5/12/2007
5/11/2007
Shocking Selection Of Uprising Actress Lee Ji Ah To Star As Bae Yong Joon's Woman
The upcoming drama "The Legend" which is scheduled to air starting June 25th has finally revealed the female actress for the role that will be opposite to Bae Yong Joon's character.
The MBC drama "The Legend" will air on Mondays and Tuesdays, and have been scheduled to have 24 episodes. The character opposite to Bae Yong Joon's character of Dam Duk, the 19th king of Goguryeo, is the character Soo Ji Ni, who will be played by the uprising newcomer Lee Ji Ah. She is known to have majored in graphic design and received her degree in the arts, and is also proficient in English.
Instead of picking top stars well-liked by the public such as Kim Tae Hee and Ha Ji Won, a newcomer was chosen, which shows the true intentions of director Kim Jong Hak. He wanted someone who could bring life into the character than someone who was just well-known.
After many rounds of auditions and selecting Lee Ji Ah, director Kim Jong Hak said, "she has Shim Eun Haกฏs beauty and Go Hyun Jung's strength. She is like the female warrior character of Soo Ji Ni, who is honest, frank, and refreshing."
Lee Ji Ah has received the best opportunity to work with a top Korean star Bae Yong Joon and become a top star herself in the 43 million won drama "The Legend."
"The Legend" started filming since last March, and has completed about 60% of the filming current to date. Director Kim Jong Hak, who had made national dramas such as "Eyes of the Dawn," "Hourglass," etc, has everyoneกฏs attention for this upcoming drama.
Source : Broasia
Chae Tae-hyun: I, too, will be a father.
A little shy of a year since marrying his first love, actor Cha Tae-hyun has announced that he will be a father.
On his KBS 2FM radio show, which he co-hosts with actor Ahn Jae-wook (“Ahn Jae-wook and Cha Tae-hyun’s Mr. Radio”), Cha announced that his wife, Choi Seok-eun, was pregnant.
Cha expressed his joy, revealing that he had had a feeling his wife was pregnant but wasn’t sure until a hospital exam confirmed that his wife was 6 weeks pregnant.
He expressed his hope that his baby will be born healthy and become someone who will help society in the future.
Source : KBS World
Seven and R&B Star Amerie Duet
Korean singer Seven and American R&B star Amerie have come together for a duet.
Seven was recently in LA recording the duet with the popular American singer, who was always interested in her Korean mother’s homeland. Amerie is said to be a fan of Seven and personally chose the Korean singer for the duet.
Seven said, “With my American debut ahead of me, I’m so happy that I was able to work with a star like Amerie. I was given compliments on my vocals so I felt good.”
The single, “Take Control,” was originally released in the US as the first single off Amerie’s 3rd album, but the duet version will be included in a repackaged edition. It will be released first in Korea on the 14th.
Amerie was named one of People magazine’s “100 Most Beautiful People” in 2005 and also placed 8th in askmen.com’s “99 Most Beautiful Women” list, beating out Monica Belucci, Scarlett Johansson and Halle Berry. The singer, best known for her hit song “1 Thing,” will perform at Yoon Mirae (T)’s concerts at the Melon-AX Hall in Seoul on the 24th and 25th of this month.
Seven is currently preparing for his advancement into the US market.
Source : KBS World
Kim Tae-hee Shakes Up Her Image in New Ad
Kim Tae-hee has a new commercial that's rapidly becoming popular on the Internet. The actress performs an unexpected dance scene in the new spot for LG Electronics' Shine TV Phone. The commercial had been talked about in the news before it was even broadcast and it has since became a hot topic among local netizens.
Star News, an Internet newspaper, covered the spot in an article titled "Is that Kim Tae-hee? Check out her dancing." Other web outlets like Sports Seoul TV and Inews24 also picked up the story. More than 160,000 web surfers checked out the spot in the Star News story and another 50,000 viewed it on Sports Seoul TV and Inews 24. The popularity of the clip made those articles the first, second and fourth most-searched video clips on Korean portals.
The clip opens with Kim swaying her body to a music video on a Shine TV Phone. Then she starts moving her hips to the rhythm, and eventually breaks into a full dance sequence that spans the gamut from merely cute to downright sexy. LG says it's the first dance spot for Kim, who usually plays elegant and intellectual roles.
Meanwhile, the market for digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) handsets is expected to grow to 10 million units now that terrestrial DMB has started nationwide. LG hopes to hold its lead in the DMB handset market with its Shine TV Phone.
