kdrama and kpop

Leaving now!

by I under

Hello, Hello I'm going to Vietnam in half an hour so no entries for the next 5 weeks.Have a great summer everyone!

Korean wave spreads to Iran

By Shirley Han Ying
Journalist at Press TV, Iran-based English-language TV Network

From clothes to hairstyle, pop music to TV dramas, Korea has been affecting the life of many Asians in recent years, now even in Iran. Mohammad Fazaeli turned on TV and started watching the tele-drama at home with his whole family. It was the latest hit series on Iranian State Television - a Korean blockbuster.

"Jewel in the Palace," a soap opera about a cook who overcame hardships to become a royal palace physician in ancient Korea, was known as Yangom in Iran. This drama along with "Emperor of the Sea (Haesin)" was among Fazaeli's favorites. "My family and I watch most of the Korean dramas aired on TV, and also the latest Korean and Asian movies popular in the world," said Fazaeli.

Iran was unclaimed ground until about a year ago, when MBC hit soap "Jewel in the Palace" was first aired there. The response was explosive. Since then, three out of Iran's seven channels have broadcast a Korean TV series. Two to three dramas were aired throughout the year and in the case of movies, there were even more.

The 27-year-old journalist explained that television was a family entertainment in Iran, and people looked at it as a chance to spend some valuable time with their families. He said that was why most Iranians prefer Korean dramas, which are less violent and contain less sexual content than Hollywood or western productions. He added that Korean dramas had both action and emotion in them. The actions were attractive and the emotional aspect was not very sloppy.

Alireza Abazari, a 38-year-old expert in political and international relations, has also been a long-time fan of the Korean TV series. "Their approach toward traditions in the modern day, and they pay attention to socio-humanitarian values," said Abazari.

Anoushirvan Akhlaghi, 43, a TV news producer, said he found the Korean dramas had very interesting plots, good story lines and unique pictures. He also enjoyed the pace very much.

Maryam Ebrahimi, a 26-year-old computer engineer, considered one of the reasons that made Korean productions popular in Iran was because they fit the conservative values of the Islamic nation.

Iran is a non-secular country dominated by restrictive Islamic rules. Foreign films are not commonly shown in movie theaters as part of a ban on films originating from the West. Except for Iranian domestic productions, some classic and contemporary Hollywood productions are also available on state television, but are normally heavily censored.

Korean dramas and movies on the other hand act as a filter for Western values, making them more palatable to Iranian people. Korean TV dramas typically deal with family issues, love, and filial piety in an age of changing technology and values. The shows tend to reinforce traditional values of Confucianism that Iranians find more closely aligned to Islamic culture.

"Jewel in the Palace" is just one of the Korean imports turning on many generations of Iranians and influencing them to buy Korean products.

Fazaeli said Korean brands, such as LG, Samsung and Daewoo, are very common in Iran. These electronic Korean imports have become a part of many Iranian families' daily life. Abazari on the other hand said his main interests in Korean products are shoes and clothes. Culturally, Fazaeli told me that "Korean music has become popular through the TV dramas. Many people even use the music as their mobile phones' ringtone."

The overwhelming success of Korean dramas, movies, and music served as a major tourist magnet since 2005, attracting millions of tourists each year from the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, the Marshall Islands and China.

As the Korean wave carries on in Iran, people are expected to see another surge among the Iranian tourists to join the nonstop heat. "After watching the 'Jewel in the Palace,' the natural sceneries of Korea shown in the dramas along with historical monuments have interested me so much that I really want to visit the country," said Abazari.

Not only in Iran, the Korean Wave is also the latest trend sweeping the Middle East. More than three hundred Egyptians launched a fan club and opened a "Winter Sonata" website. A growing number of Egyptians have been requesting a rerun of the KBS soap.

"Emperor of the Sea" was broadcast by Turkish Radio and Television for an hour every Sunday night. The drama received rankings of top 30 out of 100 shows aired. KBS also agreed with Jordan to air the show in the country, and could take "Winter Sonata" to Tunisia and Iraq.

Other Korean broadcasters are also looking into a plan to distribute the drama for free in more Middle Eastern countries. Within the next a few years, the Korean Wave in the Middle East would grow stronger and stronger, maybe even more wide-spread than in the South and
East Asia.

Source: Korea Policy Review, July 2008 (Photos courtesy of Korean Embassy in Iran)

http://www.korea.net/News/News/NewsView.as..._no=20080707004

Rain to Return to Music this Fall

by I under Bi, Rain

Since his entry into the Hollywood movie market, singer and actor Rain has been a busy man. He has finally announced that he will be returning to the music business this September.

