ri star in '19'

2009-05-24T14:18:00.001-04:00

Members of boy band BIGBANG flexed their acting chops on set last Wednesday. On the last day of filming for their forthcoming telefilm, "19," T.O.P and Seung-ri took turns channeling teen angst; smoke swirling, rap pounding through the speakers. One out of a series of eight feature-length dramas produced by Samhwa Networks under the overarching title, "Telecinema," "19" charts the growing pains of a trio of 19-year olds. The plot reads like your typical teen flick -- a group of kids on the cusp of adulthood get implicated in a murder case and run away.

The writer behind this work, however, defies expectations.

Taking a cue from the Korean Wave, "Telecinema" has enlisted the creative prowess of Japanese scriptwriters, Korean directors and Hallyu stars to spin out, flesh out and act out the eight tales. High profile directors like Pyo Min-soo of the hit drama "Full House" and Hallyu stars like Kim Ha-neul, Ji Jin-hee and Dong Bang Shin Ki's Hero Jae-Joong are taking part in this large scale project.

"The writer of '19' scripted the original 'White Tower,'" "19" director Jang Yong-woo referred to scriptwriter Inoue Yumiko during a press conference held on set, last Wednesday. "For this project, I went for a young vibe, for dynamism and movement," Jang added.

Decked out in black, BIGBANG member-and-fashion maven T.O.P, who is also starring in the blockbuster drama "IRIS," put the spotlight on his and his co-stars' roles: "I don't think that we will be fashionable (in '19'). Your attention won't be drawn to our outfits. It will be drawn to our characters."

Fellow member Seung-ri ruled out a full-blown romance, "Unfortunately, there are no love scenes in our drama." "Co-star Heo Yi-jae was unhappy about it," he quipped. "He is joking," actress Heo countered, hitting her male co-star playfully.

For those looking forward to seeing sharp outfits on their K-pop icons, this may come as a bit of a disappointment. But fans of BIGBANG's music may be in for a pleasant surprise. According to director Jang, both T.O.P and Seung-ri worked on songs that may be featured in the forthcoming telefilm. "It is very beautiful," director Jang said of Seung-ri's ballad.

Following the press conference, Jang and the cast continued to film "19," which is slated to air, with seven other "Telecinema" feature-length dramas, on SBS in Korea and TV Asahi in Japan. Four of the works are slated to hit movie theaters in Japan and Korea this summer.

The telefilms will be 90 to 105 minutes long.

By Jean Oh (oh_jean@heraldm.com) via koreaherald.co.kr

Motherhood gone awry shows offensive streak of human nature

2009-05-24T14:16:00.000-04:00

By Shin Hae-in

SEOUL, May 21 (Yonhap) -- A mother's love is divine, but only for her child. Protecting one's own child sometimes means harming another's -- a hoggish aspect of human virtue that often goes unnoticed, and even condoned.

Following his record-breaking monster movie "The Host" -- the first South Korean film to surpass the 10-million viewer mark at the domestic box office -- director Bong Joon-ho has returned with "Mother," a haunting noir that became his latest Cannes film fest entry. It premiered in the non-competition Un Certain Regard section.

Like his previous features, which offers riotous entertainment at first glance, "Mother" professes to be a simple enough tear-shedding ode to mothers featuring a widow's desperate search for the killer that framed her mentally handicapped son for a brutal murder.

But at some point during its lengthy two hour-running time, the film suddenly points at socio-political and psychological commentaries that leave viewers in shock and goose bumps long after the film's final images have faded.

Do-jun (Won-bin), a shy and reclusive 28-year-old, lives in a small shady provincial Korean town with his mother Hye-ja (Kim Hye-ja), whose only purpose in life is looking after her mentally challenged son.

When a horrific murder of a high school girl occurs in this normally quiet town, police pin the murder on Do-jun, who was a crime scene witness and has no alibi.

Convinced of her son's innocence and angered by authorities' unsympathetic response to his vulnerable condition, Hye-ja turns first to a pricey, arrogant lawyer and then to her son's seemingly depraved friend who advises her not to trust anyone and go find the killer herself.