Source : Digital Chosunilbo
What if Rain Parts Ways With JYP
Perhaps Korea’s most internationally recognized entertainer, the singer and actor Rain came to the end of his exclusive contract with management firm JYP on Thursday. Rain will decide where to go after his world tour ends in June. There are rumors he will move to another firm or set up an independent company, but it cannot be ruled out that he will stay with JYP. "Nothing has been confirmed. No matter what decision Rain makes, Rain and JYP chief Park Jin-young will remain close friends,” an insider with the agency said.
Park Jin-young's strategy has played a critical role in making Rain a global star since his debut in April 2002. The ChosunIlbo asked experts what the gains and losses will be if Rain leaves JYP.
Gains
Rain stands to make a lot more money if he says goodbye to JYP. The listed management firms that are jostling to attract Rain have more capital power than JYP. Ahn Suk-jun, a vice president with Warner Music Korea, said, "Except listed enterprises which can invest large amounts, other management firm won’t be able to break even given the big money it would take to lure Rain." If he leaves JYP, Rain will have decisive power in business and music, and he would emerge fully from under Park's wing.
Pop music critic Kim Jak-ga said, "Rain hasn’t had many big hits domestically, compared with his success overseas.” Leaving NYP, he could “team up with different songwriters and make more popular songs." Woo Hyun-jung, a representative director of MusicWell, said leaving would be “a bid for musical independence. Regardless of success, that attempt is worth making."
Losses
One source in the music industry said Rain still has ambitions to be a world star. “Without Park's JYP, there is no company that could meet Rain's desire to be a worldwide star. If Rain quits working with JYP, he might lose all the contacts and know-how in the U.S. music and movie industry that Park has developed."
One source in the music industry said Rain still has ambitions to be a world star. “Without Park's JYP, there is no company that could meet Rain's desire to be a worldwide star. If Rain quits working with JYP, he might lose all the contacts and know-how in the U.S. music and movie industry that Park has developed."
Some say Rain can make up for that if he picks a major Japanese management firm with close ties with the U.S. entertainment industry. Kim Jak-ga said, "There is a high chance that Rain will see success as an actor in the U.S. It will help if he works with a Japanese firm that has strong bonds with Hollywood." Rain has been offered a part in the new movie by the Wachowski bothers of “Matrix” fame.
Music critic Lim Jin-mo said if he changers his management agency, Rain faces some confusion. “But in any case, I hope he’ll do his best to keep the Korean Wave alive," he added.
Source : Digital Chosulilbo
Actresses Jang, Yang, Lee Top Chinese Poll
Korean actresses Jang Seo-hui, Yang Mi-kyung and Lee Young-ae ranked first to third among actresses in a Chinese survey on the most influential Korean actors and actresses.
Jang, who starred in the Korean drama 'Miss Mermaid,' was the highest ranking actress at 7th overall, following male stars Bae Yong-jun, Song Seung-heon, Kwon Sang-woo, An Jae-wook, Kim Seong-taek and Ryu Si-won.
Following Jang was veteran actress Yang Mi-kyung and Lee Young-ae, stars of the hit Korean drama 'Daejanggum' (Jewel in the Palace). Then came Choi Ji-woo, Song Hye-gyo, Son Ye-jin, Han Chae-young and Lee Dae-hae.
Among actors, Bae Yong-jun topped the list while 4th-ranking An Jae-wook again proved his decade-long popularity in China.
Source : KBS Global
Kim A-jung in Secret Hong Kong Movie Meeting
Korean actress Kim A-jung had a closed-door meeting with Hong Kong filmmakers while in the territory to promote her latest film "200 Pound Beauty." Kim has been in the spotlight during her five-day stay in Hong Kong, conducting interviews with over 150 news outlets.
She reportedly had the secret meeting with the movie makers to discuss a joint Korea-Hong Kong film and possible acting opportunities there.
Local movie insiders praised Kim's attractive appearance and said they believe she has the potential to trigger another Korean wave as an all-around entertainer. "It'd be an honor to work with her in some movies," they said.
"Several Hong Kong movie makers offered parts," said an executive with her management company, Yedang Entertainment Company. "Kim will choose her next film after her promotional tour."
Source : Digital Chosunilbo
Hyun Bin promote "The Snow Queen" in Japan
Actor Hyun Bin, a rising star in the Korean Wave, gives a press conference at the Tokyo International Forum on Wednesday. Hyun was in Japan to promote his soap "The Snow Queen" ahead of its broadcast on TV Tokyo on Thursday./Photo from Yonhap
Hyun Bin who has been gathering attention as a rising Hallyu Star was greeted by 600 or so fans at Haneda Airport on the 9th. He is visiting Japan to appear at the special promotional event for the drama series 'The Snow Queen' which will start airing on the 10th on TV Tokyo.