Rain held an official event with his Japanese fan club, "The Cloud," on June 30th at the Tokyo Dome JCB Hall. He announced at the event that he would return as the "singing Rain" with an album for Asian fans "possibly as soon as September."

At the fan meeting, Rain performed his hit songs, "I Do," "How to Avoid the Sun" and "Instead of Saying Good-bye."

June 25th was Rain's 26th birthday and "The Cloud" fans had prepared a song and cake for him that night, for which Rain graciously thanked them.

"Besides the fan event, Rain will give an interview on the hit Fuji TV program "Cho Nan Kang 2," according to one of Rain's agents. The agent said, "He is also planning on bringing his fans a song in Japanese towards the end of the year."

Rain has been in Berlin, Germany, for the past four months working on the shoot for the Hollywood film "Ninja Assassin." As soon as the filming is finished, the singer and actor is planning to hold a fan event in Korea.

Source: KBS Global

http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/new...3183_11858.html

'Coming Out Changed My Life'

by I under Korean Celebrities

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Actor Hong Suk-chun

Actor Hong Suk-chun is a strong man. He is strong not only because he "came out of the closet" eight years ago when there was nobody to support him, let alone understand, but because he has lived his life to the fullest ever since.

"There were times when it was so hard that I just wanted to give up everything. Living as the only one (to come out) in this business is hard. Harder than you can ever imagine," he told The Korea Times during an interview at his restaurant "Our Place."

Hong, 37, recently finished hosting a cable television program "Coming Out." Hong worked as a mentor, giving advice and supporting young homosexuals. Despite worries, "Coming Out" proved to be a success, opening a small, yet promising door. Six participants appeared in the show and openly declared they were gay and were happy about it.

"When we first prepared the program, the producers wanted the show to be touching and mostly sad. But I wanted it to be happy and fun. The perspective that homosexuals lead a hard life is true, but that's not everything. I told (the participants) to be confident and proud. They are young, talented and fun, and I wanted our society to see that through the program," he said.

How does it feel to have finished a show that was so different and somewhat shocking?

"I feel relieved and proud. I fought so hard by myself ever since I came out eight years ago. Nobody came up to me and said I made the right decision, but now I have friends who understand me," he said.

Hong obviously learned a lot through his journey and he was willing to pass on that wisdom.

"You have to be strong and determined. This goes for practically everybody, but for homosexuals living in Korea, you have to be stronger. Work hard and appreciate life. That's the good part about coming out. You have made a decision and now you have to be responsible," Hong added.

Hong knows a lot about being determined, for he has been busy with other businesses beyond acting. He currently runs three restaurants, "Our Place," "My Tai" and "My China," and a bar "My Soul Bar," as well as an online shopping mall and has even appeared in several musicals. He is also preparing to publish a new book, his own clothing line and even produce performances.

"I put 'my' in most of my businesses because I wanted to guarantee the quality to the customer. My work is based on my perspective, style and preferences. I hold great responsibility in everything I own so people can trust the quality. I guess it's like a guarantee seal," he said.

He may have a lot of things planned ahead, but his main goal was just one thing: appreciate life and work.

"I'm a workaholic. Coming out has changed my life and it has also made me think differently. It has been the drive for me to work hard, and I think now it is pointing to a new direction. Wherever I go, whatever I do, the experience will never leave me and this will continuously help me live my life to the fullest," he smiled.

Credits: sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2.../201_27087.html

TV Announcer, Comedian Tie Knot

by I under Korean Celebrities

Comedian Yu Jae-suk, left, tied the knot
Sunday with MBC announcer Na Kyungeun at the Shilla Hotel./ Yonhap

Top Korean comedian Yu Jae-suk tied the knot on Sunday with MBC announcer Na Kyung-eun at the Shilla Hotel.

The 35-year-old is currently one of the most popular comedians in Korea, hosting four programs including MBC's "Infinity Challenge" and KBS' "Happy Together."

Na, 27, became an MBC announcer in 2004 and is currently hosting a radio program called "Chocolate."

The couple first met during "Infinity Challenge" in 2006, when Na appeared only by voice, asking questions to the hosts of the program.

The two have been dating secretly since then and finally decided to get married early this year.

"I have hosted a lot of weddings, but it's my first time actually being the groom. I am so nervous I'm shaking," Yu said to reporters during a press conference prior to the wedding.

"I have never been in front of so many reporters before. It's overwhelming," Na added.