Taking matters into her own hands, the petit, sad-eyed woman lands upon dark secrets involving the murdered girl and the villagers. Meanwhile, encouraged by his mother to jog his memories of the night of the crime, Do-jun is reminded of a discomforting incident that led to Hye-ja's excessive maternal devotion.

"I wanted to stretch motherhood to the extreme and see how far it can go in a cinematic reality," Bong said after the film's Seoul preview Wednesday night. "This film was a new challenge to me in a sense that I touched on the strongest force and the core of human relationships."

While never abandoning his characteristic craftsmanship to stay dark, brisk and suspenseful, with twists manifesting at the exact moments to sustain the tension, Bong certainly appears to have tested new limits in "Mother," continuously questioning whether maternal devotion really take precedence over all else.

Although "Mother" slots in somewhere between the large-scale and absurdist elements of "The Host" and the plot-driven and realistic "Memories of Murder," it still seems to fall short of being the 40-year-old Korean auteur's best film to date -- it is too lengthy and its plot has holes unfilled even after the credits roll.

But considering "Mother" is only a fourth feature to his credit, the film does help solidify Bong's status as one of the gifted directors of his generation in and out of Korea.

While still looking to the decades-old genre of film noir for inspiration, Bong chooses to create a modern aesthetic saturated with moral gravity, relying on his talent to stay focused and composed through the end.

Opening with a surrealist and somewhat hilarious sequence of the fickle heroine making odd dance moves in the middle of a plain, "Mother" will leave viewers pondering about its implications long after the film's haunting final images have faded.

The film, applauded as a "strong Hitchcockian thriller" and "worth acceptance to official competition selection" after its Cannes premiere last week, will hit the local theaters at May 28.

hayney@yna.co.kr

Source: Yonhap News

'Mother' Turning Point in Won Bin's Acting Career

2009-05-24T14:14:00.000-04:00

Actor Won Bin says the movie “Mother” marks a new chapter in his acting career. Won Bin plays a leading role in “Mother,” which was invited to the 62nd Cannes International Film Festival. In an interview on May 17 at a hotel in Cannes, Won Bin said the movie marks "round two" of his career as an actor.

Won Bin, who made a comeback to the big screen with his role in “Mother” after a five-year hiatus, said he is a very ambitious actor and that acting is appealing because it’s "infinite." He said, "That’s why I want to put everything at stake."

In “Mother,” Won Bin plays a dull-witted young man who is falsely accused of murder and whose mother (played by Kim Hye-ja) embarks on a mission to find the real culprit. His character has a rather complex personality, which is at times pure-hearted and dull and at other times quite sharp. Won Bin describes his character as someone with two personalities. He says he did his best to stick to the script because he believed that the director knew the character perfectly.

Won Bin said, "I was worried that my dull-witted character would fail to appeal to viewers and tried to come up with ways to make him look less repellent. I gave great thought to his pure-hearted side by reminiscing about my past and spending time alone, but eventually I found the answer in the script.”

Won Bin, who walked down the red carpet on May 16, says he was happy to represent a good movie at the renowned film festival along with actress Kim Hye-ja, actor Jin Gu and director Bong Jun-ho. Won Bin said, "I was curious to see how foreign viewers would react to the Korean ideal of mother shown in the movie, but I was sure that people from all over the world feel the same way toward their mothers."

In “Mother” the collaboration between Won Bin and Kim Hye-ja was of crucial importance because its plot is all about the mother-son relationship. Won Bin says the moment he saw actress Kim Hye-ja for the first time, he knew that she represented an ideal mother because her lucid eyes looked very innocent and made him feel at ease. "She treated me like her own son throughout the shoot and her character truly loved her son. I called her ‘Mom’ during the shoot and I still call her that," added Won.

Source: english.kbs.co.kr

Shin Min Ah in Calvin Klein

2009-05-18T14:05:00.001-04:00

Shin Min Ah is in June's Marie Claire issue wearing sexy Calvin Klein denim.

Wonbin in Harper Bazaar June 09

2009-05-18T14:01:00.002-04:00

Wonbin is currently in Paris at Cannes for 'Mother'. This is the June edition for Bazaar. He looks so much younger with his mushy-wooshy hair!