A press conference was held at the Tokyo International Forum Hall A at 7pm with 150 or press personnel and Director Lee Hyung Min and writiers Kim Eun Hee and Yoon Eun Gyung also were present.During the press conference, Hyun Bin spoke of his experience, "I was entitled with a role of great responsibility, but I seemed to have enjoyed the filming with great people. I only ate chicken breast to portray a third class boxer so I now don't eat chicken as much."Hyun Bin had actually reduced 7~8kg for the drama series.
In a question asking the most memorable scene, he chose the scene where Tae Woong and his friend Sang Ho were drinking. They filmed drinking real alcohol and it had left a lasting impression.Also, when asked what should be looked forward to in the series, "This drama features the mysticism of Andersen's fairy tales, beautiful cinematography, and the fun of dramas all in one. I hope everyone enjoys it."Director Lee Hyung Min said, "Hyun Bin seems very normal on the outside, but is a strong and clean actor that has the ability to become the character being portrayed. In this series, I hope you can all feel the glitter of his eyes as a boxer, when he finds his way back to becoming a mathematician, and when he falls in sorrowful love," once again praising his great acting.
With his first movie 'First Love of a Millionaire' being released on the 25th, Hyun Bin's popularity is expected to continuously rise.
Source : Broasia
5/09/2007
Fanzine Reveals Inner Workings of Korean Soaps
The Korean Wave is ebbing, and the backlash is under way. Viewers in the Asian countries that could not get enough of Korean soaps at one stage are now complaining about their monotonous plots and off-the-rack characterization. Critics say the formula is becoming an obstacle to the further development of the Korean pop culture wave. Now, even a Japanese magazine for fans of the Korean Wave has laid out elements of the formula for its readers. "We can predict what will happen in any scene of Korean drama, like fortunetellers,” it said. “Perhaps Korean drama has a mysterious power that enables us to make predictions.” Here are its seven iron rules of Korean soaps.
1. Ordinary girl falls in love with business big shot
This is the standard storyline in Korean dramas. Hero owns conglomerate, heroine is a common office worker or an ordinary woman. How about this: Heroine is trying on clothes in a luxury boutique. Hero watches her, sitting on a chair with his hand on his chin. He smiles at her and slightly shakes his index finger, to indicate “no” for an item she’s trying on
2. Angry guy
When a male character is angry, his face is always seen in a mirror or window. Without exception, he then proceeds to break the mirror or window.
3. Very young executive
In both Korea and Japan, most executives are over 50. But in Korean soaps, many business executives are young and hunky. Even staffers' girlfriends fall in love with them.
4. All doctors are surgeons
In Korean medical dramas, there are no doctors except surgeons. Internists and ear, nose and throat specialists may not like it, but it is so. If the lead is a doctor, he or she always becomes terminally ill but keeps quiet about it. And you thought early diagnosis and treatment were basic principles of medical service.
5. Fortuitous cabs
The heroes in Korean soaps have an uncanny ability to catch a cab in a timely manner. In any emergency, a cab just happens to pass. Or maybe it’s the cab drivers who have the power of foresight?
6. Weather forecasts are always wrong
Heroine is soaked in unexpected shower due to wrong weather forecasts. Hero appears in front of her carrying -- an umbrella!
7. Mobile phones
No matter how poor they are, the protagonists have an expensive mobile phone. Most cost some W700,000 (US$1=W923).
The list could go on, but the point is made. One pleasure Korean soaps provide is predictability, invariably.
Source : Digital Chosunilbo
Full House
One of the most popular TV miniseries released this summer in Korea was Full House, based on a popular comic book series. This fun miniseries shows us the difficulties that occur while living together, as well as the funny side of life. The lead actress in Full House, Song Hye-kyo, is coming off great success with her credits including Gaeul Donghwa (Autumn in My Heart) and All In. The lead actor, Rain (비 ) is one of Korea's hottest singers. From the onset, Full House has been praised for its fresh and saucy take on the love lives of four young people. Within the first three weeks of airing, audiences responded with a 30% increase in viewer ship. Most of the miniseries is set in a beachfront house in Incheon. This area has become a popular tourist spot for fans of the show.
Drama's Information
Airing Time : Wednesday and Thursday every week on KBS2 at 9:50 p.m.( July 14 – September 2, 2004)
Screenwriter :Min Hyo Jung
Producer : Pyo Min Soo
Actors : Song Hye-kyo (송혜교) / Rain (비) / Han Eun-jung (한은정) / Kim Sung-su (김성수)
Synopsis
Han Ji-eun lives alone in the house that she inherits from her parents. Her parents named the property 'Full House.' She has two close friends who end up selling the house behind her back to Lee Young-jae. Through a series of incidents, the two make a contract to marry, so that Ji-eun can stay in the house that her parents built. Although not in love with each other when they marry, a love between them develops slowly over time. The feelings of love are constantly interrupted by Gang Hye- won, Young-jae's love interest for quite some time and by Yu Min-hyeok, a man that Han ji -eun likes.