When asked about plans to have children, the nervous Yu drew laughter by saying that they did not have any specific plans but if they did have a daughter he hoped she resembles her mother.

"We'll do our best to live happily" Yu added.

The couple will head to Thailand for their honeymoon and return to work next week.

Credits: sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2008/07/178_27113.html

HIGHEST RATED TV DRAMAS OF FIRST HALF OF 2008 [2008.01.01 ~ 2008.06.30]

by I under

RANK / TITLE / NETWORK / AVERAGED NATIONWIDE RATING

1. I Hate You But It's Fine <미우나고우나> / Likable Or Not (E) (KBS1) - 39.7%

2. Yi San <이산> / Lee San, Wind Of The Palace (E) (MBC) - 30.4%

3. New Heart <뉴하트> / New Heart (E) (MBC) - 26.1%

4. Angry Mom <엄마가뿔났다> / Mom's Dead Upset (E) (KBS2) - 25.9%

5. First Wives Club <조강지처클럽> / The First Wives Club (E) (SBS) - 25.2%

Source: MyDaily

Blockbuster 'Friend' to Be Reproduced as TV Series

by I under Jang Dong Gun

By Hwang Jin-hwan
Intern

Will a TV drama version of the blockbuster "Friend" be as thrilling as the original movie?

Avid fans certainly hope so. The mega-hit, which garnered a record-high 8.2 million ticket sales in 2001, will be remade as a 16-episode TV series titled "Friend: the Untold Story," said to be aired in the first half of 2009.

"I have decided to direct the drama with untold episodes added to the original movie. The scenario is in the process of being written," said Kwak Kyung-taek, who catapulted into stardom as the film director and scenario writer.

"All the episodes will be shot in Busan, just like the original film," Kwak said, refusing to reveal which TV broadcaster will show it.

Kim Min-jun, 32, who starred in Kwak's 2007 film "Love," will replace Yu Oh-sung as the gangster Jun-sok, and Hyun Bin, 26, will replace Jang Dong-geun as Jun-sok's friend Dong-su. Oh and Hyun Bin will play the two leading characters among the four friends in the movie, according to the 42-year-old director. Hyun Bin starred in TV soap operas "Queen of Snow(2006)" and "My Name is Kim Sam-sun(2005)."

The original movie depicted the director's experience with his friends, a semi-autobiography set in his hometown of Busan. The actors use a strong regional dialect. Many movie-goers, especially male adults, were attracted because it reminded them of their high school days.

Source: The Korea Times, image from hancinema.net

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/07/141_27020.html

From Pretty Boy to Action Star: Lee Jun-ki Changes Shape

by I under Lee Jun Ki

Lee Jun-ki in SBS drama 'Iljimae.'/Courtesy of SBS

Guryepo Beach in southwest Taean, the site of the devastating oil spill late last year, is seeing a return of the crowds. It's the location of the SBS drama “Iljimae,” in which Lee Jun-ki (26) plays a man who is transformed from urchin Yongi to the chivalrous Iljimae.

"This chicken meat is so tough, my teeth nearly came out." Lee recites the line sitting in the corner of a seaside hut. In the scene, Iljimae, starving, cooks up a chicken behind his master's back, showing the human side of the valiant fighter. Then, at 9 p.m., the first short break after filming since the afternoon.

"I asked the director when I would finally get to shoot the action scenes which the viewers will be dying to see. But I'm still not flying about," says Lee. Iljimae's stunts were withheld until the 10th episode. The story centered instead on Yongi's training and his double life, which all serve to avenge his fathers' death. He was portrayed as a loose, comic character.

Lee became a star overnight in 2006 in the film “The King and the Clown” in which he played a man in woman's disguise. Now he wants to prove himself in an action role. "I shook off the memory of ‘The King and the Clown’ while doing the TV drama ‘Time Between Dog and Wolf’ last year. A comic role is a first for me, which is more difficult than being the leading man. I'm coasting on confidence alone."

In the original comic strip, lljimae disguises himself as a courtesan to obtain information from officials. Sounds familiar? But Lee shakes his head saying, "Will the viewers want to see me again dressed as a woman? I don't think so. I don't want to be a 'pretty boy’ again. But I don't know what the producers think.”

His physique is as pretty as his face. He's a taekwondo expert, but his body is far from brawny. "I don't want to be stuck in one shape. An actor's body should be formless, ready to change into any form. I don't like weight training. I like running about outdoors but not lifting heavy equipment in the stuffy indoors. It's not my style."