Lee Min Ho - the Enegery Bunny who is never tired

2009-05-17T04:37:00.002-04:00

Lee Min Ho did a fan signing session on Saturday and the pictures show that he is all happy to meet his fans. Some lucky fans even got their cheeks pinched by Mr. Lee Min Ho himself. Holding hands is also included in the fan signing package. Min Ho seems to enjoy the rituals though.

Go Hye Sun's Short Film Wins Award

2009-05-17T04:23:00.004-04:00

Korean actress Go Hye Sun (BOF) turned director won with her short film the audience award at Busan Asian Short Film Festival. She also just recently just released a novel. Is there a thing this girl can't do? Is she the new multi -talent in the Korean entertainment industry?

She's really pale as a ghost but I like her outfit, especially her feather top.

Wonbin at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival for Mother

2009-05-16T14:47:00.004-04:00

Wonbin attended the Cannes Film Festival for his new movie Mother with actress Kim Hye-Ja, Actor Jin Goo and Director Bong Joon Ho on May 16th 2009. He chose an all black ensemble without wearing a tie but still manages to look sophisticated and clean. Also his hairstyle is new if you haven't noticed, DBSK hairstyle? I kind of like it, do you?

11 of 12

Email Me Won Bin Pictures

Han Ji Hye Launches her Shoe Collection

2009-05-14T04:04:00.003-04:00

After the hard work of designing shoes in Italy, Han Ji Hye finally launched her own shoe collection under the name "H by Jinny Kin" . The collection is available online here. However it'll be only available to Korean customers.

Han Ji Hye is modeling shoes for her own line.

Images from the collection:

Which one do you like?

My favourites:

1000Won is about 1$ so you do the math!

Kim So Yeon with new Do at Iris Press Conference

2009-05-14T03:36:00.006-04:00

Actress Kim So Yeon (Iris) appeared with a new short Do at the press conference of the new drama Iris. Iris is a drama co-starring Lee Byeong Hoon and Kim Tae Hee as the leads. The budget of Iris is said to be over $20 million US. Some of the filming places includes Russia, Japan, China and US. Big Bang leader Top is also part of the Iris cast.

Kim So Yeon with new haircut

Before

Top

Kim Tae Hee, her beauty never fades.

Mr Lee Byeong Heon, still dashing as ever.

Lover's in Iris

Source:ngoisao.net

Han Chae Young for Marie Claire May 09

2009-05-14T03:28:00.002-04:00

Actress Han Chae Young is featured in this month's Marie Claire Issue. The look consists of heavy eye makeup and Sexy poses where Han Chae Young is playing with chairs. It looks pretty dangerous to stand on those chairs with such high heels but she's a pro.

Stars at the Puma 2009 Fashion Show

2009-05-14T03:16:00.002-04:00

This is about 2 weeks ago but still, stars attended the Puma Fashion Show wearing Puma outfits. Among them were kpop singer, Tiffany, actress Kim Ha Neul and Lee Da Hae.

Tiffany - do you spot her Louis Vuitton bag? She looks like she's ready to go play some tennis.I like her skirt though.

Kim Ha Neul - casual chic in Puma , works for her.

Lee Da Hae - Making Puma wear red carpet ready. I like it show she put the outfit together. It doesn't look like it's from Puma if you don't look at the logo.

Lee Min Ho Explains How to Drink Pepsi in a Sexy way

2009-05-13T00:17:00.004-04:00

Lee Min Ho, the New spokes person for Pepsi filmed his latest commercials for the new Pepsi Drink 'Nex Pepsi' and he had to drink about 4 liters of Pepsi until the CF was wrapped. The interesting thing about this is that Jerry Jan, the Taiwanese Star of the Boys Over Flowers Taiwanese version also was the spoke person for Pepsi with his F4 members.

In an interview, a fan asked if there's a way to enjoy the drink, Lee Min Ho explained his sensual version: "First put the drink on your lips. Then close your eyes. Finally, you slowly let the drink go down your throat... After that, he did a demonstration with his microphone and the fans screamed.