Starring
Han Ji-eun (Song Hye-kyo)
Jee-eun is a cheerful, spirited and lively realist, who under no circumstances seems to be upset, but who is also very stubborn. She looks very sprightly on the surface, but deep inside she is easily hurt and introverted. She pretends to be smart and upbeat but in reality she is dull-witted and naïve. She becomes easily attached to things and people she likes, and at the most decisive moments she tends to become soft-hearted. While naïve and unsophisticated, she always speaks out when she considers something to be wrong, because she thinks that hiding things in your heart is foolish. Jee-eun is an Internet love story writer, whose nickname is “money-maker.” She also has a part-time job as she needs more money to maintain the Full House. She is a cute personage who firmly believes that money is the only thing lonely people, like she, can trust.
Lee Young-jae (Rain)
Young-jae is one of the best Asian stars. He does his utmost not to hurt other people and not to be hurt himself. Every movie he starred in became a blockbuster. He is stubborn when it comes to selecting which movies to star in, but he has received much acclaim for his talent. Although Young-jae always behaves and speaks as he wants, he does that only to protect himself from being hurt and to be careful not to hurt others. People think of him as a very candid person, but that is also Young-jae’s strategy to hide himself – or rather his failure to express himself to the fullest. As the one who is unaccustomed to being frank and open, Young-jae is bad at making friends and very proud of his ideals and principles.
Gang Hye-won (Han Eun- jung)
Hye-won is the daughter of Doctor Lee's friend. She is a fashion designer, who designs Young-jae’s clothes. She has known Young-jae’s family since her childhood. Her entire life Hye-won has lived in abundance and had many choices. She looks like a fairy-tale princess: long, straight hair, mysterious smile, slim body plus good manners and a charming personality. She comes from a rich family, and is accustomed to being loved. She has never been rejected by anybody, and only feels content when everybody around her loves her. This self-respectful girl is also smart and realistic. She knows the harsh reality of life and is very prudent. She believes that happiness is an objective thing that can be achieved through negotiating.
Yu Min-heok (Kim Sung-su)
Min-hyuk is a director of a large media company. He dreams of establishing Asia’s Walt Disney or Fox. This tenacious and smart guy is also respected and recognized for his skills. He is confident in earning trust from people. He has always been a winner, and is determined to remain one for the rest of his life. This good-looking guy possesses sophisticated manners and is very eloquent – a prince charming that any girl could ever dream of. Min-hyuk believes that life is too short to live it without fun. Although he looks to be light-minded, he is very affectionate inside. Unlike his seemingly unrestricted personality, he is very composed and prudent. He can’t stand losing and has a strong desire to win in everything, which probably explains his successful career.
Links
- Full House Homepage http://www.kbs.co.kr/drama/full
- Full House @Korean Wiz http://www.koreanwiz.org/at/drama-fullhouse.html
- Full House Filming Locations
http://english.tour2korea.com/02Culture/TVMiniseries/full.asp?kosm=m2_6&konum=1
Credits to KBS, Tour 2 Korea
“New” vs. “Best of” Albums
Which to listen to? “Be Still My Heart” or “Woman to Woman”?
On the 18th of last month, the three-member band, M.C. the Max, introduced “Be Still My Heart” from their newly released fifth album. Their song has a fierce competitor, titled “Woman to Woman.” And it’s a song from M.C. the Max.
While M.C. the Max was under contract with their previous music agency, they recorded “Woman to Woman,” but had not released it. After the band left to sign with a new recording agency, their former employer decided to release an album of their own. Titled “Curtain Call,” it is a “Best of M.C. the Max” compilation set to go on stands tomorrow, with “Woman to Woman” as the main track.
This strategic move comes at an awkward time for M.C. the Max, as the group is currently working on promoting “Be Still My Heart.” It is also confusing the fans. The music industry will be putting an artist’s “new” album to compete against the artist’s “Best of” compilation.
Ha Ok-seong is a sectional head at Vitamin Entertainment, the new management agency representing M.C. the Max. He states, “Although we are not worried about the ‘best of’ album coming out,” the situation has become malapropos due to the fact that “the [previous] agency did not discuss the album’s release with us.”
The band’s former agency, UNI Entertainment, also released a statement, saying, “We are only organizing their music over the past 6 years.” For musicians, “Best of” albums are an outline of their work thus far, and a simple service for their fans. Usually, singers do not count this album as a part of their repertoire of recorded albums; their agencies choose to release such albums as a marketing strategy.