While filming “Time Between Dog and Wolf” last year, Lee said he has yet to be recognized as an actor. But his confidence has grown. "I believe more and more people are recognizing me as an actor and not just a celebrity."

Source: englishnews@chosun.com
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200807/200807040016.html

Park Shin-yang Sues for Unpaid Wage

by I under Park Shin-Yang

Actor Park Shin-yang of the “Lovers in Paris” and “War of Money” fame has filed a lawsuit for unpaid wage against the production company of “War of Money.”

According to the Seoul District Prosecutors’ Office, Park’s agency sued the production company for 340 million won or nearly 325 thousand US dollars in unpaid wage. Park claimed that he has not been paid for four episodes of “War of Money.” At first, sixteen episodes were planned for this drama, but the stellar ratings topping 30% prompted the production company to extend it for another four episodes. Park solidified his position as a hit maker by perfecting his role as a ruthless loan shark in the drama and won high acclaims from both critics and fans.

Park’s agency claimed in the lawsuit that Park’s acting fee was set at 620 million won (almost 600,000 dollars) for the extra four episodes, but the production company only paid half of it.

Source: KBS World

http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_chart_detail.htm?No=7792

Ryu Si-won Awarded Japan’s Medal of Honor

by I under Ryu Si-Won

Hallyu star Ryu Si-won was awarded a Japanese Emperor’s Medal of Honor on Tuesday at Niikata Prefecture. Ryu was honored for making a large contribution to the prefecture, which suffered extensive damages from an earthquake last year. Together with the Medal of Honor with dark blue ribbon, he also received a plaque of appreciation from the head of Niikata Prefecture.

Ryu said he just wanted to help out the residents of Niikata, where he held a concert in 2006. He added that he’s glad to have given even a little bit of hope and comfort to earthquake victims.

The Medal of Honor with dark blue ribbon is given to individuals who have made exceptionally generous financial contributions for the wellbeing of the public. A total of 23 medals were awarded in relation to the Niikata earthquake, but 22 of them were for businesses and organizations and Ryu is the only individual given the honor.

Right after the concert at the Niikata Prefecture Civic Center, Ryu will move to Matsuyama to hold his sixth concert. He will wrap up his concert tour in Japan on August 21st at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo.

Source: KBS World

http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_chart_detail.htm?No=7791

Lee Young-ae, Park Eun-hye, Han Ji-min.. "One man's women"

by I under Han JI-Min, Lee Young-Ae

Inside of Director Lee Byeong-hoon's works, there are noticeable actresses.

Actresses such as Lee Young-ae, Hwang Soo-jeong, Park Eun-hye, and Han Ji-min have formed a upright image as a top star through Director Lee Byeong-hoon's historical dramas. Actresses that have gone through 'Midas' hands' are all brilliant.

MBC "Dae Jang Geum"is a rare work that has spread to the world. And Lee Young-ae is in the midst of that. Lee Young-ae, who has laid the foundation for her image as a court lady and a nurse in "Dae Jang Geum", became a national actress and a worldwide star.

Park Eun-hye is also a regular of 'Lee Byeong-hoon's historical dramas'. She fulfilled grave roles in "Dae Jang Geum" and "Yi San", and hardened her image as an all-around actress while acting in both historical and modern dramas. She said, "I am thankful to Director Lee. After "Yi San" ended, I went to him to thank him. He said that everything was good, so I was satisfied".

Hwang Soo-jeong also rose to stardom through MBC "Heo Jun". It's to the point that 'Ye-jin ah-ssi' is a term used to depict kind and calm women.

In addition to these, there are Han Ji-min, who has been recognized for her role in "Yi San", Kyeon Miri, and Kim Yeo-jin.

Original Korean article at news.empas.com
English translation courtesy hancinema.net

Tutoring popular among television stars.. Why? 'For professional acting'

by I under Kim Rae Won

It is becoming common for actors to go have private tutoring before filming dramas. Many dramas these days have the theme of professionalism, and the main characters want to show the career realistically.

SBS "Gourmet" is about cooks who compete for the top cook spot, and it is a key point for the main characters to make it seem more realistic. The production company, JS Pictures, made Kim Rae-won, Kwon O-joong, and Won Ki-joon attend cooking school three months before filming.

Main characters of dramas to come later in the year are also receiving training or lessons. Yoon Soy, the female lead of SBS "City of Glass", set to air in September, and Jeong Da-yeong are attending Baek Ji-yeon's Speech Korea. These actors come out as announcers. A representative of Yoon Soy said, "Baek Ji-yeon has said that if they're going to do it, they might as well do it well. They are attending the same classes as future announcers".