Lee Min Ho Drinks 4-5 cups of Coffee Per Day

2009-05-13T00:07:00.003-04:00

This is an English clip showing the filming of the Dunkin Donuts CF with Boys Over Flowers Star Min Ho. In the clip, he confessed that he drinks "about 4-5 cups of coffee per day", mostly from the vending machine! Also he reveals his weak point is that he's "not a good dancer".

I don't like donuts usually since they're too sweet but Lee Min Ho makes me want to have a donut right now. He eats it really in a yummy way!

So Ji Sub being affectionate to Song Seung Heon

2009-05-12T03:55:00.002-04:00

I just had to share this. They're sooo cute together, they would make a cute gay couple but that would be really a loss to humanity.

Did you notice that it's always SJS who puts the arm around SSH?SSH must be shy aha.

Wonbin will come to Cannes!

2009-05-12T03:42:00.002-04:00

Wonbin and director Bong Joon Ho will be in Cannes on May 16th as their movie 'Mother' is in the official selection 'Un Certain Regard'. So whoever will be there will be able to meet Wonbin!

Here is the official screening for Mother in Cannes:

May 16, 14:00 "Mother" press screening (press conference after screening)
May 16, 22:00 "Mother" the official premiere
May 17, 17:45 "Mother" day after screening

Shin Min Ah at Pink Ribbon Love Marathon Event

2009-05-12T03:36:00.003-04:00

Shin Min Ah was at the Pink Ribbon Love Marathon for breast cancer looking radiant and cute in her oversized top and shiny leggings paired up with high sandals.

Lee Da Hae Kissing New Man?

2009-05-12T03:21:00.003-04:00

Lee Da Hae is initializing a kiss in the elevator with a mysterious man but he refuses her kiss and turns away.No sane man in the world will refuse a kiss from Lee Da Hae I believe. Scandal!

You wish!aha. Lee Da Hae is actually filming a scene in a MV with Taiwanese singer Wilber Pan where he plays her bodyguard.The MV promises to be steamly hot as you can see what Lee Da Hae is wearing. Tight short dress, fishnets and boots.

Picture credits to soompi

Se7en and Park Han Byul are Dating?

2009-05-12T03:09:00.001-04:00

A picture of Se7en and Park Han Byul leaked with the message "Happy 6th anniversary" on it. For many Se7en fans this will be a heartbreak but we have to give credits to the couple to be dating 6 years in secret. What's their secret to stay undercover...?

...having mask facials when going out?

Park Shin Hye on Lee Min Ho & Kim Hyun Joong

2009-05-09T03:06:00.004-04:00

Actress Park Shin Hye collaborated with two of the hottest stars from Boys over Flowers Lee Min Ho and Kim Hyun Joong for CFs.

On the set interview of the CF, this is what she had to say about Lee Min Ho & Kim Hyun Joong: "It's easy to see that they have two completely different personalities. Lee Min Ho is really goofy and jokes around while on the other hand, Huyn Joong is quiet, doesn't talk much and is more mature."

This is the first time that Park Shin Hye and Kim Hyun Joong are collaborating together and it's awkward for them,especially the kiss scenes.

Se7en goes back to Korea to tank Energy

2009-05-09T03:00:00.000-04:00

Singer Se7en who was working on his debut in the States, returned to Korea suddenly on May 7. It is said that he'll say in Korea for a while to rest before coming back to the US. Probably, Korean Se7en fans may have to wait for his come back in Korea for a long time since he'll be busy in the US. Se7en's latest single Girl's is a collaboration with Lil' Kim.

Han Ji Hye in Italy

2009-05-08T03:39:00.002-04:00

Recently,Han Ji Hye went to Italy to study shoe designing and these are the pictures of her during her stay there.

Love her outfit here!

So that's how you make shoes. She's cute with glasses.

Offical Mother Poster Revealed

2009-05-08T03:26:00.002-04:00

The official posters for the most anticipated movie in May 'Mother' starring Wonbin has been revealed.

This is the main poster

more

International versions

Cinderella Man Subtitles

2009-05-07T21:27:00.004-04:00

Aja-Aja.com posted the soft subs for Cinderella Man. You can get episodes 1-3 here.