Agencies and their “Best of” album disputes are nothing new. Last year, the mixed dance group, Turtle, was enjoying the success of their new song, “Aeroplane,” and on the verge of releasing a second title track when their former agency released a “Best of” compilation with two new songs. The director of Turtle’s current agency, Chae Yeong-gon, stated, “[We] were still in the midst of promoting the new songs when the compilation album came out… it incited much confusion.”
Another incident involved singer Lee Soo-young. Lee was ready to release her new seventh album, but her former agency released the “Lee Soo-young Special, 2005.” Consequently, the singer had to delay sales of her own new album by three months.
The standing legal regulations concerning “Best of” albums are obscure. Under the binding contract between individual artists and agencies, the artists’ music is the legal property of the agency. Therefore, the singers cannot prevent agencies, former or otherwise, from producing a “Best of” album.
However, why is it that such controversy only arises after artists switch agencies? One unnamed source revealed, “when a former employer introduces a ‘Best of” album at the same time that a singer is treading in new territory, can it be anything other than ‘ultimate interference’?” Music critic Sung Woo-jin states, “[If] the purpose is no longer the album, but a ‘free ride on the popularity train’ or purely for obstruction, then soon enough, the quality of those albums will come into question.”
Source : Donga
Gaeul Donghwa aka Autumn in My Heart
In the fall of 2000, audiences across Korea were glued to their television sets as Gaeul Dongwha (Autumn in My Heart) began to win the hearts of all. This television drama was the first part, in a four part series based on each season, by producer Yun Seok-ho. The talented young actors and actresses, along with beautiful filming locations, made this tragic love story a piece of television artistry that captured the hearts of all. Even after the series ended, many fans still visit the filming locations. Some of these include the beautiful sands of Hwajinpo Beach, nostalgic Abai Village, and a small closed elementary school set in the countryside.
Synopsis
Jun-seo (Song Seung-heon) and Eun-seo (Song Hye-kyo) were happily growing up as brother and sister until the results of a blood test turned their lives upside-down. The blood test, brought on by injury in a car accident, revealed that Eun-seo had been switched at birth with another girl. When this was brought out into the open, she was placed with her birth family and Jun-seo's family went to the United States. Years later, in his early twenties, Jun-seo returned to his hometown in Korea where he one day ran into Eun-seo unexpectedly. Eun-seo was being courted by the son of a wealthy family, Tae-seok (Wonbin), when she met Jun-seo again. She didn't realize how much she had missed him since that chance meeting. They were both working in the art field and began to spend time together. The two that had once grown up believing that they were brother and sister, had begun to develop romantic feelings. They were emotionally distraught and unsure of what to do with these feelings of romantic love.
Eventually, they decided that they had no choice but to consider themselves brother and sister. They had decided to go on one last trip together when they realized that their feelings of love couldn't be denied, turning there trip into an escape from their family and former loves. Loved ones looked upon them with disdain; they were unable to understand their newfound love. Unable to live with the guilt, they once again decided to separate.
Eun-seo returns to Tae-seok, and decides not tell Jun-seo that she is suffering from cancer. As her condition worsens, Jun-seo learns all about the secret that Eun-seo has been keeping from him and runs to her bedside. They spend Eun-seo's remaining time at Jun-seo's art studio. They return to the beach they visited in childhood; here Jun-seo carries Eun-seo on his back while she takes her last breath.
Detailed Information
Producer Yun Seok-ho
Cast : Song Hye-gyo, Song Seung-heon, Wonbin
Broadcasting company: KBS2 / September 18 ~ November 19, 2000
Links
- Autumn in My Heart http://www.koreanwiz.org/drama-autumn.html
Credits : Tour 2 Korea
Gyeoul Yeonga aka Winter Sonata
'Gyeoul Yeonga' was first released in Korea in January of 2002 quickly becoming one the most popular shows on television. This hugely popular TV drama was produced by Ho Yunseok, the same man responsible for immensely popular TV drama, 'Gaeul Donghwa'(Autumn in my Heart). This director has begun a seasonal theme of TV dramas. The third in his series is 'Yeoreum Hyanggi'(The Scent of Summer), which aired in the summer of 2003 in Korea. 'Gyeoul Yeonga'was released in 2001 to the Hong Kong audience and later released in China and Japan. Broadcast on NHK BS2 television in Japan, it was first shown in April ~ September of 2003. Due to popular demand, it is aired again in December 2003. The demand is growing internationally for this love story that is stealing the hearts of all who watch.
Starring : Bae Yong-joon, Choi Jiwoo, Pak yong-ha, Pak Sol-mi Director : Yoon Seok-ho
Broadcasting company: KBS2 / January 14, 2002 ~ March 19, 2002 Episode : 20
Synopsis
First love, just by the careful reminiscing over these words people become emotional.