MBC "Beethoven Virus" is about members of an orchestra, so the main characters are receiving private lessons and submersing themselves in studying music. Kim Myeong-min, who plays a conductor, has been receiving lessons twice a week from Seo Hee-tae, a music director for dramas and arts director for Seoul National Symphony Orchestra. Lee Ji-ah, who plays a violinist, is taking lessons, and the writer of the drama is also taking violin lessons to get familiar with instruments.

Jeong Il-woo, main character of MBC "Triple", which will probably air next January, has been receiving lessons for ice skating six months before airing. He plays a short track athlete, and since he didn't know any skating, he has been attending special classes at Korea National Sport University. On the days he doesn't have lectures, he is receiving private training. Professor Jeon Myeong-gyu, his trainer, has been the national team's coach and trained gold medalists such as Ahn Hyeon-su. There is great anticipation for Jeong Il-woo to step out onto the ice.

SBS "Painter of the Wind", which will air later this year, stars Park Shin-yang and Moon Geun-yeong as Kim Heung-do and Shin Yun-bok, respectively, and they are attending a calligraphy school. They are learning oriental painting from a college professor and are trying to get closer to the image of a genius painter.

One person involved in dramas has said, "The viewers' expectations are higher, so it seems actors study hard before acting so that the basic qualities can be etched into their bodies".

Original Korean article at news.naver.com
English translation courtesy hancinema.net

Bae Yong-joon, 'Family' lined up in at least 30 nations in the world

by I under Bae Yong-Joon

How much substance does the family (fan club) of Bae Yong-joon, the main character of the Korean Wave, have?

Everything about Bae Yong-joon will be revealed on MBC Everyone "Magazine One" on the 25th.

First, there are many overseas fans who come on a plane just to see Bae Yong-joon's face once. It is rumored that there are even fans in Egypt. Looking at present conditions, the fans who he calls family are in about 30 nations.

1. Japan, 2. Taiwan, 3. Hong Kong, 4. Malaysia, 5. Singapore, 6. Thailand, 7. Vietnam, 8. Uzbekistan, 9. Philippines, 10. Cambodia, 11. Egypt, 12. Ghana, 13. Myanmar, 14. Brazil, 15. Tanzania, 16.Tunisia, 17. Turkey, 18. Nepal, 19. Mexico, 20. Costa Rica, 21. Panama, 22. El Salvador, 23. Paraguay, 24. Venezuela, 25. Ecuador, 26. Dominican Republic, 27. Guatemala, 28. Peru. There are some of the nations where Bae Yong-joon's fans are.

Bae Yong-joon showed his youthful charm through his work in early stages. Through the program, it will show his current elegant appearance and his early years. It showed his debut work, KBS drama "Love Greeting" and clips from "Ppilku", a movie in which he was a minor role. It also showed his firm muscles and his chiseled body and how he changed his body.

And the filming secrets revealed by Director Jeon San of KBS drama "A Sunny Place of the Young". In a scene where he falls into the water while on a yacht with Lee Jong-won, he revealed his masculinity. From the revealing scenes in 1995 drama "A Sunny Place of the Young" to photo albums. It showed how his body had changed throughout the years.

Other actors say that he is a never-changing perfectionist. But there are some who think of him as a neighborhood brother. He invites people at the salon to his home and doesn't let them move, making them an Italian meal with his own hands.

Original Korean article at news.empas.com
English translation courtesy hancinema.net

Song Hye-kyo Teams Up with Michelle Yeoh

by I under Song Hye Kyo

Hallyu star Song Hye-kyo teams up with Michelle Yeoh from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Memories of a Geisha" fame to target the Asian public.

According to the film magazine "Variety," Song recently signed a contract with Stella Entertainment, located near Taiwan, for her work overseas.

Stella Entertainment was established by Yeoh, Terrance Chang (who produced "Mission: Impossible 2" and "Face-Off") and entertainment agent David Tang.

Variety magazine wrote that "Song Hye-gyo became extremely popular [with the Asian public] after co-starring with Rain in the TV drama, 'Full House.' She also starred in 'My Girl and I,' as well as 'Hwangjinyi.' She was also cast in the director Sohn Su-beom's independent film which was also his U.S.A. debut, 'Fetish.'"

Song also signed a new contract with Eden Nine, the Korean agency representing Won Bin. Won Bin and Song both plan on more active participation in the Asian entertainment industry.

Source: KBS Global

http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1532644_11858.html