Story of a Man/ Slingshot Ost

2009-05-07T21:16:00.002-04:00

Download: here [right click]

Ruby Lin Named Seoul Goodwill Ambassador

2009-05-07T02:07:00.000-04:00

Ruby Lin (file photo)

Taiwanese actress Ruby Lin has been named goodwill ambassador for Seoul in the Chinese-speaking world. Lin rose to stardom with the part of Zi Wei in a popular Chinese TV soap opera "The Return Princess."

She has also appeared in the Korean-Chinese co-production "Sophie's Revenge" starring So Ji-sub, which led to her appointment. "I visit Seoul often for shopping and spa treatment," the Seoul Metropolitan Government quoted her as saying. "I will promote various aspects of Seoul in the Chinese-speaking world."

Lin, who came to Seoul to attend the 2009 Hi Seoul Festival on Monday, will stay in Korea until Saturday to enjoy the Hi Seoul Festival, trying on royal court clothes and making traditional masks. She is scheduled to visit Seoul City Hall on Wednesday for the appointment ceremony and donate some of her favorite items to the city.

Source: english@chosun.com

G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra with Lee Byung Hun a Most Anticipated Summer Movie

2009-05-07T02:06:00.001-04:00

U.S. entertainment magazine Entertainment Weekly selected “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” with Korean actor Lee Byung-hun as one of the “22 Summer Movies for Your Inner Geek.”

Lee plays Storm Shadow, a double agent who provides information for G.I. Joes from the Cobra. The film is directed by Stephen Sommers, who directed the Mummy trilogy, and has a huge cast of big Hollywood names, such as Dennis Quaid, Marlon Wayans, and Sienna Miller. The movie is due for American release on August 7th.

The magazine also named “Star Trek: The Beginning,” “Terminator Salvation,” “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” and “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” as the most anticipated summer blockbusters for 2009.

Source: KBS World

Moon Geun-young's Special B-Day Party

2009-05-07T02:05:00.001-04:00

Philanthropic actress Moon Geun-young’s 23rd birthday was celebrated with some 700 of her fans and a very special birthday present. Moon’s birthday party/fan meeting was held Saturday evening at Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul.

The members of her fan club, Angels, donated more than 370 books, toys, and study materials to the children of Haenam, the southernmost village in Korea. The charity work was carried out without Moon’s knowledge, and the award-winning actress found out only when a video message from the children was shown during the party.

The party went on for three and a half hours and featured fun-filled events organized by her fans. Stars such as Kim Tae-hee, Kim So-yeon, Kim Ji-soo, and Bae Su-bin sent their congratulatory messages and Moon Cha-won, who co-starred with Moon in the drama “Painter of the Wind,” made a special guest appearance at the party.

Source: KBS World

Stars' Blogs as Tool of Communication

2009-05-07T02:02:00.000-04:00

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Korean stars, seeking to protect their privacy, are turning to the online
to speak their minds or clarify stances on certain issues

As one of the most wired countries in the world, it is hard for anyone here to stay offline for long, and now even the busiest singers and actors manage to squeeze their time to communicate with fans and express themselves through the Web.

Many celebrities each have their personal blogs, mostly on the famous networking Web site Cyworld. More than 20 million Internet users have joined the site, and thanks to its easy-to-use features and popularity, it has become one of the easiest and effective ways for celebrities to openly express their thoughts.

It started with actors who wanted to show more of themselves as ordinary people, not as the fashionable stars they were presented as through the media.

Actors Lee Hye-young, Hwang Ci-ne and singers Park Jun-hee and Ock Joo-hyun's blogs were some of the most popular, with photos of their personal life, friends and even pets helping them to get closer to the public.

Now, stars and fans alike are using the simple medium to communicate, support and sometimes even criticize a range of topics. Communication-wise, many stars have eagerly answered questions posted by their fans, from the places they stayed during trips to the brands of their clothes and cosmetics shown in the photos posted on their blogs. Support, on the other hand, took an interesting turn when they were going through difficult times, both as an ordinary person and as a famous celebrity.

The sudden deaths Jeong Da-bin, Yuni, Choi Jin-sil and Jang Ja-yeon shook the nation, and fans found a way to express their sorrow in a more personal way ― leaving a comment on blogs.