First love, just by the careful reminiscing over these words people become emotional.
Everyone feels that their first love was pure and near to them but as time passes the memories become faded.What if the first person that gave you these pure and innocent feelings had died? And what if this man that looked just like her first love appeared in front of her ten years later, right before she is about to get married? Can she fall in love with this man just because of the fact that he resembles hum? This drama tells the story of three people that are bounded together because of the destiny of their first love. Destiny has made these three meet, separate, and become entrapped by their ‘Family’ they had long forgotten about. The chained relationship intertwining among these people will slowly unfold in a mysterious way.
Casting
Kang Jun-sang - Bae Yong-joon
Jun-sang transfers to a high school in Chuncheon, where he hopes to find his birth father and finally verify his identity and where destiny brings him and Yu-jin together.
Lee Min-hyung - Bae Yong-joon
Min-hyung looks exactly as Jun-sang, whom Yu-jin met 10 years ago. This reserved and introverted character is an executive of the White Ski Resort run by Seun Group. He meets Yu-jin, who works at a construction company, at a business meeting on the ski resort's renovation.
Jeong Yu-jin - Choi Ji Woo
After losing her high-school sweetheart, Jun-sang, in an accident 10 years ago, Yu-jin meets Min-hyung, who looks exactly like Jun-sang, and falls in love with him. She works as an interior designer, and has an outgoing and sprightly personality. But deep inside, she still mourns her first love.
Links
- Photo Gallery Winter Sonata Official KBS Website
- Winter Sonata Filming Locations http://english.tour2korea.com/02Culture/TVMiniseries/wintersonata.asp?kosm=m2_6&konum=1
Credits : KBS, Tour 2 Korea
Pop Singer Yangpa Returns After Six Years
After a hiatus of six long years, singer Yangpa (Lee Eun-jin, 28) has returned to her fans with a new album. On Monday, she sat down to talk with a calm look and a quiet voice. "My fans will be waiting with a lot of expectations. I also have this belief that since this is my first album after a look break, I really have to succeed. I've been thinking about it. It'll be hard to satisfy everyone, but I choose the public first."
With her slim looks and careful gestures, it was hard to see the bright chubby-faced girl of 10 years ago. But her forceful voice was still the same, and she applied this voice to her easy-going melodies. "This album took more than a year because I needed to know what kind of music the public wants," she said. "My songs are rustic ballads. The lyrics are rustic too. They are full of frank words expressing my feelings. Don't these frank lyrics provoke sympathy these days?"
A break of six years. "I had problems with my former agency. I spent four or five years crying, drinking and playing," she said. "Oh, and since I did some exercise to lose weight and fixed my teeth with braces, I guess you could say I invested some time for beauty, too." Feeling uncertain about her future, she sent her resume to a foreign advertising agency. She didn't get the job -- the company wasn't impressed by the title 'Singer Yangpa.' "I could have succeeded if I used the people I know in broadcasting and the music industry. If I got in there, I'd be advertising fast-food stores or government projects."
Making her debut in 1997 as a high school singer, Yangpa quickly rose to popularity. "I think people found it strange that a little girl was singing pop ballads," she said. She was even referred to as a pop idol. "I hated being called a pop idol at the time, but now I sometimes think I was very happy then. It's a great gift when a singer earns unconditional love from her fans. I don't think my voice is technically superior, but I can move people's hearts." On the Internet, netizens react to even the briefest updates of Yangpa's life. "I think the long wait of six years has endeared me even further to my fans," she said.
Source : Digital Chosunilbo
Rising Singer Sohn Dam-bi Wows Japanese Netizens
Newcomer Sohn Dam-bi is capturing the hearts of Japanese internet users. Even before she made her official debut, Sohn became the talk of the town by appearing in ads for SK Telecom and Samsung Electronics.
She soared to the No.1 spot on MSN Japan, one of the largest portal sites in Japan, when video footage of her registered 480 thousand hits in just five days. The video footage covered the making of advertisements for the Yepp MP3 player. It shot up to the top of the MSN video charts on May 8th.
MSN Japan said it was shocked to see such explosive popularity for a newcomer who hasn't even made her official debut. It appears that young Japanese people went wild over Sohn's stunning dancing and good looks seen in the Yepp ad.
In addition to the making-of video, an interview with Sohn was also included in the top 10 MSN video chart, further demonstrating her incredible popularity with Japanese netizens.
Sohn was also a member of the Korean female group S-Blush, which recently climbed to second place on the American Billboard Hot Club Dance Play Chart.
Source : KBS Global
Kim Yun-jin Unveils Photo Album
Actress Kim Yun-jin has introduced her photo album on an overseas Web site recently.
Kim, who has been busy filming the third season of the TV show "Lost" and appearing on various U.S. shows lately, arrived in Korea on May 3 and soon afterward began filming her new movie, "Seven Days."
The actress plans to stay in Korea for the time being. Her new movie is slated to open in the fall.
Meanwhile, the U.S. broadcaster ABC, which airs "Lost," plans to air the series through 2010.
Source : KBS Global
5/08/2007
Pop Rivals Lee Hyo-lee, Ivy Scheduled for Free Show
Lee Hyo-lee (left) and Ivy
Pop singers Lee Hyo-lee and Ivy are set face off on-stage at an unusual event. The two will perform at a show called the 2007 World Wide Invitational (WWI 2007) which will be held May 19 and 20 at the gymnastics arena in Olympic Park in Bangi-dong, Seoul.
WWI 2007 is a free event for video gamers and video game fans hosted by Blizzard, the world-famous video game company that developed "StarCraft" and "World of WarCraft."
The large-scale event is expected to draw correspondents from over 100 major foreign news services. Lee Hyo-lee and Ivy have recently been squaring off as guests on various television programs.
The upcoming show has music fans particularly excited since Super Junior, a boy band whose members recently suffered a car accident, and PSY, a rapper who is popular for his bizarre image and comic dance routines, are also scheduled to appear. Tickets can be had from the WWI 2007 website at www.blizzard.co.kr.
Source : Digital Chosun Ilbo
Modern love
Park Kyung-lim and she39s fiance Park Jeong-hun.
Park Kyung-lim, a comedienne who rose to fame using her coarse voice and unusual looks, had other women green with envy last Friday. At a well-attended press conference, she unveiled her groom-to-be. He is one year younger than her and has a hot job at Samsung. The fiance, Park Jeong-hun, 27 said, “She looks so pretty to me. I love everything about her.”
Park first met the comedienne when she was the M.C. of a matchmaking show on KBS-TV, titled “Introduce Somebody Nice to Me.” Mr. Park was the hot bachelor seeking his Ms. Right but, instead of the female contenders, he somehow ended up with the M.C.
The comedienne made the first move, giving Mr. Park her private phone number after the show. It took Mr. Park two months to call but, once he did, their relationship developed quickly.
According to Ms. Park, the couple had one major crisis when she feared that her fame would ruin her fiance’s private life. Ms. Park said her fiance told her not to worry because he would do his best to “be a reliable man whom you can depend on.” Ms. Park said his answer made her cry with joy. After the press conference she had no time for tears because she was busy posing with her groom-to-be.
The couple are scheduled to tie the knot in July, at a Seoul hotel.
Source : Inside JoongAng Daily
Jeon Do-yeon Warmed by the Glare of Publicity
Monday afternoon in Samcheongdong, Seoul is already showing signs of summer, and tiny droplets of sweat appear on Jeon Do-yeon’s forehead. The actress is very much in the spotlight, what with her new movie “Secret Sunshine” getting accolades and an invitation to the Cannes Film Festival and having just embarked on her married life.
In the film, Jeon plays a woman who turns to Christianity after she loses her husband and only son and then even feels betrayed by God. When complimented on her acting, Jeon smiles. "To tell the truth, I can’t hide the expressions on my face." Although it’s a few weeks yet until the movie’s release on May 24, compliments and encouragement are pouring in. But Jeon confesses she couldn’t understand the extreme emotions of the character when she first read the screenplay. The actress had a love-hate relationship with the director Lee Chang-dong while filming. "Even if the famous Lee Chang-dong directs a movie, an actor can’t just be a puppet and not understand what’s going on,” she says.
"Secret Sunshine" may be interpreted differently according to the viewer. When asked about the impressions of her husband after watching the movie, Jeon quotes him as saying, "I’d have never watched it unless my wife was in it." "My husband is the kind of person who enjoys movies as entertainment,” she explains. But what really rewarded Jeon was the reaction of her mother, who is in her 70s. Jeon’s mother said she couldn’t breathe even the day after she watched the movie because she felt so sorry for the character.
Jeon looks cheerful when the conversation turns to her new role as a wife. Despite what some may think, she is a morning person. She gets up around 7 or 7:30 a.m., prepares breakfast, mostly salad and bread, for her husband and herself, and cleans house when she doesn’t have work. "You can't imagine how hard I work. My shoulders ache. Before getting married, a day was very long, but now it’s too short."
Jeon can’t wait to walk down the red carpet in Cannes for the first time. "A lot of stars will be there for the 60th anniversary of the festival and will stay at the same hotel. Will I have to get their autographs? I should preserve my dignity as a Korean actress, right?"