Many paid a visit to those that lost their owners, showing that the online world can work as a great place to express gratitude and pay respect to loved ones."We don't know her personally, so it's a great way to show our respect. I have been visiting her blog ever since she started it, and to stop just because she passed away seems too sad and cruel. I visit her blog once a week, and sometimes leave a message or send a note. I don't know if anyone reads it, but some fans consider it a way of affection,'' Kim Ha-neul, a fan of Choi, told The Korea Times.

A total of 10 million have visited Choi's blog (http://www.cyworld.com/choijinsil) since she first joined, while more than 1,000 fans still visit every day.

Meanwhile, the online world has also become a popular space for stars who have something to say about issues other than fashion and trips, social issues and self-defense. Barely having enough free time to express themselves, blogs have apparently become handy when they need to get away from the glamour and trappings of the entertainment industry.

Shin Hae-chul has been known as a singer who openly and sarcastically criticizes government policies, and he made headlines once again by praising North Korea's April 5 rocket launch last month on his official Web site. When fans talked about the Wonder Girls' Yu-bin's weight offline and online, the 20-year-old singer wrote that she "loved the way I am and I am proud of myself whatever people say" on her Cyworld blog.

For Nam Gyu-ri, a former member of girl group See-ya, her blog was the last place she could turn to when her former agency and members accused her of walking away from her contract without notice. "I didn't want to get into the complicated life that depended on money. I just wanted to sing and act. The contract was officially complete and I felt free to do whatever I liked,'' she wrote.

"It's the way they connect with the real world. As they grow older, they realize that they need a tool to communicate with the world. Young singers are used to using the Internet ― it's fast, private and accessible in Korea, so it is natural for them to use their own blogs as tools of communication,'' an official at an entertainment agency said.

Credits: sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr

New Layout!

2009-05-06T23:46:00.002-04:00

As you can see I have nothing better to do and gave Kdrama Queen a new Layout. I hope you like it. I'm readding all the OST list and it's sooo long =\. My hand hurts aha.Please Support Kdrama Queen !<3

Translate

2009-05-05T03:07:00.001-04:00

Hello to my non english speaking visitors out there. I added the Google Translate on the top right corner of the blog so just select your language. The translation might be funny sometimes but better than nothing huh. I'm actually pretty impressed with it!

Rain's Ninja Assassin Movie Poster Released

2009-05-05T01:41:00.002-04:00

The Movie Poster for Rain's new hollywood movie Ninja Assassin has just been released. Guess what Rain is standing under.......................the Rain of course! The poster shows Rain's half naked back slashed with wounds and he's holding a sword on his right hand and another weapon on his left hand. His expession doesn't look very friendly, rather fierce.

Hugh Jackman and Daniel Henney Dancing at Korean show Gold Miss

2009-05-05T00:47:00.002-04:00

This is just hilarious. I cracked up. See Hugh Jackman like you've never seen him before. He's very charming.

Wonbin in Mother

2009-05-04T19:37:00.004-04:00

In Mother, Wonbin plays a mental ill who's being accused of murder. His mother tries everything to prove her son's innocence. Mother has been accepted to the competition of the Cannes Film Festival.

I am really anticipating to see this movie!

Wonbin on his UNICEF Mission

2009-05-04T19:20:00.003-04:00

Wonbin working as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, visited Gambia to do good deeds. Looking at those pictures makes my heart melt. He's not just a hot man but he's also a good person with a very kind heart. Please support Wonbin in whatever he's doing in the future!

Alex Chu - Flowerpot 화분

2009-05-03T21:19:00.004-04:00

I'm watching We Got Married with Alex & Shinae now (I know I'm late with this) and I'm absolutely in love with Alex. He's the perfect husband any girl would want. Romantic, Honest, thoughtful...he always has something to surprise Shinae (If I was her I would marry him ^^).

Mini Alex Biographie:
Name: Alex Chu
Birthday:September 02, 1979 (same BD as me waaaaaaw)
Nationality: Canadian-Korean

Alex was born in Vancouver, Canada and has a little sister. He's an actor and singer and was the vocalist for the band Classizquai and is a solo singer now. He released his first solo Album 'My Vintage Romance' in 2008.

I really like his voice, it's so soothing.