Source : Digital Chosun IlboHallyu Stars Give Sparkle to Korean Fashion
Actress Park Eun-hye models a white dress with hangeul-print designed by Lie Sang-bong. By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Korean celebrities turned into fashion models for one night for the first-ever Hallyu Stars Fashion Festival held at Seoul Plaza, Saturday evening.
Shinhwa member Andy, singers Son Ho-young, Bada and Kim Hyun-jeong and actress Park Eun-hye, were only some of the celebrities who walked down the fashion runway wearing stylish creations of Korean designers.
While it is no longer unusual to find a celebrity strutting their stuff on the fashion runways, the Hallyu Stars Fashion Festival represented the Seoul government's efforts to promote the Korean fashion industry with the help of the popularity of hallyu or Korean Wave.
Seoul Fashion Center (SFC), a government center created to promote the fashion industry, hopes Korea's designers would also achieve the same level of success as its stars. SFC director-general Hahn Seong-hee said the Hallyu Stars Fashion Festival would help attract attention to the fashion industry.
Top designer Lie Sang-bong, whose designs make use of hangeul or Korean alphabet, said hallyu allows greater cultural exchange between Koreans and other countries.
Shinhwa member Andy wears a suit designed by Hwang Jae-bock. ``The Korean wave is not just one-sided, but allows exchange of other countries' culture with our own," Lie told reporters. Lie's impeccable clothes featuring hangeul designs are a bit hit in Paris.
Han Seung-soo, a men's wear designer, is riding on the Korean wave in Japan. He said he designed the costumes worn by the characters in the musical version of ``Winter Sonata" playing in Japan.
Many Korean stars are often spotted wearing beautiful, trendy clothes designed by Korean designers. Designer Cho Sung-kyong's latulle collection, featuring pretty and feminine clothes, is a favorite among female celebrities and often seen in TV dramas and movies. She said she likes to design pretty, romantic clothes with a French twist.
Moon Geun-young wore a latulle dress in the film ``Innocent Steps," while Kim Jung-eun wore a stunning red gown in a scene in the drama ``Lovers in Paris." Cho, who has a shop in Paris, said a French actress would be wearing one of her designs during this year's Cannes Film Festival.
Lie, Han and Cho's designs were all featured as part of the Hallyu Stars Fashion Festival on Saturday evening. Other designers who participated in the event include Jinteok, Hwang Jae-bock, Park He-rin, Oh Eun-hwan, Chang Kwang-hyo, Sul Yun-hyoung and Lee Ju-young.
Many of the Korean celebrities who appeared during the show were well known in the country, but only a handful were known around Asia.
As expected, young female fans went crazy when Shinhwa's Andy appeared wearing a suit by Hwang Jae-bock. Ex-g.o.d. member Son Ho-young and Paran member Ryan also elicited screams from fans when they appeared on the runway.
Park Eun-hye, who appeared in the Asia-wide hit drama ``Daejanggeum" (Jewel in the Palace) and Taiwanese drama ``Silence," modeled a stylish black and white dress with Hangeul print by Lie Sang-bong. Park Hae-jin, who starred in the KBS drama ``Infamous Chill Sisters," also wore a suit designed by Lie.
For latulle, actress Lee Yu-mi and songwriter Joo Young-hoon looked every inch a happy couple as they modeled a matching outfit. Baby Vox Re.V. members looked sweet when modeling the feminine styles of designer E.J. Lee, although one member nearly tripped while wearing a long black gown.
Kang Jung-hwa wore a beige dress with a striped high neckline designed by Imseonoc, while Chu Ja-young wore a long white flowing gown by Jo Myung-Rye Haute.
The Hallyu Stars Fashion Festival also featured energetic performances by Psy, S.G. Wannabe, Bada, Paran, Kim Hyun-jeong and Son Ho-young.
Seoul Business Agency tourism marketing director-general Park Nam-soon said the Hallyu Stars Fashion Festival, which is part of the Hi Seoul Festival, would be continued in the future to help attract more foreign tourists to Seoul.
Source : The Korea Times
Singer M to Advance to US Singer
Singer Lee Min-woo, a member of the idol band Shinhwa, will enter the U.S. market with his 3rd regular album.
Lee, who goes by 'M' as a solo singer, signed a deal on April 26th to launch his 3rd album and his upcoming 4th album in the U.S. via CJ Music and CJ Entertainment's global network.
Lee's songs will officially be released in America as early as June.
An official at M Rising Entertainment, founded by Lee, said that CJ Music has favorably assessed Lee's musical talent and potential to sign the contract. He says CJ will also support Lee in marketing promotions in the U.S.
The contract is the first major deal for Lee following the opening of M Rising Entertainment, and is seen as just the beginning of his flexing of his business skills.
M Rising held an opening ceremony Monday and will announce the release of Lee's 3rd album on June 28th.
Source : KBS Global
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